Herbal medicines (HMs) have long played a pivotal role in preventing and treating various human diseases and have been studied widely. However, the complexities present in HM metabolites and their unclear mechanisms of action have posed significant challenges in the modernization of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Over the past two decades, mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) has garnered increasing attention as a robust analytical technique that enables the simultaneous execution of qualitative, quantitative, and localization analyses without complex sample pretreatment. With advances in technical solutions, MSI has been extensively applied in the field of HMs. MSI, a label-free ion imaging technique can comprehensively map the spatial distribution of HM metabolites in plant native tissues, thereby facilitating the effective quality control of HMs. Furthermore, the spatial dimension information of small molecule endogenous metabolites within animal tissues provided by MSI can also serve as a supplement to uncover pharmacological and toxicological mechanisms of HMs. In the review, we provide an overview of the three most common MSI techniques. In addition, representative applications in HM are highlighted. Finally, we discuss the current challenges and propose several potential solutions. We hope that the summary of recent findings will contribute to the application of MSI in exploring metabolites and mechanisms of action of HMs.

Precise control of norepinephrine (NE) levels and NE-receptor interaction is crucial for proper function of the brain. Much evidence for this view comes from experimental studies that indicate an important role for NE in the pathophysiology and treatment of various conditions, including cognitive dysfunction, Alzheimer\'s disease, Parkinson\'s disease, multiple sclerosis, and sleep disorders. NE provides neuroprotection against several types of insults in multiple ways. It abrogates oxidative stress, attenuates neuroinflammatory responses in neurons and glial cells, reduces neuronal and glial cell activity, promotes autophagy, and ameliorates apoptotic responses to a variety of insults. It is beneficial for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases because it improves the generation of neurotrophic factors, promotes neuronal survival, and plays an important role in the regulation of adult neurogenesis. This review aims to present the evidence supporting a principal role for NE in neuroprotection, and molecular mechanisms of neuroprotection.

BACKGROUND: Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) presents a prevalent orthopedic condition causing substantial impairment in the quality of life and imposing a significant societal and economic burden. Mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs), known for their regenerative properties and immunomodulatory effects, have emerged as a promising therapeutic avenue in regenerative medicine. Despite MSCs\' therapeutic potential, their precise mechanisms of action in KOA remain underexplored.
METHODS: Conducted as a randomized, open-label clinical trial, 20 patients will be enrolled, with 10 in the intervention group and 10 in the control group. The primary focus will be to explore the molecular mechanisms associated with MSC therapy. Biomarkers and gene expressions related to cartilage metabolism, inflammation, immune modulation, and pain in the synovial fluid, blood, and tissue samples will be analyzed. Patients will undergo pre- and post-treatment evaluations using patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) and comprehensive clinical assessments.
CONCLUSIONS: This is an exploratory study with the goal to provide comprehensive insights into the therapeutic effects of MSCs on a molecular level, potentially paving the way for optimized and more effective MSC-based therapies in the management of KOA, as well as furthering the development of novel treatment strategies.
BACKGROUND: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT06078059. Registered on 5 October 2023.

Polyphenols, including phenolics, alkaloids, and terpenes, are secondary metabolites that are commonly found in fruits, vegetables, and beverages, such as tea, coffee, wine, chocolate, and beer. These compounds have gained considerable attention and market demand because of their potential health benefits. However, their application is limited due to their low absorption rates and reduced tissue distribution efficiency. Engineering polyphenol-protein complexes or conjugates can enhance the antioxidant properties, bioavailability, and stability of polyphenols and improve digestive enzyme hydrolysis, target-specific delivery, and overall biological functions. Complex polyphenols, such as melanin, tannins, and ellagitannins, can promote gut microbiota balance, bolster antioxidant defense, and improve overall human health. Despite these benefits, the safety of polyphenol complexes must be thoroughly evaluated before their use as functional food additives or supplements. This review provides a detailed overview of the types of macromolecular polyphenols, their chemical composition, and their role in food enrichment. The mechanisms by which complex polyphenols act as antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer agents have also been discussed.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), a complex chronic inflammatory bowel disorder that includes Crohn\'s disease (CD) and Ulcerative Colitis (UC), has become a globally increasing health concern. Nutrition, as an important factor influencing the occurrence and development of IBD, has attracted more and more attention. As the most important nutrient, protein can not only provide energy and nutrition required by patients, but also help repair damaged intestinal tissue, enhance immunity, and thus alleviate inflammation. Numerous studies have shown that protein nutritional support plays a significant role in the treatment and remission of IBD. This article presents a comprehensive review of the pathogenesis of IBD and analyzes and summarizes the potential mechanisms of protein nutritional support in IBD. Additionally, it provides an overview of the clinical effects of protein nutritional support in IBD and its impact on clinical complications. Research findings reveal that protein nutritional support demonstrates significant benefits in improving clinical symptoms, reducing the risk of complications, and improving quality of life in IBD patients. Therefore, protein nutritional support is expected to provide a new approach for the treatment of IBD.

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Fracture healing is a dynamic process essential for the restoration of bone integrity and function. However, factors such as patient age, comorbidities, and the severity of the fracture can impede this process, leading to delayed healing or nonunion. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has emerged as a promising therapeutic option for enhancing fracture healing. PRP is an autologous blood product containing a concentrated mixture of platelets, growth factors, and cytokines known to promote tissue regeneration and repair. This comprehensive review provides an overview of the fracture healing process, emphasizing the importance of timely and efficient bone repair. We discuss the mechanisms underlying the purported efficacy of PRP in fracture healing, drawing upon both preclinical and clinical evidence. Preclinical studies in animal models have demonstrated the ability of PRP to accelerate fracture healing, stimulate osteogenesis, and enhance bone regeneration. Clinical studies have yielded mixed results, with some reporting positive outcomes in terms of accelerated healing and improved functional outcomes, while others have shown no significant benefits over standard treatments. Factors influencing the efficacy of PRP, such as timing of administration, PRP concentration, and patient-specific variables, are also examined. Furthermore, safety considerations and potential adverse effects associated with PRP therapy are discussed. Despite the promising preclinical findings, challenges remain in standardizing PRP formulations, optimizing administration protocols, and addressing unanswered questions regarding its long-term efficacy and safety. This review aims to provide insights into the therapeutic potential of PRP in fracture healing, informing future research directions and guiding clinical practice.

Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) is a phytocannabinoid that is becoming popular across the North American cannabis market. THCV has been reported to reduce blood sugar and act as an appetite suppressant in several independent pre-clinical studies, which has earned it the popular nickname of \"diet weed,\" despite few human studies of these effects. Additionally, THCV is usually and incorrectly categorized as an intoxicating analogue of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which causes confusion among both consumers and regulators. In this article, we examine what is known pre-clinically and clinically about THCV, as well as highlight mechanisms of action, in order to clarify the scientific differences between THCV and THC. THCV, although structurally similar to THC, has distinct pharmacological activity and physiological effects at the doses currently reported in the literature. We highlight areas of opportunity for further THCV research in order to determine the full and appropriate potential for unique health, wellness, and therapeutic applications of this compound.

Inflammation is a complex biological response that plays a pivotal role in various pathological conditions, including inflammatory diseases. The search for effective therapeutic agents has led researchers to explore natural products due to their diverse chemical composition and potential therapeutic benefits. This review comprehensively examines the current state of research on natural products as potential therapeutic agents for inflammatory diseases. The article discusses the antiinflammatory properties of various natural compounds, their mechanisms of action, and their potential applications in managing inflammatory disorders. Additionally, formulation and delivery systems, challenges and future prospects in this field are also highlighted.

Globally, breast cancer (BC) has the highest prevalence among malignant diseases. BC is also the primary cause of death among women. Notably, BC morbidity has been increasing continuously at an approximate growth rate of 2.2% per year. Persistent BC is a major public health issue worldwide. Consequently, novel chemotherapeutic agents to combat this lethal disease should be developed urgently. Coumarins with interesting structural and mechanistic variations exhibit promising activity in several forms of BC, including BCs with multidrug resistance. In particular, coumarin hybrids composed of coumarin and one or more anti-BC pharmacophores can target different biological components in BC cells simultaneously. Thus, coumarin hybrids are useful scaffolds that can help improve the anti-BC efficacy of coumarins, reduce side effects, improve pharmacokinetics, minimize drug-drug interactions, and circumvent drug resistance. This review, in which articles published from 2020 to the present day have been evaluated, highlights the landscape of coumarin hybrids that exhibit therapeutic effects against breast cancer. These findings can aid further investigations on novel antibreast-cancer therapeutics.