Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz Alleviates Symptoms in Zymosan-Induced Irritable Bowel Syndrome Mouse Model through TRPV1, NaV1.5, and NaV1.7 Channel Modulation

Brief analysis of Nav1.7 inhibitors: Mechanism of action and new research trends

Nav1.7 has been the most studied ion channel among the 9 subtypes of sodium ion, and it is also one of the popular analgesic targets in recent years. Compared with opioid receptors, because of its advantages of targeting a variety of pain types and being unrelated to addiction, many related inhibitors have been excavated for it, including old drugs and new uses, peptides, and new skeleton small molecules. Some of these inhibitors have reached the second phase of clinical research, and some are still in the laboratory research stage. So far, no exclusive Nav1.7 inhibitor has successfully passed the third phase of clinical research and entered the field of vision of patients. This article reviews the action sites and mechanisms of different Nav1.7 inhibitors in terms of historical background and related analgesic activities, and also summarizes the related inhibitors that are currently under active development, hoping to provide useful information for the research of new Nav1.7 inhibitors.

Effect of Bojanggunbi-tang and its primary constituent herbs on the gastrointestinal tract: a scoping review

Background

Bojanggunbi-tang (BGT), a herbal prescription used in traditional Korean medicine, has been used to treat various gastrointestinal (GI) diseases.

Methods

Studies on BGT published until May 2024 were retrieved from the electronic databases of Medline, CENTRAL, Embase, AMED, CNKI, CiNii, Kmbase, KISS, NDSL, and OASIS using GI-related terms. All study types, regardless of the research method or language, were eligible for inclusion. Additional articles on Lonicera japonica, Atractylodes macrocephala, and Alisma canaliculatum, which are key components of BGT, were retrieved from the databases of Medline, CENTRAL, Embase, and Web of Science using GI-specific terms. The basic information, research models, administration methods, evaluation methods, and treatment outcomes of the selected studies were examined subsequently.

Results

Fourteen studies, comprising nine animal studies, one cell-based study, and four human studies, were included in the final analysis. BGT was found to exhibit anti-inflammatory effects, promote restoration of the gastrointestinal mucosa, and regulate GI motility. Analysis of the key herbal components L. japonica, A. macrocephala, and A. canaliculatum revealed that they inhibit inflammatory cytokines and oxidative substances, regulate serotonin and cholinergic pathways, and modulate intestinal microbiota.

Conclusion

This scoping review confirmed the therapeutic potential and mechanisms of action of BGT and its main components, L. japonica, A. macrocephala, and A. canaliculatum, thereby indicating its ability to enhance GI health. Further studies, including randomized clinical trials, must be conducted in the future to confirm these findings.

Scoping review registration

The study was registered in OSF, an international scoping review database: https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/ATU4S.

The potential of Sijunzi decoction in the fight against gastrointestinal disorders: a review

Sijunzi Decoction (SJZD) is a traditional Chinese medicine formula widely used in the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders. Clinical studies have substantiated the efficacy of SJZD in managing conditions such as functional dyspepsia, chronic gastritis, gastric cancer, irritable bowel syndrome, colorectal cancer, and ulcerative colitis. Despite its proven effectiveness, the precise mechanisms by which SJZD operates remain incompletely understood. In this study, we undertake a systematic review of both the clinical applications and the mechanistic underpinnings of SJZD in the context of gastrointestinal disease treatment. Research indicates that SJZD functions through a spectrum of mechanisms including the regulation of intestinal flora, alleviation of inflammation, modulation of immune responses, and facilitation of mucosal repair in the treatment of gastrointestinal ailments. This comprehensive analysis aims to provide a clearer understanding of how SJZD benefits patients with gastrointestinal disorders.