Yv Wang,Zhewen Zhang,Liu Yang,Pei Ye,Yv Ye,Xiaoning Li,Weifeng Du
Introduction A major limitation in current Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) research lies in its overreliance on single-factor analyses of chemical composition or pharmacodynamics, or simplistic combined models. While these approaches partially elucidate TCM characteristics, they fail to comprehensively capture its holistic complexity and inherent quality. Objectives The three-dimensional comprehensive evaluation method of “morphology-composition-efficacy (MCE)” was creatively introduced in this study, and the quality of four different varieties of Curcumae Radix was deeply and meticulously studied. Materials and Methods Curcumae Radix from different sources was collected, and its external morphology (volume and weight, color and smell), internal composition (extract, fingerprint and literature knowledge network diagram) and drug effect (efficacy of zebrafish on improving qi stagnation and blood stasis) were analyzed. The differences in composition and morphology of four kinds of Curcumae Radix were studied by HPLC fingerprint, chromaticity identification model, and BP-ANN classification model. Secondly, through the experiment of zebrafish “qi stagnation and blood stasis” model, the improvement effect of four kinds of turmeric on “qi stagnation and blood stasis” was explored. Finally, the relationship between the three dimensions of MCE of Curcumae Radix was discussed through Pearson analysis. Results The pharmacodynamic experiment of zebrafish confirmed that all four kinds of Curcumae Radix showed the activity of treating “qi stagnation and blood stasis” and Curcuma phaeocaulis Val. (LSYJ) had the best effect comprehensively. And through Pearson analysis, it can be concluded that the smaller the external volume and weight of Curcumae Radix, the stronger the characteristic odor (W5S, W1W, and W2W), the closer the powder color is to red and yellow, the higher the internal extract (JCW) content of Curcumae Radix , the higher the contents of germacrone (JMT), furanodiene (FNEX), and β-elemene (β-LXX), and the better the efficacy of improving the disease of “qi stagnation and blood stasis,” among which JMT is the key drug component. Conclusion The research demonstrates the value of a three-dimensional evaluation system for TCM quality assessment, providing insights into the relationship between morphology, composition, and efficacy. It offers a new perspective for quality control and evaluation of Curcumae Radix and provides a scientific basis for the clinical treatment of “qi stagnation and blood stasis” related diseases.
Ethnopharmacological relevance Effective activation of neuronal autophagy and clearance of amyloid-beta (Aβ) represents a promising therapeutic strategy in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma-Curcumae Radix Herbal pair (ACHP), derived from the traditional Changpu Yujin Decoction, has a long history in Traditional Chinese Medicine for addressing conditions related to cognitive function. However, the precise mechanisms underlying its role in autophagic dysfunction-related dementia remain unclear. Aim of the study This study aims to investigate the neuroprotective effects of ACHP and the underlying mechanisms in AD. Materials and methods Analysis of prototype constituents in drug-containing serum was performed using UHPLC-Triple-TOF/MS. The neuroprotective effects of ACHP were evaluated in APP/PS1 mice using behavioral tests, including the Y-maze and Morris water maze. Transcriptomic analysis was conducted to identify potential neuroprotective pathways activated by ACHP. Neuronal damage and structural recovery were assessed through HE and Nissl staining. In addition, the anti-inflammatory and autophagy-regulating effects of ACHP were further investigated in N2a/APP cells. The molecular mechanisms were further elucidated using Western blot, immunofluorescence, ELISA, and qRT-PCR in both in vivo and in vitro models. Results Twenty-five compounds in ACHP-treated mouse serum were identified. ACHP improved spatial learning and memory performance, increased intracellular Ca 2+ levels and downregulated the expressions of proinflammatory cytokines, including TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6, while significantly promoting autophagy. ACHP increased CaMKKβ protein expression and activated the AMPK signaling pathway (elevated p-AMPK/AMPK ratio), as well as those of autophagy-related proteins, while improving neuronal morphology. Conclusion These findings indicate that ACHP alleviates neuro-inflammatory damage and cognitive impairment potentially through modulation of the Ca 2+ /CaMKKβ–AMPK–mTOR signaling pathway involved in autophagy.
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