The molecular mechanism underlying Corydalis Yanhusuo’s therapeutic potential in prostate cancer (PCa) treatment was elucidated using network pharmacology and molecular docking. Nineteen active ingredients, 399 drug targets, 1790 disease targets and 143 intersection targets were identified. Ten core targets were screened from the protein-protein interaction network. Enrichment analysis revealed 133 GO terms and 114 KEGG pathways. Corydalis Yanhusuo may potentially treat prostate cancer through pathways such as the Rap1 signaling pathway, phospholipase D signaling pathway, Ras signaling pathway, VEGF signaling pathway and JAK-STAT signaling pathway. Significant differences in expression were observed for EGFR, PDGFRA, PIK3CA, PIK3CD, PIK3CG and PIK3R1. Molecular docking and dynamics simulation analysis showed low binding energy between active components and the six core genes of Corydalis Yanhusuo, indicating a favorable docking effect. This study shows that Corydalis Yanhusuo exhibits promise in prostate cancer treatment through a synergistic “multi-component-multi-target- multi-pathway” effect.

Liupan Mountains are situated in the south of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region and east of Gansu Province. This area is rich in forests and vegetation. After field investigation, literature review and specimen identification, the plant resources and diversity of Liupan Mountains were studied by the 4th Shenyang Pharmaceutical University Chinese Medicine Resources Scientific Expedition Team. There were 161 species of vascular plants belonging to 60 families and 119 genera collected from July to August 2010 in this area. Among them, the dominant families are Campanulaceae, Ranunculaceae, Orobanchaceae, Asparagaceae, Fabaceae, Rosaceae and Asteraceae, with 6, 7, 8, 8, 10, 10, and 22 species, respectively. Although representing only 11.7% of the total number of families, these families had a species occupancy rate of over 44.1%. At the genus level, Pedicularis is the most dominant genus with 6 species, while 92 genera contain only 1 species, accounting for 77.3% of the total number of genera. In a word, our research has updated the plant resources and diversity in Liupan Mountains. Furthermore, by providing practical and meaningful suggestions for strengthening the protection and utilization of plant resources in Liupan Mountains, our research is of great significance for maintaining the diverse ecosystem in this area.

Apium graveolens, an annual herb belonging to the family of Apiaceae, is widely distributed in North and South America, Southern Europe, Africa and Asia. Apium graveolens seeds have a rich history in traditional Chinese medicine for treating hypertension, headaches, vertigo and epilepsy. N-butylphthalide, originally extracted from Apium graveolens seeds, represents a first-in-class drug developed independently in China. Its broad pharmacological activities on nervous system disorders have garnered significant attention from researchers globally. This review focuses on the pharmacological research of n-butylphthalide on central nervous system diseases, including ischemic stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The purpose is to pave the way for future study on the mechanistic targets of n-butylphthalide.

Phellodendron chinense Schneid (P. chinense), as a traditional Chinese medicine, is commonly used in clinical practice. It has the effects of drying dampness, clearing heat, detoxifying, purging fire, and reducing swelling. Its main chemical components are flavonoids and alkaloids, which have various pharmacological effects such as lowering blood sugar, lowering blood pressure and immunosuppression. With the continuous development of modern science and technology, the research on P. chinense Schneid has increased. This study reviews the chemical components and pharmacological effects of P. chinense Schneid, and provides reference for its further research and development.