On April 26th, the China Association of Traditional Chinese Medicine announced the “Top Ten Academic Advancements in Traditional Chinese Medicine for 2024” in Beijing. Research findings titled “Biosynthesis Pathway and Antiviral Mechanism of Benzylisoquinoline Alkaloids in Traditional Chinese Medicine Components Revealed,” a collaborative effort involving Professor Xu Zhichao’s team from NEFU’s College of Life Sciences, Academician Chen Shilin’s team from Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and Professor Xu Anlong/Wang Yao’s team from Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, was selected for this prestigious list.

Benzylisoquinoline alkaloids are components in traditional Chinese medicine known for their significant antiviral activity. However, their complex stereochemical structures and low content in their source plants make chemical synthesis challenging, severely limiting their potential for drug discovery and sustainable use. Academician Chen Shilin, Professor Song Chi, and Associate Professor Leng Liang from Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Professor Xu Anlong’s team from Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, and Professor Xu Zhichao’s team from NEFU conducted a systematic study on benzylisoquinoline alkaloids found in traditional Chinese medicinal herbs such asStephania tetrandraandMenispermum dauricum.Utilizing an herbal genomics research system, they screened for antiviral active components, elucidated their biosynthesis pathways, and, through in vivo and in vitro experiments, explained the scientific principle behind their ability to remodel cellular antiviral immune metabolism and enhance the human antiviral immune response. This led to the discovery of broad-spectrum, effective, highly active, and safe antiviral candidate drugs like Tetrandrine and Cepharanthine. The research findings were published in prominent journals, including Science Advances, Nature Communications, and Advanced Science, in 2024. This advancement provides new insights and a basis for developing novel antiviral drugs and improving the efficacy of existing medications.

Research reveals the biosynthesis pathway and antiviral mechanism of benzylisoquinoline alkaloids

Since 2020, the China Association of Traditional Chinese Medicine has annually released its “Top Ten Academic Advancements in Traditional Chinese Medicine,” which has generated considerable attention within the field. The selection process for the 2024 list adhered to the principle of being “oriented towards four aspects,” emphasizing exploratory and forward-looking research, as well as innovation and breakthroughs. It highlighted discoveries, principles, viewpoints, methods, technologies, and products achieved in clinical, basic, and applied traditional Chinese medicine research that meet clinical needs, address scientific questions, and promote industrial development. The selection also acknowledged the contributions of research teams in improving the mechanisms for the inheritance and innovative development of traditional Chinese medicine and promoting the high-quality growth of the TCM industry.