Moutan Cortex terpene glycoside is derived from the dried root bark of Paeonia suffruticosa Andr. in the Paeoniaceae family, which holds significant value as a traditional Chinese medicine. This study investigated that Moutan Cortex terpene glycoside (MCTG) improved diabetic kidney disease (DKD) by targeting sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) mediated autophagy pathway. Mechanistic insights were gained using DKD model rats and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) to delineate how MCTG operated in the treatment of DKD. Furthermore, network pharmacology was used to identify the primary metabolic pathways affected by MCTG, with key targets being confirmed through polymerase chain reaction (PCR), Western blot, Transmission electron microscope, immunofluorescence staining and monodansylcadaverine (MDC) staining. Finally, small interfering RNA transfection testified SIRT1 in advanced glycation end-products (AGEs)-induced HUVECs injury. MCTG effectively decreased blood glucose rise in DKD rats and reduced levels of cytokines and biochemical indicators. Network pharmacology revealed that metabolism was the main pathway of Moutan Cortex, and the main targets were verified by PCR and protein experiments. Based on these results, we found that Moutan Cortex could improve DKD and SIRT1 was a potential target. Furthermore, knockdown of SIRT1 attenuated AGEs-induced the expression of Beclin 1 and microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 Ⅱ/Ⅰ(LC3 Ⅱ/Ⅰ) in HUVECs. In summary, this study demonstrated that Moutan Cortex could alleviate DKD via down-regulating SIRT1-mediated autophagy pathway.

Astragalus is a functional plant with notable medicinal and nutraceutical value, and its combination with honey represents a classic pairing in traditional dietary therapy. To address the low oral bioavailability of Astragalus flavonoids (AFs, including calycosin-7-O-β-D-glucoside, ononin, calycosin, and formononetin), the primary bioactive components of Astragalus, our study demonstrated that honey significantly increases the systemic exposure of AFs, thereby enhancing oral bioavailability. These enhancement effects are attributed to the supramolecular structures in honey that interact with AFs through intermolecular non-covalent interactions, and reversible modulation of tight junction barriers by honey, which facilitates the paracellular absorption of AFs. Furthermore, honey’s absorption-enhancing effects were validated by the enhanced Qi-tonifying (enhancement of the body’s vital energy to defend illnesses) efficacy observed in the AFs-honey combination. Our findings provide scientific references for the potential application of honey as a natural absorption enhancer, while offering novel insights into the traditional combination of Astragalus and honey.

Panax ginseng has been used as a superior herb in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for at least 2,000 years. With its outstanding effects of nourishing, tranquilizing, and benefiting the mind, it has been traditionally used as an herbal remedy for a variety of ailments, such as physical weakness, thirst, or insomnia with palpitations. At the same time, it has also been used as a tonic ingredient in the daily diet of the Chinese, and various kinds of supplements made from it have been used to prolong longevity. This review focuses on the application history, current research progress (2004−2023), functional material basis and product development of P. ginseng as a “dual-use substance for medicine and food”, and the pharmacological effects of its components on cancer, skin wound, thrombosis, inflammation, neurological disorders, etc. It also emphasizes the impact of processing technology on the nutritional and pharmacological effects of P. ginseng and reports the trends and challenges of its future research and development.