Energy supply and demand balance and the progression of chronic heart failure.

❤️ TCM for heart failure?🧪

Mitochondria = energy factories 🧬
Shenfu & Buyang Huanwu may:
• Restore function
• Reduce oxidative stress
• Improve heart performance 💪

🔗 www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...

#HeartHealth #TCM #CJNM

The interaction between TCM and mitochondrion.

🫀 Chronic heart failure? Mitochondria matter! 🧪
TCM decoctions like Qili Qiangxin & Shenfu:
• Boost energy & Ca²⁺ balance
• Reduce oxidative stress
• Improve heart function ⚡

🔗 doi.org/10.1016/S187...

#CHF #TCM #HeartHealth #Mitochondria #CJNM

Mechanism of THSWD regulating NF-κB signaling pathway in the treatment of AS.

💊 Can TCM target atherosclerosis at multiple levels? 🧪

THSWD modulates key pathways (NF-κB, PI3K/AKT, MAPK, mTOR), reduces inflammation, and improves vascular function.

A systems-level approach to cardiovascular therapy.

🔗 Read full study:
doi.org/10.1016/S187...

#Atherosclerosis #TCM #CJNM

The modulation of MSCs with natural products.

🧬 Natural products → better MSC therapies 🧪

↑ homing, survival, differentiation
↑ immune regulation & oxidative balance
Key compounds: phenols, flavonoids, terpenoids

Framework for regenerative medicine

🔗 doi.org/10.1016/S187...

#StemCells #RegenerativeMedicine #TCM #CJNM 🧪

Anticancer mechanisms of curdione. Inhibition of proliferation, cell invasion, migration, angiogenesis, induction of cell cycle arrest, and activation of apoptosis, ferroptosis are involved.

🧪 Curdione (Curcuma) research overview

• 25 species sources
• synthesis & transformation
• metabolism & PK
• multi-target: anticancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-thrombotic

⚠️ Limits: solubility + toxicity

Framework for drug development

🔗 doi.org/10.1016/S187...

#DrugDiscovery #TCM #CJNM

Multi-organ protective effects of curdione. (↑) up-regulated; (↓) down-regulated.

🌿 Turmeric-derived → multi-disease therapy? 🧪

Curdione: anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, protective

⚠️ Limits: solubility + toxicity

Review: chemistry–metabolism–mechanism

🔗 Read more： www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...

#DrugDiscovery #NaturalCompounds #TCM #CJNM

Chinese Journal of Natural Medicines | Vol 24, Issue 3, Pages 257-384 (March 2026) | ScienceDirect.com by Elsevier Read the latest articles of Chinese Journal of Natural Medicines at ScienceDirect.com, Elsevier’s leading platform of peer-reviewed scholarly literature

📢 New issue live!

🔬 Chinese Journal of Natural Medicines
🧪 Vol. 24 No. 3 is now available

🌿 Natural products | 🧠 Neuroprotection | ⚗️ Mechanisms

👉 Read now:
www.sciencedirect.com/journal/chin...

#CJNM #NaturalProducts #DrugDiscovery #Neuroscience #TCM

Inhibitory effects of 1−18 on FN levels in TGF-β1-stimulated LX-2 HSCs.

🧪 New anti-liver fibrosis leads from Euphorbia wallichii.

A CJNM study reports 12 diterpenoids (Euphorwallnoids A–L), including a rare 5/7/6/5 tetracyclic scaffold. Compound 1 suppresses fibronectin, α-SMA, and collagen I in LX-2 cells.

Full read: doi.org/10.1016/S187...

#Fibrosis #NatProd #CJNM

TMPRSS2-G4 (Pu23m3) interaction with berberine.

🧪 Targeting viral entry at the DNA level.

A CJNM study reveals the first NMR structure of the TMPRSS2 promoter G-quadruplex. Berberine stabilizes this structure and blocks DNA polymerase progression, potentially reducing TMPRSS2 expression.

doi.org/10.1016/S187...

#Antiviral #Berberine #CJNM

The procedures of ESPPW extraction and purification.

🧪 Can natural polysaccharides target pancreatic cancer?

A CJNM study reports that ESPPW from Arthrospira platensis suppresses PDAC growth and induces apoptosis via caspase-3/p53, while downregulating Gal-3 and GPC-6.

Read the full study:
doi.org/10.1016/S187...

#PancreaticCancer #PDAC #CJNM

A schematic illustration showing the impact of E171 particles on macrophages in CAC.

🧪 Can a food additive promote cancer?

A CJNM study reports that titanium dioxide (E171) accelerates colitis-associated colorectal cancer by reprogramming macrophages and activating the NLRP3–caspase-1 inflammatory pathway.

📖 Full Study：
doi.org/10.1016/S187...

#ColorectalCancer #FoodSafety #CJNM

Effects of CR ex vivo-cultured mice vibrissa HFs (n = 20). (A) Representative mice vibrissa HFs of each group after 3 d ex vivo-culture. (B) Effects of CR on the increase of HS length of HFs. Data are presented as mean ± SD. *P < 0.05, **P < 0.01, ***P < 0.001 by two-tailed Student’s t-test. (C) Effects of CR on the cycle transition of HFs.

🧪 A CJNM study reports that Cyperus rotundus extract promotes hair growth by activating Wnt/β-catenin signaling, suppressing TGF-β1/BMP4/DKK1, and increasing IGF1, KGF, and VEGF. Effects confirmed in dermal papilla cells and mouse models.
📖 :
doi.org/10.1016/S187...

#HairGrowth #WntSignaling #CJNM

Innovative Chinese medicine may act as protein kinase inhibitors or proteasomes to block dysregulated signal transduction pathways, including the MAPK, PI3K/AKT, JAK/STAT, WNT/β-catenin, TGF-β/SMAD, EGF/EGFR signaling pathways, HER2, NOTCH, cell death, and proteasome pathways, thereby impairing cell proliferation, tumor growth, invasion, and metastasis.

🧪 What does true modernization of TCM look like in cancer therapy?

A CJNM review proposes the “3D” framework for Innovative Chinese Medicine:
Definite ingredients, Determined mechanisms, and evidence-based Detection.
📖 Read the full study :
doi.org/10.1016/S187...

#TCM #CancerResearch #CJNM

Research progress on the main bioactive components and their corresponding biosynthetic enzymes in Cyclocarya paliurus Cyclocarya paliurus (Batalin) Iljinsk., a medicinal and edible plant widely utilized in China, is a rich source of triterpenoids and flavonoids, which…

What makes medicinal plants chemically unique? 🌿

A CJNM review decodes the biosynthesis of Cyclocarya paliurus, highlighting its triterpenoids, flavonoids & signature C-11 glycosylation — with a genomic-biochemical roadmap for future engineering.

#NaturalProducts #Biosynthesis #PlantScience #CJNM

Promoting osteoblast-mediated bone formation: a more promising approach for natural products to treat osteoporosis Osteoporosis is a systemic skeletal disorder characterized by reduced bone mass, compromised bone microstructure, and an increased risk of fractures, …

Osteoporosis care must go beyond anti-resorption.

A CJNM review shows natural products can activate osteoblasts via RUNX2, WNT/β-catenin & PI3K/AKT signaling — supporting bone rebuilding.
🔗 Read the full study on ScienceDirect:

#Osteoporosis #BoneBiology #CJNM #DrugDiscovery

Prevention and treatment of knee osteoarthritis by natural products: potential mechanisms based on articular cartilage targets Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a prevalent chronic degenerative joint disorder characterized by an imbalance between articular cartilage degradation and…

🦴 Treating symptoms isn't enough.
New research calls for a shift in KOA therapy:

🧬 Early detection via biomarkers
🌿 Natural modulators for homeostasis
💡 Mechanism-based, low-toxicity drugs

The goal: True disease-modifying treatment (#DMOADs).

#Osteoarthritis #DMOADs #PrecisionMedicine #CJNM

Prevention and treatment of knee osteoarthritis by natural products: potential mechanisms based on articular cartilage targets Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a prevalent chronic degenerative joint disorder characterized by an imbalance between articular cartilage degradation and…

🦴 Treating symptoms isn’t enough.

New research calls for a shift in KOA therapy:
🧬 early biomarker detection
🌿 multi-target natural modulators
💡 low-toxicity, mechanism-based strategies

Toward real disease-modifying treatment for osteoarthritis.

#Osteoarthritis #DMOADs #PrecisionMedicine #CJNM

Atramacronins A−P, eudesmane-type sesquiterpenoid dimers from Atractylodes macrocephala with anti-hepatocellular carcinoma activities Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz. (A. macrocephala) is a medicinal and edible plant species belonging to the Compositae family. Its rhizome serves both…

Can natural dimers fight liver cancer? 🧪

Research in CJNM identifies Atramacronins A–P, novel sesquiterpenoids from Atractylodes macrocephala with potent anti-tumor activity against Hep3B, HepG2, and Huh7 cells.

🔗 Read more on ScienceDirect

#HCC #Oncology #NaturalProducts #CJNM

New meroterpenoids featuring a rare 3/5/6/6/11/6/6 fused-ring skeleton from Penicillium brefeldianum SMU03 and their antifibrotic activities Penicine A (1), a meroterpenoid featuring a novel 3/5/6/6/11/6/6 polycyclic backbone, together with two new metabolites, penicines B (2) and C (4), an…

Renal fibrosis drives chronic kidney disease progression.

New research shows Penicine A — a structurally unique fungal meroterpenoid — suppresses fibrosis in vitro and reveals biosynthetic clues for antifibrotic drug discovery.

Read more on ScienceDirect.

#KidneyFibrosis #NaturalProducts #CJNM

Identification and screening of bioactive peptides against nephropathy derived from Mantidis Oötheca based on complement C3 inhibition Insects represent emerging sources of bioactive peptides and functional materials. Mantidis Oötheca (Sang-Piao-Xiao in Chinese, SPX) serves as an inse…

Can insect-derived peptides protect kidneys?

CJNM research shows Mantidis Oötheca peptides inhibit complement C3.
Peptide AAQFFNR binds C3 (Kd 16.8 μM), reducing fibrosis and inflammation and improving renal function in nephropathy models.

#Nephropathy #BioactivePeptides #CJNM

Gambogic acid suppresses pancreatic fibrosis via inhibiting YAP1-mediated activation of pancreatic stellate cells The activation of pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) and the secretion of inflammatory factors play critical roles in the development of pancreatic fibr…

Can natural compounds reverse pancreatic fibrosis?

CJNM research shows gambogic acid (GA) promotes YAP1 degradation, inhibits PSC activation, reduces NF-κB / IL-6 / TNF-α, and activates the Hippo pathway — restoring tissue homeostasis in vivo.

Read more on ScienceDirect

#PancreaticFibrosis #CJNM

Xijiaqi Formula attenuates cognitive dysfunction by inhibiting neuroinflammation and promoting neuroplasticity in rats with chronic heart failure Chronic heart failure (CHF) impairs cognitive function. Xijiaqi Formula (XJQ), a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) used clinically to treat CHF, demo…

🫀 Brain–heart connection in chronic heart failure?

A CJNM study shows that Xijiaqi Formula (XJQ) improves cognitive impairment in CHF rats by reducing neuroinflammation and enhancing synaptic plasticity.

🔗 Read the full article on ScienceDirect

#CJNM #HeartBrainAxis #Neuroinflammation

🦠🩸 Can targeting the gut microbiome help treat diabetes?

A CJNM study shows that honokiol improves metabolic outcomes in diabetic mice by enriching Akkermansia muciniphila and reshaping tryptophan metabolism.

🔗 Read full article www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...

#CJNM #Diabetes #GutMicrobiome

An overview of the advantageous effects and underlying mechanisms of natural polysaccharides in inflammatory bowel disease Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the g…

🦠🧬 Can natural polysaccharides help rebalance immunity and repair the gut barrier in IBD?

A CJNM review highlights their multi-target effects on immune regulation, microbiota composition, and intestinal barrier integrity.

📘 Learn more on ScienceDirect

#CJNM #IBD #GutMicrobiome #NaturalProducts

Therapeutic potential of Ziziphora clinopodioides in cardiovascular diseases: a review Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are driven by intricate and multifactorial pathophysiological mechanisms, presenting substantial challenges for the dev…

❤️🌿 Multi-target strategies for Cardiovascular Disease

New review in CJNM explores Ziziphora clinopodioides—a traditional medicinal plant with potent vasodilatory, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects.

📖 Read on ScienceDirect

#CVD #NaturalProducts #Ethnopharmacology #CJNM #ScienceSky

🫁🌿 Can immune regulation slow pulmonary fibrosis?
A CJNM review shows how natural products modulate immune cells and cytokines to intervene in fibrosis progression.
📘Read on ScienceDirect :
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...

#CJNM #PulmonaryFibrosis #NaturalProducts

Research progress of 3-n-butylphthalide and its derivatives in combating cerebral ischemia Ischemic stroke (IS) presents a major threat to human life and health due to its high disability and mortality rates. 3-n-Butylphthalide (NBP), derive…

🧠💊 Why do so few neuroprotective drugs succeed in ischemic stroke?
A CJNM review traces 20 years of progress on 3-n-butylphthalide (NBP), from a natural product to optimized derivatives now in Phase II trials.
📘Read on ScienceDirect

#CJNM #StrokeResearch #DrugDevelopment

Effect and mechanism of Chinese medicine on inhibiting the senescence of mesenchymal stem cells Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are pluripotent stem cells isolated from human tissues. Due to their strong self-renewal capacity, pluripotency, and imm…

🧬🌿 Can natural medicines rejuvenate stem cells?
A CJNM review shows that MSC senescence, a key challenge in regenerative medicine, may be delayed by Chinese herbal medicines and natural compounds.
🔗Read on ScienceDirect
#CJNM #StemCells #RegenerativeMedicine #NaturalProducts

Atractylodimers A−D, unprecedented sesquiterpenoid dimers with cage-like skeletons from Atractylodes macrocephala and their neuroprotective activities Atractylodimers A−D (1−4), sesquiterpenoid dimers (SDs) featuring a unique cage-like structure, were isolated from the rhizomes of Atractylodes macroc…

🧠🌿 Neuroprotection from nature
CJNM reports Atractylodimers A–D, unprecedented sesquiterpenoid dimers from Atractylodes macrocephala. Compounds 1–2 show significant neuroprotective activity in PC12 cells, suggesting potential for neurotherapeutic research.

#CJNM #Neuroprotection #NaturalProducts

Generation of halogenated angucyclinones with cytotoxicity activities against human cancer cell lines based on biosynthesis and chemical conversion Halogen substituents play a crucial role in the structural diversity and biological activity of natural products, and the synthesis of halogenated mol…

⚗️ New strategies in halogenated natural products!
CJNM reports a method to incorporate F, Cl, Br, and I into C-ring-cleaved angucyclinones, efficiently producing bioactive molecules for cancer research.

🔗 Read on ScienceDirect!

#CJNM #Biosynthesis #HalogenatedNaturalProducts #CancerResearch