Researchers studied a traditional Chinese medicine called Tangzhiqing (TZQ) to understand how it might help people with diabetes who develop heart and blood vessel problems. Using advanced lab techniques, scientists identified 118 different compounds in the herb and found that 18 of them actually enter the bloodstream. When they tested TZQ on mice with diabetes and clogged arteries, the herb improved blood sugar levels, reduced harmful fats, and protected blood vessels. The key appears to be how TZQ changes the balance of bacteria in the gut and affects how the body processes bile acids—substances that help digest fats. This research suggests TZQ works through multiple pathways in the body to reduce complications from diabetes.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: How a traditional Chinese medicine called Tangzhiqing (TZQ) helps prevent and treat the blood vessel damage that happens in people with diabetes
  • Who participated: Laboratory mice bred to develop diabetes and clogged arteries (ApoE-/- mice). The mice were fed a high-fat diet and given injections to trigger diabetes, mimicking what happens in humans with the disease
  • Key finding: Mice treated with TZQ for 12 weeks showed significantly lower blood sugar levels, better cholesterol profiles, and healthier blood vessels compared to untreated mice. The herb worked through changes in gut bacteria and how the body handles bile acids (fat-digesting substances)
  • What it means for you: This research suggests TZQ may be a promising natural option for people with diabetes who are at risk for heart and blood vessel disease. However, these are early findings from animal studies—human trials are needed before TZQ can be recommended as a treatment. Talk to your doctor before trying any new supplement

The Research Details

Scientists used multiple advanced laboratory techniques to understand exactly what’s in Tangzhiqing and how it works in the body. First, they identified all 118 chemical compounds in the herb using specialized machines that can detect tiny amounts of substances. Then they tracked how much of each compound actually gets absorbed into the bloodstream when someone takes the medicine.

Next, they created mice with diabetes and clogged arteries (similar to what happens in humans) by feeding them unhealthy food and giving them injections. Half the mice received TZQ treatment for 12 weeks while the other half didn’t. The researchers measured blood sugar, cholesterol levels, and examined the mice’s blood vessels under a microscope to see if the herb helped.

Finally, they used cutting-edge techniques to understand the mechanism: they analyzed how the herb changed the bacteria living in the mice’s guts, examined how bile acid metabolism changed, and used computer modeling to show which compounds in the herb bind to important proteins in the liver.

This comprehensive approach is important because it doesn’t just show whether something works—it explains exactly how and why it works. By identifying the active compounds, tracking their absorption, measuring their effects on disease markers, and understanding the biological pathways involved, researchers can be more confident about the findings and can design better human studies in the future

Strengths: The study used multiple complementary techniques (chemistry analysis, animal models, genetic sequencing, protein analysis, and computer modeling) which strengthens confidence in the findings. The researchers used established disease models and measured multiple relevant outcomes. Limitations: This is an animal study, so results may not directly translate to humans. The sample size of mice wasn’t specified. No human trials have been conducted yet. The study was published in 2026, so long-term follow-up data isn’t available

What the Results Show

Tangzhiqing successfully reduced blood sugar levels in diabetic mice and improved their cholesterol profiles compared to untreated mice. The herb also protected the mice’s blood vessels from the damage typically seen in diabetes, as shown by examining the aorta (main blood vessel) under a microscope.

The researchers identified that TZQ contains 118 different chemical compounds, including organic acids, plant pigments called flavonoids, alkaloids, and oils. Of these, 39 compounds were absorbed into the bloodstream, with 18 showing good absorption rates that would be effective for treatment.

The mechanism appears to work through the gut microbiome (the bacteria living in the digestive system). TZQ changed the balance of different bacterial species, particularly increasing beneficial bacteria and decreasing harmful ones. This shift in bacteria composition affected how the body processes bile acids—substances that help digest fats and play important roles in metabolism.

The study found that TZQ enhanced the activity of two important liver proteins: FXR and CYP7A1. These proteins are crucial for controlling how the body handles bile acids and cholesterol. Computer modeling showed that several compounds in TZQ bind well to these proteins, suggesting they’re responsible for the herb’s effects. The restoration of normal bile acid metabolism appears to be a key mechanism by which TZQ improves the metabolic problems seen in diabetic mice

This research builds on traditional use of Tangzhiqing in Chinese medicine for treating diabetes. Previous studies suggested the herb was helpful, but this is the first comprehensive investigation of exactly which compounds are active and how they work at the molecular level. The findings align with growing scientific evidence that gut bacteria and bile acid metabolism play important roles in diabetes complications, supporting newer theories about how these conditions develop

This study was conducted entirely in laboratory mice with genetically engineered diabetes, not in humans with naturally occurring diabetes. Results in animals don’t always translate to humans due to differences in metabolism and physiology. The study doesn’t specify how many mice were used, making it harder to assess statistical reliability. No comparison was made to other traditional or modern treatments except metformin. Long-term safety and effectiveness in humans remain unknown

The Bottom Line

Based on this research: Do NOT start taking Tangzhiqing as a diabetes treatment without consulting your doctor (confidence level: high for this caution). The findings are promising but preliminary—human clinical trials are needed before any recommendations can be made. If you’re interested in this herb, discuss it with your healthcare provider who can assess whether it’s appropriate for your specific situation and won’t interact with your current medications (confidence level: high)

This research is most relevant to: People with diabetes who are interested in traditional medicine approaches; Researchers studying how gut bacteria and bile acid metabolism affect diabetes; Healthcare providers looking for new treatment avenues; People with family history of diabetes-related heart disease. This research is NOT yet ready for: People looking for an immediate treatment alternative; Those who should rely on proven diabetes medications; Anyone without medical supervision

In the mouse studies, benefits appeared over 12 weeks of treatment. If human trials eventually confirm these findings, realistic timelines would likely be similar (several weeks to months) before seeing improvements in blood sugar and cholesterol levels. However, preventing blood vessel damage is a long-term process, so benefits might take longer to fully appreciate

Want to Apply This Research?

  • If your doctor approves trying TZQ, track: Daily blood sugar readings (if you monitor at home), weekly weight measurements, and monthly cholesterol levels (through blood tests). Also note any digestive changes, energy levels, and how you feel overall
  • Users could log: When they take TZQ, any dietary changes they make alongside it, exercise activity, and stress levels. This helps identify patterns between the supplement and health improvements. The app could send reminders for consistent dosing and prompt weekly reflection on symptoms
  • Set up monthly check-ins with your doctor to review blood work and discuss any changes in symptoms. Use the app to track trends over 3-6 months. If using TZQ, maintain a detailed log of all supplements and medications to share with your healthcare provider. Set reminders for regular blood sugar and cholesterol testing

This research describes laboratory findings in mice and has not been tested in humans. Tangzhiqing is not approved by the FDA for treating diabetes or heart disease in the United States. Do not use this information to replace medical advice from your doctor. If you have diabetes or heart disease, continue taking prescribed medications unless your doctor tells you otherwise. Before starting any new supplement, including Tangzhiqing, consult with your healthcare provider about potential interactions with your current medications and whether it’s appropriate for your individual health situation. This article is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice