New insights into the chemical and biochemical basis of the "yang-invigorating" action of chinese yang-tonic herbs

A decade review on phytochemistry and pharmacological activities of Cynomorium songaricum Rupr.: Insights into metabolic syndrome

BACKGROUND

Cynomorium songaricum Rupr. (CSR), a perennial herb with a rich history in traditional medicine, has demonstrated therapeutic potential against metabolic syndrome (MetS) through its active compounds, including proanthocyanidins, polysaccharides, and triterpenoids. MetS, a global health concern, encompasses interlinked conditions such as obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and inflammation. This review synthesizes recent findings on CSR's pharmacological and phytochemical properties, focusing on its role in ameliorating MetS.

METHODS

Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, relevant studies were retrieved from PubMed, Web of Science, and CNKI databases up to December 2024. Keywords included "Cynomorium Songaricum Rupr.", "Cynomorii Herba", "Suoyang", "Suo Yang", "Metabolic syndrome", "Proanthocyanidins", "Polysaccharides" and "Triterpenoids" and their combinations. Inclusion criteria emphasized studies exploring CSR's impact on MetS, while duplicate, low-quality studies and studies not written in Chinese, English, or unrelated were excluded.

RESULTS

A total of 92 studies were analyzed, revealing that CSR's active components exhibit multi-target effects. Proanthocyanidins reduce glucose absorption and oxidative stress, polysaccharides enhance insulin sensitivity and gut microbiota composition, and triterpenoids mitigate obesity and mitochondria damage. These mechanisms collectively contribute to the beneficial effects of CSR against MetS.

CONCLUSION

CSR presents a promising natural therapy for MetS, utilizing its pharmacologically active compounds to address core metabolic dysfunctions. Future studies should focus on clinical validation and safety assessments to facilitate CSR's integration into modern therapeutic regimens.

The Use of Chinese Yang/Qi-Invigorating Tonic Botanical Drugs/Herbal Formulations in Ameliorating Chronic Kidney Disease by Enhancing Mitochondrial Function

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Mitochondrial dysfunction has been implicated as a key factor in the development of CKD. According to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) theory, many Chinese Yang/Qi-invigorating botanical drugs/herbal formulations have been shown to produce promising outcomes in the clinical management of CKD. Experimental studies have indicated that the health-promoting action of Yang/Qi invigoration in TCM is related to the up-regulation of mitochondrial energy generation and antioxidant status. Objective: In this review, we aim to test whether Chinese Yang/Qi-invigorating tonic botanical drugs/herbal formulations can provide medical benefits in CKD and its complications. And we also explore the possible involvement of mitochondrial-associated signaling pathway underlying the beneficial effects of Yang/Qi invigoration in TCM. Methods: A systematic search of "PubMed", "China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI)" and "Google Scholar" was carried out to collect all the available articles in English or Chinese related to Chinese Yang/Qi-invigorating tonic botanical drugs/herbal formulations and their effects on mitochondrial function and chronic kidney disease. Result and Discussion: The relationship between the progression of CKD and mitochondrial function is discussed. The effects of Chinese Yang/Qi-invigorating tonic botanical drugs/herbal formulations and their active ingredients, including phytosterols/triterpenes, flavonoids, and dibenzocyclooctadiene lignans, on CKD and related alterations in mitochondrial signaling pathways are also presented in this review. In the future, exploration of the possible beneficial effects and clinical studies of more Yang- and Qi-invigorating botanical drugs/herbal formulations in the prevention and/or/treatment of CKD and the molecular mechanisms relating to the enhancement of mitochondrial functions warrants further investigation. Conclusion: Given the critical role of mitochondrial function in safeguarding renal functional integrity, the enhancement of mitochondrial energy metabolism and antioxidant status in kidney tissue is likely involved in renal protection. Future studies on the biochemical and chemical basis underlying the effects of Chinese Yang/Qi-invigorating tonic botanical drugs/herbal formulations from a mitochondrial perspective will hopefully provide novel insights into the rational development of new drugs for the prevention and/or treatment of CKD.