Objective: L-carnitine (LC), a vital nutritional supplement, plays a crucial role in myocardial health and exhibits significant cardioprotective effects. LC, being the principal constituent of clinical-grade supplements, finds extensive application in the recovery and treatment of diverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disorders. However, controversies persist regarding the utilization of LC in nervous system diseases, with varying effects observed across numerous mental and neurological disorders. This article primarily aims to gather and analyze database information to comprehensively summarize the therapeutic potential of LC in patients suffering from nervous system diseases while providing valuable references for further research. Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, Web Of Science, Embase, Ovid Medline, Cochrane Library and Clinicaltrials.gov databases. The literature pertaining to the impact of LC supplementation on neurological or psychiatric disorders in patients was reviewed up until November 2023. No language or temporal restrictions were imposed on the search. Results: A total of 1479 articles were retrieved, and after the removal of duplicates through both automated and manual exclusion processes, 962 articles remained. Subsequently, a meticulous re-screening led to the identification of 60 relevant articles. Among these, there were 12 publications focusing on hepatic encephalopathy (HE), while neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) and peripheral nervous system diseases (PNSDs) were represented by 9 and 6 articles, respectively. Additionally, stroke was addressed in five publications, whereas Raynaud’s syndrome (RS) and cognitive disorder (CD) each had three dedicated studies. Furthermore, migraine, depression, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) each accounted for two publications. Lastly, one article was found for other symptoms under investigation. Conclusion: In summary, LC has demonstrated favorable therapeutic effects in the management of HE, Alzheimer’s disease (AD), carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), CD, migraine, neurofibromatosis (NF), PNSDs, RS, and stroke. However, its efficacy appears to be relatively limited in conditions such as ALS, ataxia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), depression, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), Down syndrome (DS), and sciatica.

Background/Objective: Sarcopenic obesity (SO), a pathological syndrome characterized by the co-existence of diminished muscle mass and excessive adipose accumulation, significantly compromises the quality of life in older adults. The purpose of this study was to systematically evaluate the efficacy of exercise, nutritional interventions, and neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) in preventing and managing SO in middle-aged and older adults. Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted across PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, and CNKI for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) until January 2025. Meta-analyses were performed using the random-effects model and fixed-effects model based on the degree of heterogeneity and calculating the mean differences (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Subgroup analyses compared the intervention types. Results: Twenty-nine RCTs (1622 participants) were included. Exercise interventions significantly reduced the body fat percentage (MD = −2.79%, 95% CI: −3.94, −1.64, p < 0.001, I² = 74%), fat mass (MD = −6.77 kg, 95% CI: −11.48, −2.06, p = 0.005, I² = 98%), waist circumference (MD = −2.05 cm, 95% CI: −3.64, −0.46, p = 0.01, I² = 0%) and LDL-C (MD: −7.45 mg/dL, 95% CI: −13.82, −1.07, p = 0.02, I² = 0%), while improving handgrip strength (MD = 2.35 kg, 95% CI: 1.99, 2.70, p < 0.001, I² = 52%) and gait speed (MD = 0.19 m/s, 95% CI: 0.13, 0.24, p < 0.001, I² = 89%). Mixed training outperformed resistance-only regimens in reducing the body fat percentage and enhancing functional outcomes. NMES reduced the body fat percentage (MD = −2.01%, 95% CI: −3.54, −0.48, p = 0.01, I² = 93%) and waist circumference (MD = −1.72 cm, 95% CI: −2.35, −1.09, p < 0.001, I² = 0%) while increasing the Skeletal Muscle Index (MD = 0.26 kg/m², 95% CI: 0.22, 0.29, p < 0.001, I² = 38%). Synergy with nutritional supplementation amplified these effects. Nutritional interventions modestly improved total fat-free mass (MD = 0.77 kg, 95% CI: 0.04, 1.50, p = 0.04, I² = 0%) and handgrip strength (MD = 1.35 kg, 95% CI: 0.71, 2.00, p < 0.001, I² = 0%) but showed no significant impact on the metabolic markers (TG, TC, glucose, hemoglobin, and HOMA-IR). Conclusions: Exercise, particularly multimodal regimens combining aerobic and resistance training, is the cornerstone for improving body composition and physical function in SO. NMES serves as an effective adjunct for accelerating fat loss, while nutritional strategies require integration with exercise or prolonged implementation to yield clinically meaningful outcomes. Future research should prioritize standardized diagnostic criteria and long-term efficacy assessments of multimodal interventions.

Background/Objectives: Moschus (musk) has long been used in traditional Tibetan medicine to prevent and treat epidemic febrile illnesses. However, its antiviral mechanisms remain poorly understood. Given the urgent need for effective treatments against viral respiratory tract infections (VRTIs), this study aimed to systematically investigate the molecular targets and pharmacological pathways through which Moschus may exert therapeutic effects. Methods: Based on the identification of bioactive compounds with favorable pharmacokinetics, we applied integrated network pharmacology and multi-omics analyses to systematically identify key therapeutic targets involved in VRTIs. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) and immune infiltration further revealed strong associations with multiple immune cell subsets, reflecting their pivotal roles in immunomodulatory mechanisms during viral infections. Molecular docking confirmed the strong binding affinities between Moschus compounds and these key targets. Results: Notably, testosterone exhibited the strongest and most consistent binding across key targets, suggesting its potential as a pivotal bioactive compound. Importantly, the antiviral effects of Moschus may be mediated in part by the downregulation of the key genes MCL1, MAPK3, and CDK2, which are involved in the regulation of viral replication, apoptosis, and host immune responses. Conclusions: This study provides a comprehensive mechanistic framework supporting the multi-target antiviral potential of Moschus, offering a scientific basis for its further development as a therapeutic agent against VRTIs.

Acorus calamus, a traditional Tibetan medicine with potential antiviral activity but undefined mechanisms, was studied for its anti-respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) mechanisms using network pharmacology and molecular docking, given RSV’s substantial disease burden and lack of specific therapies. The primary active compounds were identified and analyzed through a literature search, the PubChem database, and the SwissADME. Relevant targets were sifted through the SwissTargetPrediction platform, OMIM, and GeneCards databases. Common targets underwent enrichment analysis using Disease Ontology (DO), Gene Ontology (GO), and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG). Molecular docking and GEO datasets were used for further analysis. Among the screened data, 268 targets were associated with Acorus calamus compounds and 1633 with RSV. KEGG analysis of the shared targets revealed potential therapeutic roles via the PI3K–Akt and JAK–STAT signaling pathways. Molecular docking results demonstrated that CCND1, EGFR, and SRC exhibited relatively lower binding energies with compounds in comparison to other proteins, suggesting better interactions, and GEO-derived RSV datasets further validated CCND1’s significance. This study demonstrates Acorus calamus’s anti-RSV activity and its potential mechanism, providing a theoretical foundation for the effective active ingredients of Acorus calamus targeting CCND1 as a strategy to combat RSV infection.

Background/Objectives: Ulcerative Colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the colon that profoundly impacts human health. Conventional pharmacological treatments are associated with serious adverse reactions and toxic side effects. Consequently, the development of natural plant-derived biological agents for UC treatment is an urgent imperative. Methods: Utilising a Dextran Sulfate Sodium (DSS)-induced ulcerative colitis mouse model, with mice receiving low, medium, and high doses of water extract of Tibetan Fritillaria cirrhosa D. Don extract (FCD), alongside a group receiving 5-aminosalicylic acid. The Disease Activity Index (DAI) was calculated, colon length was measured, histological scores were assessed, and histopathological alterations were evaluated. Inflammatory factor were determined by ELISA; mRNA and protein expression in colonic tissue was analysed by RT-qPCR and Western blotting; intestinal barrier-related proteins were examined by immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry; and gut microbiota composition was assessed by 16S rRNA sequencing. Results: Research has confirmed that FCD alleviates symptoms of DSS-induced colitis in mice, specifically manifested by a slower rate of weight loss, reduced colon shortening, and decreased disease activity index. It has been demonstrated that the process under investigation exerts a beneficial effect on intestinal injury by means of a number of mechanisms. These include increased goblet-cell production, elevated IL-10 levels, and reduced levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6. Furthermore, immunofluorescence detection, immunohistochemical analysis, and RT-qPCR results indicate that FCD maintains the integrity of the intestinal mucosal barrier by enhancing the expression of Zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), occludin, and claudin-1 proteins and their corresponding mRNAs, in addition, FCD can regulate the gut microbiota and promote its diversity. Conclusions: Research indicates that FCD may exert therapeutic effects on ulcerative colitis (UC) by regulating intestinal barrier integrity and modulating the gut microbiota. These findings reinforce the idea that FCD could be used as a natural therapy to improve UC.