The 2025 edition of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia has been officially promulgated by the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) and the National Health Commission (NHC). As the core of the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) standards system, Volume I of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia further refines the standards for crude drugs and decoction pieces, strengthens the TCM safety risk prevention and control system, and actively advances the improvement of the TCM standards system. This edition will play a significant role in ensuring the quality of TCM products, safeguarding public health, and fostering high-quality development of the TCM industry.

Network pharmacology provides a transformative framework for decoding multi-target, system-level mechanisms of the food-medicine homology (FMH) substances, overcoming the limitations of reductionist approaches by integrating multi-omics data, computational modeling, and network analysis. Central to this paradigm is the “Network Targets” theory, which conceptualizes therapeutic intervention as the reconfiguration of disease-associated biological networks rather than the modulation of isolated single targets. Artificial intelligence accelerates this process by enabling high-dimensional data integration, predictive modeling of synergistic combinations, and the identification of active constituents. This review outlines the key databases and computational tools that operationalize network pharmacology in FMH research and systematically categorizes their applications, including material screening, ingredient identification, synergy analysis, quality standard establishment, safety assessment, formula optimization, functional food discovery, and personalized recommendation, supported by experimental validation across numerous FMH items. Despite the challenges in data standardization and dynamic modeling, the integration of multi-omics, dynamic networks, and centralized repositories will further advance the field. Ultimately, network pharmacology will bridge traditional FMH wisdom with contemporary mechanistic rigor, positioning FMH as the cornerstone of precision nutrition and preventive medicine.

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) possesses unique advantages in disease prevention and treatment, yet its inherent complexity and diversity pose tremendous challenges for structural elucidation, mechanism research, and bioactivity characterization. High-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) technology demonstrates immense potential in TCM analysis due to its high sensitivity, high resolution, high throughput, and high efficiency. However, its application in TCM research remains constrained by the lack of intelligent analytical methods and unified standardized databases. Therefore, this paper focuses on the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and mass spectrometry, providing a systematic review of the applications and potential of AI-driven mass spectrometry analysis in structural elucidation, data resource integration, multi-omics mechanism studies, and chemical biology. Furthermore, this article emphasizes that by leveraging AI models to learn the complex mapping from chemical structures to biological functions, fragment-based characterization has emerged as the bridge connecting chemical structures with biological activities. Molecular fragments themselves serve as the core “knowledge units” that carry bioactive information. Future research will focus on establishing high-quality mass spectrometry databases for the complete chemical profiles of TCM and promoting the standardization and open sharing of mass spectrometry databases, thereby advancing the integration of AI and mass spectrometry in TCM analysis and providing new tools for TCM research.

The field of acupuncture is currently facing paradigmatic issues, including the difficulty of turning theoretical strengths into technical discourse power, a gap between mechanistic research and clinical imperatives, and the fragmentation of research activities. Therefore, constructing a research paradigm grounded in traditional Chinese medicine theory and validated through contemporary scientific methods is essential. Hand Twelve Jing-Well Points (HTWP) acupuncture, an ancient therapy known for its rapid efficacy and practical application, offers an optimal solution for these challenges. In this study, the theoretical foundations, clinical effectiveness, biological explanations, and Translational applications of HTWP acupuncture were consolidated by integrating a four-step research framework. Initially, we developed the “Well point-Brain Connection” framework rooted in classical theories and informed by the “Root-Knot” concept. Subsequent clinical practice provided evidence of its effectiveness in modulating awareness and facilitating motor-cognitive rehabilitation for patients with central nervous system issues. Moreover, mechanistic research provides scientific verification of a “Sensation-Transmission-Effect” cascade that encompasses the activation of arousal circuits and the repair of the blood-brain barrier. Ultimately, the promotion of translation, standardization of systems, and the use of wearable technologies have aided the transition from passive therapy to proactive health management. This closed-loop concept offers compelling evidence for the “Well point-Brain Connection” and provides an applicable framework for scientific innovation and global distribution of innovative acupuncture hypotheses.

Objective: Ischemic stroke (IS) is a leading cause of mortality and disability worldwide, and effective pharmacological treatments are limited. Oridonin (Ori) has demonstrated neuroprotective potential in IS; however, its underlying mechanisms are still poorly understood. Methods: In vitro, oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGD/R) models were established using mouse neuroblastoma Neuro-2a cells and primary cortical neurons. In vivo, a transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) model was induced in male C57BL/6J mice to simulate cerebral ischemic–reperfusion (I/R) injury. The key targets of Ori were identified using activity-based protein profiling (ABPP). The binding affinity between Ori and its target protein was validated using multiple approaches, including cellular thermal shift assay (CETSA), molecular docking, and biolayer interferometry (BLI). Results: Ori significantly suppressed the expression of inflammatory cytokines in tMCAO- and OGD/R-treated neuronal cells. Target identification revealed that high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) protein is the key mediator of the protective effects of Ori against cerebral I/R injury. Mechanistically, Ori covalently binds to cysteine (Cys) 106 of HMGB1, reducing its secretion and proinflammatory activity. Additionally, Ori downregulated cytoplasmic HMGB1 levels and the expression of TLR4 and MyD88, as well as the p-p65/p65 ratio in both OGD/R and tMCAO models. Notably, the HMGB1 inhibitor NecroX-7 conferred protection against OGD/R-induced neuronal injury and tMCAO-induced brain damage in mice, which could not be further modulated by Ori treatment. Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate that Ori confers neuroprotection against brain I/R injury by covalently binding to HMGB1 at Cys106 via its reactive carbon–carbon double bonds, thereby eliminating the proinflammatory activity of HMGB1. This molecular interaction reduces HMGB1 secretion and inhibits the downstream HMGB1/TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway, ultimately attenuating neuroinflammation and ischemic damage.

Objective: Neuronal ferroptosis has emerged as a promising therapeutic target for ischemic stroke. Tamarixetin, a natural dietary flavonoid, exerts protective effects against ischemic stroke by modulating neuroinflammatory responses and mitigating oxidative stress. However, its potential role in regulating neuronal ferroptosis remains unclear. Methods: A rat model of middle cerebral artery occlusion and reperfusion and an erastin-treated SH-SY5Y cell model were used for in vivo and in vitro experiments, respectively. The neurological function of the rats was evaluated using a series of behavioral tests, the Garcia scoring system, and 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining. Neuronal damage was detected via immunofluorescence staining and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT)-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate (dUTP) nick-end labeling. Commercial kits, western blotting, and coimmunoprecipitation were used to analyze neuronal ferroptosis and the activation of the Nuclear factor erythroid-2–related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway. The direct target protein of tamarixetin was examined using the cellular thermal shift assay, drug affinity-responsive target stability assay, surface plasmon resonance, and molecular docking. Cellular Nrf2 was knocked down using small interfering RNA. Results: Tamarixetin mitigated the neurological dysfunctions of middle cerebral artery occlusion and reperfusion (MCAO/R) rats, including motor dysfunction, limb coordination impairment, neurological deficit, cerebral infarction, and reduced neuronal loss. Furthermore, it alleviated neuronal ferroptosis in vivo and in vitro by lowering the levels of iron ions, reactive oxygen species, malondialdehyde, and acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4 and upregulating the expression of superoxide dismutase, glutathione, glutathione peroxidase 4, heme oxygenase-1, and solute carrier family 7 member 11. Tamarixetin activated the Nrf2 signaling pathway by suppressing Keap1 protein expression, weakening the interaction between Keap1 and Nrf2, upregulating Nrf2 protein expression and nuclear translocation, and promoting antioxidant response element activity. Nrf2 is the direct binding protein of tamarixetin. It specifically interacts with amino acid residues at arginine 72, arginine 515, and lysine 518. The effects of tamarixetin on Nrf2 signaling pathway activation and neuronal ferroptosis inhibition were abrogated in Nrf2 knockdown cells challenged with erastin. Conclusions: Our findings not only identify tamarixetin as a novel ferroptosis inhibitor but also elucidate its mechanism of action via direct binding and Nrf2 pathway activation, providing a promising therapeutic candidate for ischemic stroke.

Objective: Pre-mRNA alternative splicing (AS) is an important post-transcriptional regulation mechanism. The abnormal splicing of genes can lead to cardiovascular diseases. Acupuncture has been shown to alleviate myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (MIRI), but most studies have focused on the regulation of gene expression by acupuncture. Previously, we reported that electroacupuncture (EA) can relieve angina by regulating the AS of GABARG2; however, the genome-wide regulation of AS by EA remains unknown. Methods: We explored the protective effects of EA on MIRI. We then studied the AS profiles retrieved from the previously submitted to Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database and analyzed the data using the replicate multivariate analysis of transcript splicing (rMATS) tool. Subsequently, we conducted validation experiments on splicing regulatory factors and their target genes modulated by EA, as identified through bioinformatics analysis. Results: The results showed that EA at PC6 point could effectively alleviate MIRI. More than 200 differential alternative splicing events (ASEs) changed following MIRI. The differential ASEs underwent protein–protein interaction (PPI) network analysis, gene ontology (GO) enrichment, and pathway analysis, and were shown to be involved in distinct biological functions, especially in the maintenance of synaptic structure. Enrichment analysis also identified several pathways that are potentially associated with the progression of MIRI. Importantly, we identified critical ASEs and pathways that could be completely rescued by EA treatment. In the validation experiments, we found that AS of the key gene CAMK2G, associated with synaptic function, is regulated by the expression level of the MBNL1 protein modulated by EA. Conclusions: Our results indicate that EA is not only an effective procedure to protect against MIRI by rescuing gene expression but also rescues abnormal ASEs. This study is a major contribution to a genome-wide comprehensive analysis of the regulation of AS by EA in MIRI.

Objective: Olfactory dysfunction (OD) is a common and persistent symptom of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) for which effective treatments remain limited. Acupuncture, widely used in Chinese medicine for olfactory disorders has uncertain efficacy in post-COVID-19 OD. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to explore the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of acupuncture in patients with post-COVID-19 OD. Methods: This study was a dual-phased study. Phase I involved a systematic review conducted in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, encompassing eight databases. Phase II consisted of a pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) enrolling 25 patients with moderate to severe post-COVID-19 OD. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either real (group A) or sham (group B) acupuncture. The intervention included eight sessions over 4 weeks, with assessments at baseline, post-cycle 1, 2-week washout, post-cycle-2 treatment, and 2-week follow-up. The primary outcome was the change in scores on the 12-item Assessment of Self-Reported Olfactory Functioning and Quality of Life (ASOF). Secondary outcomes included the short version of the Questionnaire of Olfactory Disorders-Negative Statements (sQOD-NS) and the traditional Chinese version of the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (UPSIT-TC). Results: The systematic review identified 22 studies (15 case reports, seven RCTs) suggesting that acupuncture may positively influence olfactory function. In the pilot RCT, no significant baseline differences were observed between groups. Group A showed steady improvement across all ASOF domains during Cycle 1 (SOC, mean = 5.86; SRP, mean = 3.26; ORQ, mean = 3.98), with slight declines during cycle 2 and 2-week follow-up, though scores remained above baseline. Post-cycle 1, group A showed higher mean SOC and ORQ scores compared with group B (7.00 vs. 4.67; 3.98 vs. 3.39). Improvements in secondary outcomes were also more pronounced in group A, whereas group B showed minimal changes. Conclusion: Acupuncture appears to be a safe and potentially effective treatment for post-COVID-19 OD, warranting validation through larger clinical trials.

Puerariae Lobatae Radix (PLR) is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb included in China’s inaugural list of substances recognized as both food and medicine. PLR has a long history of use and a wide range of medicinal applications. Its use is associated with a broad range of health-promoting effects. Recent studies have shown that PLR contains abundant bioactive compounds including isoflavones and polysaccharides. These findings demonstrate significant potential for the prevention and treatment of metabolic diseases (MDs). The potential mechanisms underlying these effects involve several targets and pathways, including activation of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) and AMPK signaling pathways; regulation of key factors, such as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors; and modulation of the gut microbiota composition. This systematic review examines the botanical characteristics and primary chemical constituents of PLR, with particular emphasis on recent research advances, mechanisms of action, and the clinical applications of its active components in MDs intervention. This review aims to provide theoretical guidance for further development, quality improvement, and application of PLR in the prevention and treatment of MDs.