Peony stamen and semen cuscutae complex, preparation method therefor and use thereof

Abstract

A peony stamen and semen cuscutae complex, a preparation method therefor and a use thereof. The peony stamen and semen cuscutae complex is composed of the following raw materials: 10-18 parts by weight of peony stamen and 5-12 parts by weight of semen cuscutae. Low, medium and high dose groups of the peony stamen and semen cuscutae complex are used as interventions in a rat model of chronic nephritis; urine protein, uric acid, BUN and Cr levels are detected, kidney weight and kidney-to-body ratio are measured, pathological morphology examination is performed, an immunofluorescence method is used to detect glomerular IgG and C3 deposition, and immunohistochemical staining is used to observe protein expression of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in rat left kidney tissue. The results show that the peony stamen and semen cuscutae complex has a significant therapeutic effect on the rat model of chronic nephritis, and has a certain degree of dose dependence.

Description

A peony stamen-cuscuta complex and its preparation method and application Technical Field

[0001] The invention belongs to the technical field of traditional Chinese medicines, and particularly relates to a peony stamen-cuscuta complex and a preparation method and application thereof. Background Art

[0002] The information disclosed in this background technology section is only intended to enhance understanding of the overall background of the invention and should not necessarily be regarded as an admission or any form of suggestion that the information constitutes the prior art already known to those skilled in the art.

[0003] Chronic nephritis (CKD) primarily manifests as a glomerular disease, characterized pathologically by damage to and inflammation of the glomerular filtration membrane. Common symptoms include proteinuria, hematuria, hypertension, and edema. Due to its diverse pathogenesis, CKD typically has a prolonged course and slowly progresses. Long-term glomerular damage and inflammation lead to glomerular sclerosis and fibrosis, ultimately resulting in varying degrees of renal function decline and progression to chronic renal failure. Treatment of CKD involves controlling the cause, managing underlying conditions such as hypertension and diabetes, controlling proteinuria and blood pressure, and using renal protective agents. Therefore, chronic nephritis requires prompt diagnosis and treatment to prevent further progression. Patients may often remain asymptomatic for long periods until overt symptoms develop when renal function is severely impaired. It is important to emphasize that chronic nephritis is not a single disease but rather a group of conditions. Chronic nephritis can be categorized into multiple types from different perspectives, and there is often overlap and overlap between the different classifications.

[0004] Peony stamens are an important component of the peony flower. They are conical or cylindrical, approximately 2-4 cm long and 1-2 cm in diameter. The main components of peony stamens include paeoniflorin, flavonoids, tannins, and volatile oils. Among them, paeoniflorin is a compound with multiple biological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and anti-tumor properties. Flavonoids often have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-tumor effects. Tannins have astringent, hemostatic, and antibacterial effects and are commonly used to treat symptoms such as dysentery and diarrhea. Volatile oils have analgesic, sedative, and antibacterial effects and are commonly used to treat symptoms such as headaches, neurasthenia, and respiratory infections. Peony stamens are widely consumed as peony stamen tea due to their flavor and mouthfeel, but there are few studies evaluating their functional effects. The inventors conducted a preliminary survey of approximately 30 people who regularly drank peony stamen tea and found that regular consumption of peony stamens, particularly in middle-aged and elderly women, significantly improved the frequency of frequent urination and nocturia.

[0005] Currently, the treatment of chronic nephritis relies primarily on medication, nutritional support, and dialysis. However, these treatments have limitations and cannot fully meet the needs of patients. Drug treatments primarily include thiazide diuretics, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) / angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), glucocorticoids and cytotoxic drugs, and antiplatelet drugs. These drugs primarily improve symptoms such as edema, hematuria, and proteinuria, but they can have significant side effects and may be ineffective or even ineffective in some patients with poor renal function. When serum creatinine is >264 μmol / L, they must be used with caution under close observation. A small number of patients experience a persistent dry cough as a side effect of ACEIs. Active use of glucocorticoids and cytotoxic drugs is generally not recommended. They can be tried in patients without contraindications, but should be gradually withdrawn if ineffective. Anti-infective drugs used can only treat superficial symptoms and may be associated with side effects such as abdominal distension, cough, red and swollen tonsils, and dry and sore throat. Plant preparations that can improve the symptoms of nephritis and strengthen the kidneys are ideal medicines for treating chronic nephritis. However, there are few ideal plant preparations that can be used for chronic nephritis, and there is a lack of plant preparations with significant therapeutic effects.

[0006] Summary of the Invention

[0007] In order to overcome the deficiencies in the prior art, the present invention aims to provide a peony stamen-cuscuta seed composite, and its preparation method and application. Cuscuta seed is sweet and warm, and enters the kidney, liver, and spleen meridians. It is a medicinal and edible substance, and has the effects of nourishing the liver and kidney, consolidating essence and reducing urine, calming the fetus, improving eyesight, and stopping diarrhea. It was first recorded in the Shennong's Herbal Classic and was listed as a top-grade product. Sweetness generally has a nourishing effect, while sweetness, acridity, and slightly warming properties neutralize the Qi. It can both tonify yang and benefit yin, and has the characteristics of being warm without being dry, and tonifying without being stagnant. It has the effects of consolidating essence and calming the fetus, and of being similar to sex hormones. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that the kidney is the innate foundation, containing the primordial yin and primordial yang, and is the root of human reproductive development and the driving force of the functional activities of the internal organs. Peony stamens, the essence of the peony (Paeonia suffruti cosa Andr.), are extremely nutritious, containing a variety of minerals such as potassium, magnesium, calcium, and phosphorus. The content of essential trace elements such as iron and zinc is several times higher than in peony petals. They are naturally rich in squalene, vitamins A, C, E, and B vitamins, and contain 18 amino acids, with glutamic acid and aspartic acid at the highest concentrations, reaching 3.63% and 2.83%, respectively. Stamens are also rich in active ingredients such as bioactive polysaccharides, proteins, paeoniflorin, α-linolenic acid, and catechins, making them an excellent natural health food ingredient. However, there are currently few studies evaluating the functional properties of peony stamens, and there are almost no detailed studies on their use in treating chronic nephritis. Unopened peony stamens are often processed into a common tea for consumption. Preliminary research indicates that regular consumption of peony stamen tea, particularly among middle-aged and elderly individuals, significantly reduces frequent urination and nighttime urination. Preliminary animal experimental results show that the peony stamen complex has a good therapeutic effect on a rat model of chronic nephritis, and is an ideal natural plant source for treating chronic nephritis, with good development and application prospects. The present invention explores the therapeutic effect of peony stamens on chronic nephritis. Peony stamens and dodder seeds are compounded and soaked in light salt water to guide the drugs to the kidney meridian. Pharmacological experiments and human food trials have confirmed that the peony stamen and dodder complex has a good therapeutic effect on chronic nephritis, and a preparation method for the complex has been determined. The rat chronic nephritis model verified its therapeutic effect on chronic nephritis, and human food trials of the peony stamen and dodder complex decoction found that it significantly improved nephritis symptoms such as frequent urination, which provides a new means for the treatment of chronic nephritis.

[0008] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is implemented through the following technical solutions:

[0009] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a peony stamen-cuscuta seed composite, which is composed of the following raw materials: 10-18 parts by weight of peony stamens and 5-12 parts by weight of dodder seeds.

[0010] Preferably, the preparation comprises the following raw materials: 15 parts by weight of peony stamens and 8 parts by weight of dodder seeds.

[0011] Preferably, the peony stamens include one or more of the stamens of the phoenix peony or the stamens of the purple-spotted tree peony.

[0012] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a method for preparing the peony stamen-cuscuta complex as described in the first aspect, comprising the following steps:

[0013] S1, peony stamens are desensitized, then immersed in a small amount of light salt water for about 10 minutes, and then low-temperature drying is used for standby use. Cuscuta seeds are immersed in a small amount of light salt water for about 20 minutes, and then baked for standby use.

[0014] S2. The peony stamens and dodder seeds treated in step S1 are broken into pieces and immersed in warm water, followed by a first ultrasonic treatment, a first filtration, the filter residue is added with water and then subjected to a second ultrasonic treatment, a second filtration, the two filtrates are combined, and the filtrates are concentrated under reduced pressure to obtain the peony stamen dodder seed complex.

[0015] Preferably, in step S1, the peony stamens need to be desensitized at a temperature of 120°C for 1-3 min or homemade microwave desensitization, the peony stamens are 3-6 mm thick, the power is 3000-5000 W, the time is 1-3 min, and the temperature is 65-80°C.

[0016] Preferably, in step S1, the temperature of the low-temperature drying is 55-65° C., and the time is 4.5-5.5 hours; the temperature of the baking is 75-85° C., and the time is 7.5-8.5 hours.

[0017] Preferably, in step S1, the brine is light brine with a concentration of 1.2-1.8%, the amount of brine required for peony stamens and dodder is 1-2 times and 1 / 4-2 / 1 times the mass of peony stamens, and the immersion time is 8-15 minutes and 15-25 minutes.

[0018] Preferably, in step S2, the weight of the warm water is 19-21 times the total mass of the peony stamens and dodder seeds, the temperature is 65-75° C., and the immersion time is 1.5-2.5 h.

[0019] Preferably, in step S2, the first ultrasonic treatment is performed for 25-35 min, and the second ultrasonic treatment is performed for 55-65 min; and water in an amount 14-16 times the total mass of the peony stamens and dodder seeds is added to the filter residue.

[0020] Preferably, in step S2, the temperature of the reduced pressure vacuum concentration does not exceed 70° C., and the reduced pressure vacuum concentration is performed to a mass that is 7.9-8.1 times the total mass of the peony stamens and dodder seeds.

[0021] In a third aspect, the present invention provides use of the peony stamen-cuscuta complex as described in the first aspect in the preparation of drugs and / or foods and / or health products for treating nephritis.

[0022] In a fourth aspect, the present invention provides a drug for treating nephritis, characterized in that it comprises the peony stamen-cuscuta complex as described in the first aspect and pharmaceutically acceptable excipients.

[0023] The beneficial effects achieved by one or more technical solutions of the present invention are as follows:

[0024] The present invention prepares a complex of peony stamens and dodder seeds, and verifies its therapeutic effect on chronic nephritis by administering different doses of the peony stamen dodder seed complex in a rat chronic nephritis model. After one week of treatment, the amount of urine protein in the positive group and the high-dose group was significantly decreased compared with the model group (P < 0.05). After two weeks of treatment, the amount of urine protein in the positive group and the high-dose group was significantly decreased compared with the model group (P < 0.05). Compared with the model group, the uric acid, BUN, and Cr levels in the positive group and the high, medium, and low peony stamen dodder seed complex freeze-dried powder dose groups were significantly decreased (P < 0.01, P < 0.05). In particular, the levels of uric acid, BUN, and Cr in the high-dose group were significantly decreased (P < 0.01), approaching those in the positive group. All doses of the peony stamen-cuscuta seed complex freeze-dried powder reduced kidney weight and kidney-to-body ratio. The high-dose peony stamen-cuscuta seed complex freeze-dried powder group showed a significant reduction in right kidney weight, with a dose-dependent effect. The effect was more pronounced when the dose of the peony stamen-cuscuta seed complex freeze-dried powder was higher than the high-dose group. Renal pathological changes in rats were significantly alleviated in the low-, medium-, and high-dose groups. Glomerular immunofluorescence analysis of C3 and IgG deposition revealed that the high-dose group significantly reduced glomerular C3 and IgG deposition (P < 0.01). Renal interleukin-1β expression also revealed that the positive control group and the high-dose treatment group reduced renal IL-1β expression, but no significant difference was observed between the medium- and low-dose treatment groups and the model group. Renal TNF-α expression was reduced in the positive control group and all peony stamen-cuscuta seed complex freeze-dried powder groups. Combined with the 24-hour urine protein level, uric acid, BUN, Cr levels, pathological morphology examination, protein expression, etc., it was comprehensively judged that peony stamens had a significant therapeutic effect on the chronic nephritis rat model.

[0025] The peony stamen-cuscuta seed complex provided by the invention has a significant therapeutic effect on a chronic nephritis rat model and has a certain dose dependence.

[0026] The preparation method of the peony stamen-cuscuta seed composite provided by the invention is simple, and the composite can be further processed into medicine, food or health care product, and has broad application prospects. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] The accompanying drawings, which constitute a part of the present invention, are used to provide a further understanding of the present invention. The exemplary embodiments of the present invention and their descriptions are used to explain the present invention and do not constitute improper limitations on the present invention.

[0028] FIG1 is a pathological section diagram of the chronic nephritis rat model in different groups in Example 2;

[0029] FIG2 shows the expression of glomerular immunofluorescence C3 deposition in different groups of chronic nephritis rat models in Example 2;

[0030] FIG3 shows the expression of glomerular immunofluorescence IgG deposition in different groups of chronic nephritis rat models in Example 2;

[0031] FIG4 is an immunohistochemical image of animal No. 3 of the chronic nephritis rat model in the blank group in Example 2, with a magnification of 400X;

[0032] FIG5 is an immunohistochemical image of animal No. 9 of the chronic nephritis rat model in the model group of Example 2, with a magnification of 400X;

[0033] FIG6 is an immunohistochemical image of animal No. 12 of the chronic nephritis rat model in the model group of Example 2, with a magnification of 400X;

[0034] FIG7 is an immunohistochemical image of animal No. 15 of the chronic nephritis rat model in the positive control group in Example 2, at a magnification of 400X;

[0035] FIG8 is an immunohistochemical image of animal No. 18 in the chronic nephritis rat model of the positive control group in Example 2, at a magnification of 400X;

[0036] FIG9 is an immunohistochemical image of animal No. 21 of the chronic nephritis rat model in the high-dose group of Example 2, at a magnification of 400X;

[0037] FIG10 is an immunohistochemical image of animal No. 29 of the chronic nephritis rat model in the high-dose group of Example 2, at a magnification of 400X;

[0038] FIG11 is an immunohistochemical image of animal No. 35 of the chronic nephritis rat model in the medium-dose group in Example 2, at a magnification of 400X;

[0039] FIG12 is an immunohistochemical image of animal No. 37 of the chronic nephritis rat model in the medium-dose group in Example 2, at a magnification of 400X;

[0040] FIG13 is an immunohistochemical image of animal No. 40 of the chronic nephritis rat model in the low-dose group of Example 2, at a magnification of 400X;

[0041] FIG14 is an immunohistochemical image of animal No. 45 of the chronic nephritis rat model in the low-dose group of Example 2, at a magnification of 400X;

[0042] FIG15 shows the expression of IL-1β in the kidneys of rats with chronic nephritis in different groups in Example 2;

[0043] FIG16 shows the expression results of TNF-α in the kidneys of rats with chronic nephritis in different groups in Example 2. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] In order to enable those skilled in the art to more clearly understand the technical solution of the present invention, the technical solution of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments and comparative examples.

[0045] Example 1

[0046] Stamens of phoenix peony or purple-spotted peony are harvested between late March and mid-April, when the tips of the fresh stamens are fully exposed to pollen, the sepals are fully open, and the stamens are visible to the naked eye. Picking should be completed before 10:00 AM daily. In colder temperatures, picking can be delayed. Fresh peony stamens are desensitized and treated with light brine at 60°C for 5 hours, allowing the various nutrients within the stamens, including amino acids, proteins, polysaccharides, flavonoids, vitamin E, and vitamin B3, to slowly aggregate into a dry substance before use. Cuscuta seeds are treated with light brine and baked at 80°C for 8 hours before use.

[0047] 15 parts of pretreated peony stamens and 8 parts of dodder seeds are broken into pieces, soaked in 70°C water (20 times the total weight of the peony stamens and dodder seeds) for 2 hours, then ultrasonically treated for 30 minutes, filtered, and the residue is added with 15 times the total weight of the peony stamens and dodder seeds in water, ultrasonically treated for 1 hour, filtered, and the two filtrates are combined and concentrated under reduced pressure (temperature not exceeding 70°C) to an extract 8 times the total weight of the peony stamens and dodder seeds. The extract is freeze-dried to obtain a freeze-dried powder of the peony stamen-dodder complex.

[0048] Example 2

[0049] Forty-eight male SD rats weighing (220±10) g and aged (6±1) weeks were cultured at a temperature of (22±2)°C, a humidity of 55%±5%, and a 12-hour light and 12-hour dark cycle.

[0050] The chronic nephritis rat model was modified according to Border's method. First, take an appropriate amount of C-BSA dry powder, dissolve it in PBS (pH 7.2-7.4), and mix it with incomplete Freund's adjuvant in a ratio of 1:1 to form a milky white suspension with a concentration of 2 mg / ml. Then, the rats were fasted for 12 hours but not water, and 2 ml of 2 mg / ml C-BSA solution was injected into their back, armpit and groin on the 1st and 8th days, respectively, with one injection per rat. Starting from the 10th day, C-BSA (16 mg·kg -1 After three weeks of continuous immunization, experimental observations and analyses were performed. Urine was collected from the rats over a 24-hour period three weeks after the injection. Compared to the blank control group, the test results showed significant proteinuria. These observations suggest that C-BSA successfully induced a rat model of chronic nephritis.

[0051] After successfully establishing a rat model of chronic nephritis, the rats were randomly divided into six groups: a blank group, a model group, a positive control group, a high-dose group (20 mg / (kg·d) freeze-dried powder of the peony stamen-cuscuta seed complex of Example 1), a medium-dose group (10 mg / (kg·d) freeze-dried powder of the peony stamen-cuscuta seed complex of Example 1), and a low-dose group (5 mg / (kg·d) freeze-dried powder of the peony stamen-cuscuta seed complex of Example 1), with eight rats in each group. The dosage was calculated using the body surface area method. The positive control group was given Nephritis Four-Ingredient Capsule at a dose of 3 g / (kg·d); the model and blank groups were given an equal amount of normal saline by gavage once daily for four weeks.

[0052] The time points for measuring urine protein levels included after model establishment, the first week, the second week, and the fourth week of drug treatment. Before each measurement, the rats were placed in metabolic cages for 24 hours, their urine was collected, and the urine volume was tested before measuring urine protein levels using a semi-automatic biochemical analyzer.

[0053] After the fourth week of treatment, 1 to 3 ml of blood was collected from the inner canthus of the rats for processing, and the uric acid, BUN and Cr levels of the rats were detected using a kit.

[0054] After the last blood draw, the rats were sacrificed by cervical dislocation, and the left and right kidneys were removed and weighed. The ratio of kidney weight to body weight (kidney-to-body ratio) was calculated.

[0055] For pathological examination of renal tissue, the tissue should first be washed with PBS to remove the surface membrane, then fixed in 10% formalin. Next, the tissue should be dehydrated in a series of ethanol solutions, embedded in paraffin, and sliced ​​into 3-4 μm thick sections. These sections should then be stained with hematoxylin and eosin for observation. Finally, pathological changes should be observed under a microscope.

[0056] For pathological examination of glomeruli and tubules, the specimens should be washed with saline and then fixed in 10% neutral formaldehyde solution. Following routine dehydration and paraffin embedding, 3-μm-thick sections were prepared and stained with post-transcriptional succinylcholinesterase (PAS) to visualize glomerular pathological changes. Furthermore, under hematoxylin and eosin staining, 10 randomly selected fields containing only tubules but no glomeruli were semiquantitatively assessed for tubulointerstitial damage and renal inflammatory cell infiltration.

[0057] Rat kidney tissue was embedded in OTC, cut into 4 μm sections using a freezing microtome, fixed with pre-chilled acetone for 10 minutes, and washed for later use. FITC-labeled IgG antibody (1:50) was added to the sections and incubated for 30 minutes at 37°C in the dark. After the antibody was washed, 50% glycerol was added to the sections, and glomerular IgG deposition was observed under a fluorescence microscope. Sections were blocked with 5% BSA at room temperature for 30 minutes. After washing, C3 antibody (1:100) was added and incubated overnight at 4°C. After the antibody was washed, FITC-labeled secondary antibody was added and incubated in a humidified chamber at 37°C in the dark for 1 hour. After the antibody was washed, 50% glycerol was added to the sections, and glomerular C3 deposition was observed under a fluorescence microscope.

[0058] Immunohistochemical staining was used to observe the expression of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) proteins in the left kidney tissue of rats.

[0059] SPSS data software was used for analysis, and the data were expressed as (x±s). T test was used for comparison between groups, and P<0.05 was considered statistically significant.

[0060] As shown in Table 1, during the treatment of the chronic nephritis rat model, after one week of treatment, the urine protein levels in the positive and high-dose groups were significantly reduced compared with the model group (P < 0.05). After two weeks of treatment, the urine protein levels in the positive and high-dose groups were significantly reduced compared with the model group (P < 0.05). The low-dose and medium-dose groups were also able to reduce the urine protein levels in the chronic nephritis rat model after one, two, and four weeks of treatment, but this did not reach statistical significance (P > 0.05). In summary, the low-, medium-, and high-dose peony stamen-cuscuta seed complex freeze-dried powder dose groups were able to reduce the urine protein levels in the chronic nephritis rat model, but there was a certain dose-effect relationship. Insufficient doses resulted in unsatisfactory effects. Compared with the positive group, the appropriate dose showed a significant therapeutic effect.

[0061] Table 1 Changes in proteinuria levels in chronic nephritis rat models in different groups (n=8)

[0062] **Compared with the blank group, P < 0.01; *Compared with the blank group, P < 0.05; ##Compared with the model group, P < 0.01; #Compared with the model group, P < 0.05.

[0063] Blood urea nitrogen (BUN), chromium, and uric acid levels reflect glomerular filtration function and can be used to assess a patient's renal function. As shown in Table 2, compared with the blank group, uric acid, BUN, and chromium levels in the model group after the fourth week of treatment in chronic nephritis rats were significantly elevated (P < 0.01). Compared with the model group, uric acid, BUN, and chromium levels in the positive group and the high, medium, and low dose groups of the peony stamen-cuscuta seed complex freeze-dried powder were significantly decreased (P < 0.01, P < 0.05). In particular, the high-dose group showed significant decreases in uric acid, BUN, and chromium levels (P < 0.01), approaching those in the positive group.

[0064] Table 2 Uric acid, BUN, and Cr levels in different groups of chronic nephritis rat models (n=8)

[0065] **Compared with the blank group, P < 0.01; *Compared with the blank group, P < 0.05; ##Compared with the model group, P < 0.01; #Compared with the model group, P < 0.05.

[0066] As shown in Table 3, compared with the blank control group, the model group in the chronic nephritis rat model showed significant increases in left kidney weight, right kidney weight, kidney-to-body ratio (left), kidney-to-body ratio (left), and kidney-to-body ratio (total) after the last blood draw (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). This indicates that kidney swelling in chronic nephritis rats cannot heal on its own without treatment.

[0067] Compared with the model group, the positive group and the low-, medium-, and high-dose peony stamen-cuscuta seed complex freeze-dried powder groups all showed a downward trend in left and right kidney weight, kidney-to-body ratio (left), kidney-to-body ratio (right), and kidney-to-body ratio (total). In particular, the high-dose peony stamen-cuscuta seed complex freeze-dried powder group significantly reduced the kidney-to-body ratio (total) and kidney-to-body ratio (right) in the chronic nephritis rat model (P < 0.05). While the medium-dose peony stamen-cuscuta seed complex freeze-dried powder group showed a decrease in right kidney weight in the chronic nephritis rat model, this did not reach statistical significance (P > 0.05).

[0068] These results indicate that the peony stamen-cuscuta seed complex freeze-dried powder can alleviate kidney swelling symptoms in a rat model of chronic nephritis. Specifically, the high-dose peony stamen-cuscuta seed complex freeze-dried powder group showed a significant reduction in right kidney weight. The dose of the peony stamen-cuscuta seed complex freeze-dried powder is of great significance, and the effect was more pronounced when the dose of the peony stamen-cuscuta seed complex freeze-dried powder was higher than the high-dose group.

[0069] Table 3 Kidney-to-body ratio of chronic nephritis rat models in different groups (n=6)

[0070] **Compared with the blank group, P < 0.01; *Compared with the blank group, P < 0.05; ##Compared with the model group, P < 0.01; #Compared with the model group, P < 0.05.

[0071] As shown in Figure 1, compared with the blank group, the basement membrane in the kidney tissue of rats with chronic nephritis in the model group showed a distinct purple-red color and uneven thickness. Compared with the model group, the thickness of the glomerular basement membrane in the kidney tissue of rats in the positive group and the different doses, especially the high-dose group, was more uniform. This suggests that the peony stamen-cuscuta seed complex can improve the pathological morphology of the kidneys in the rat model of chronic nephritis.

[0072] As shown in Figure 2, glomerular immunofluorescence analysis of C3 deposition revealed minimal expression in the normal glomeruli and elevated expression in the model glomeruli. The positive control and high-dose glomeruli groups were able to reduce the expression of glomerular C3 deposition, while the expression level in the medium-dose glomeruli was lower than that in the low-dose glomeruli.

[0073] As shown in Figure 3, glomerular immunofluorescence results for IgG deposition show minimal expression in normal glomeruli, while high expression levels are observed in model glomeruli. While the positive control glomeruli were close to those in normal glomeruli, the high-dose glomeruli showed low levels of C3 deposition, while the medium-dose glomeruli showed similar levels to those in the low-dose glomeruli. A comprehensive analysis of 24-hour urine protein levels, uric acid, BUN, and chromium levels, as well as pathological morphological examination, suggests that peony stamens have a therapeutic effect in a rat model of chronic nephritis.

[0074] As shown in Figure 4-16, renal IL-1β expression results show low levels in normal kidneys, but elevated levels in the chronic nephritis model group. The positive control group and high-dose treatment group were able to reduce renal IL-1β expression, but no significant difference was found between the mid-dose and low-dose treatment groups and the model group. The low-dose group had slightly higher levels than the model group, possibly due to dose. As shown in Figure 4-16, renal TNF-α expression results show low levels in normal kidneys, but significantly elevated levels in the chronic nephritis model group. Both the positive control group and all treatment groups showed decreased expression levels.

[0075] The foregoing description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that various modifications and variations of the present invention are possible. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, or improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention are intended to be within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A peony stamen-cuscuta complex for treating nephritis, characterized in that: The composition is composed of 10-18 parts by weight of peony stamens and 5-12 parts by weight of dodder seeds and is obtained by the following preparation method: S1, peony stamens are desensitized, soaked in salt water and low-temperature dried for later use, and dodder seeds are soaked in salt water and baked for later use; S2, breaking the skin of the peony stamens and dodder seeds treated in step S1, and immersing them in warm water, and then performing a first ultrasonic treatment, filtering the residue, adding water, performing a second ultrasonic treatment, filtering the residue, combining the two filtrates, and concentrating the filtrates under reduced pressure to obtain the peony stamen dodder seed composite; In step S1, the peony stamens need to be desensitized, the desensitization temperature is 120°C, 1-3min or homemade microwave desensitization, the peony stamens are 3-6mm thick, the power is 3000-5000W, the time is 1-3min, and the temperature is 65-80°C; the temperature of the low-temperature drying is 55-65°C, the time is 4.5-5.5h; the temperature of the baking is 75-85°C, and the time is 7.5-8.5h; the brine is light brine with a concentration of 1.2-1.8%, the amount of brine required for the peony stamens and dodder is 1-2 times and 1 / 4-2 / 1 times the mass of the peony stamens, and the immersion time is 8-15 minutes and 15-25 minutes; In step S2, the weight of the warm water is 19-21 times the total weight of the peony stamens and dodder seeds, the temperature is 65-75° C., and the immersion time is 1.5-2.5 h; In step S2, the first ultrasonic treatment is performed for 25-35 min, and the second ultrasonic treatment is performed for 55-65 min; water having a mass of 14-16 times the total mass of peony stamens and dodder seeds is added to the filter residue; In step S2, the temperature of the reduced pressure vacuum concentration does not exceed 70° C., and the reduced pressure vacuum concentration is performed to a mass that is 7.9-8.1 times the total mass of the peony stamens and dodder seeds.

2. The peony stamen-cuscuta complex according to claim 1, characterized in that: The invention is composed of the following raw materials: 15 parts by weight of peony stamens and 8 parts by weight of dodder seeds.

3. The peony stamen-cuscuta complex according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The peony stamens are one or more of the peony stamens or the peony stamens.

4. Use of the peony stamen-cuscuta complex according to any one of claims 1 to 3 in the preparation of a drug for treating nephritis.

5. A drug for treating nephritis, characterized in that: The invention is composed of the peony stamen-cuscuta complex as described in any one of claims 1 to 3 and pharmaceutically acceptable excipients.

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