Research progress in the regulation of DNA methylation by traditional Chinese medicine

doi:10.19803/j.1672-8629.20260417

Abstract

Abstract: Objective To review the recent advances in research on the role of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in regulating DNA methylation over the past three years so as to provide evidence for the elucidation of the mechanisms, rational clinical applications and pharmacovigilance related to TCM. Methods Such databases as CNKI, PubMed and Web of Science were searched. Literature about DNA methylation regulated by TCM monomers, effective parts/extracts, single herbs, compound preparations and property-meridian theories was summarized and analyzed. Results DNA methylation was an important epigenetic modification, the abnormality of which was closely related to such diseases as tumors, atherosclerosis, liver fibrosis, nephropathy, osteoporosis and aging. TCM exerted multi-target and multi-channel regulatory effects primarily by modulating DNA methyltransferases, demethylases and methylation levels of key gene promoters. Conclusion The regulation of DNA methylation by TCM is highly consistent with the holistic concept, nature-taste-meridian tropism and compatibility theory of TCM, which is why this sphere is promising. The development of pharmacovigilance and precise medication of TCM based on DNA methylation can contribute to the modernization and high-quality development of TCM.

Key words: DNA Methylation, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Epigenetics, Regulatory, Mechanism

CLC Number:

R282
R994.11

Peng Lili, Fan Yan, Tian Chunhua, Xiao Suping. Research progress in the regulation of DNA methylation by traditional Chinese medicine[J]. Chinese Journal of Pharmacovigilance, 2026, 23(9): 1065-1069.

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https://zgywjj.magtechjournal.com/EN/Y2026/V23/I9/1065

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