Screening for Potential Active Components of Fangji Huangqi Tang on the Treatment of Nephrotic Syndrome by Using Integrated Metabolomics Based on "Correlations Between Chemical and Metabolic Profiles"

As for traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) prescription, what puzzled researchers most was how to select proper chemical markers to represent the whole pharmacological action system. In this paper, an integrated metabolomic method was presented for a systematic discovery of potential active components in Fangji Huangqi Tang (FHT), a well-known TCM prescription for nephrotic syndrome treatment, based on “correlations between chemical and metabolic profiles.” Firstly, a metabolomics study was carried out to select representative biomarkers of nephrotic syndrome. Then, after drug administration, the dynamic process of serum composition was investigated by the ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization–quadrupole–time of flight–mass spectrometry (UHPLC-ESI-Q-TOF-MS) technique to detect the prototypes and related metabolites of relative components from FHT. Pearson correlation analysis was finally used to find out the correlations between the endogenous metabolic spectrums and the chemical serum spectrums. As a result, 17 biomarkers for nephrotic syndrome indication were identified, and the main metabolic pathways of their concern included linoleic acid metabolism; cyanoamino acid metabolism; alpha-linolenic acid metabolism; glycine, serine, and threonine metabolism; arachidonic acid metabolism; and glycerophospholipid metabolism. Meanwhile, active components in FHT for nephrotic syndrome treatment were screened out, including (+)-tetrandrine demethylation, fenfangjine G hydrogenation, tetrandrine, N-methylfangchinoline, tetrandrine demethylation, fangchinoline, glycyrrhetic acid, astragaloside II alcohol dehydration, atractylenolide III demethylation + hydrogenation, atractylenolide III demethylation + hydrogenation, and licoricone-N-acetylcysteine conjugation. This study demonstrated a promising way to elucidate the active chemical material basis of TCM prescription.

[Problems and solutions in modern research of traditional Chinese herbal pieces processing technology]

Chinese medicine processing is the main feature that distinguishes traditional Chinese medicine from natural medicine and plant medicine, and is the main feature in clinical medication of traditional Chinese medicine. The research of Chinese medicine processing technology is an important link to realize standardization and standardization of Chinese herbal pieces, with urgent need to attract high attention. At present, there are still many problems in the research of processing technology of Chinese herbal pieces, mainly including inconsistent processing technology, large differences in process technology parameters, and unstable production technology of Chinese herbal pieces, resulting in uncontrollable quality of Chinese herbal pieces and affecting the clinical efficacy of Chinese medicine. This paper focused on the establishment of a unified standard processing technology, and put forward the countermeasures for the processing technology of Chinese medicine based on a comprehensive analysis of the current situations of the processing technology of Chinese herbal pieces, with significance for guiding the establishment of a standardized processing technology of Chinese medicine.

Effect of piperine on the bioavailability and pharmacokinetics of rosmarinic acid in rat plasma using UPLC-MS/MS

1. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of piperine (PP) on the pharmacokinetics of rosmarinic acid (RA) in rat plasma and to determine whether PP could enhance the oral bioavailability of RA via inhibition of its glucuronidation. 2. The pharmacokinetic profiles of RA between oral administration of RA (50 mg/kg) alone and in combination with different oral dose PP (20, 40, 60, and 80 mg/kg) to rats were investigated via a validated UPLC/MS/MS method. 3. The AUC and Cmax of RA were significantly increased in combination with different dose PP dose dependently, especially in the presence of 60 and 80 mg/kg PP (p < 0.01). The relative bioavailability of RA in the presence of 20, 40, 60, and 80 mg/kg PP was 1.24-, 1.32-, 2.02-, and 2.26-folds higher, respectively, compared with the control group given RA alone. Compared with RA, the pharmacokinetic modulations of RA glucuronide were even more apparent, and the glucuronidation of RA was remarkedly inhibited. 4. This study demonstrated that PP significantly improved the in vivo bioavailability of RA partly attributing to the inhibition of gut and hepatic metabolism enzymes of RA.

Neuroprotective effects of Tongmai Yizhi Decoction () against Alzheimer's disease through attenuating cyclin-dependent kinase-5 expression

OBJECTIVES

To explore the protective effects of Tongmai Yizhi Decoction (, TYD), a Chinese herb complex prescription against the impairment of cognitive functions and memory loss in amyloid beta 1-40 (Aβ_1-40) peptide and ibotenic (IBO)-induced Alzheimer's disease (AD) model rats.

METHODS

The in vivo model was established by injecting Aβ_1-40 and IBO into left hippocampal CA1 area of Sprague-Dawley (SD) rat to mimic AD. Totally 32 SD rats were divided into 4 groups, including sham operation group, AD model group, TYD group [AD rats treated with TYD at the dosage of 19.44 g/(kg•d) for 4 weeks] and huperzine A group [AD rats treated with huperzine A at the dosage of 40.5 μg/(kg•d) for 4 weeks]. Spatial learning and memory level was detected by Morris Water Maze test. Histological morphology in the hippocampus was tested by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Cyclin-dependent kinase-5 (Cdk5) protein and gene expression level were investigated by Western blot analysis and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), respectively.

RESULTS

Aβ1-40 and IBO treatment induced longer escape latency of rats, compared with sham operation group from day 25 (P<0.01). However, TYD and huperzine A obviously shortened the escape latency from day 26 (P<0.01). Moreover, the effect of TYD was similar to huperzine A (P>0.05). Furthermore, HE staining also showed that TYD and huperzine A reversed the neuropathological changes in the hippocampus triggered by Aβ1-40 and IBO. TYD and huperzine A effectively reduced the expression levels of Cdk5 protein and gene located in rat hippocampus, compared with the AD model group (P<0.01).

CONCLUSION

TYD could be a promising neuroprotective agent for protecting neuron from AD injury through inhibiting Cdk5 expression.

Evaluation of the Influence of Sulfur-Fumigated Paeoniae Radix Alba on the Quality of Si Wu Tang by Chromatographic and Chemometric Analysis

An accurate and reliable method of high-performance liquid chromatographic fingerprint combining with multi-ingredient determination was developed and validated to evaluate the influence of sulfur-fumigated Paeoniae Radix Alba on the quality and chemical constituents of Si Wu Tang. Multivariate data analysis including hierarchical cluster analysis and principal component analysis, which integrated with high-performance liquid chromatographic fingerprint and multi-ingredient determination, was employed to evaluate Si Wu Tang in a more objective and scientific way. Interestingly, in this paper, a total of 37 and 36 peaks were marked as common peaks in ten batches of Si Wu Tang containing sun-dried Paeoniae Radix Alba and ten batches of Si Wu Tang containing sulfur-fumigated Paeoniae Radix Alba, respectively, which indicated the changed fingerprint profile of Si Wu Tang when containing sulfur-fumigated herb. Furthermore, the results of simultaneous determination for multiple ingredients showed that the contents of albiflorin and paeoniflorin decreased significantly (P < 0.01) and the contents of gallic acid and Z-ligustilide decreased to some extent at the same time when Si Wu Tang contained sulfur-fumigated Paeoniae Radix Alba. Therefore, sulfur-fumigation processing may have great influence on the quality of Chinese herbal prescription.

[Comparisons on chemical constituents of crude and wine-processed Dipsacus asper by using UPLC-Q-TOF/MS]

To compare the quality control indexes and chemical constituents of crude and wine-processed Dipsacus asper. According to Chinese Pharmacopoeia 2015 edition, water content, total ash, acid-insoluble ash and water soluble extract of different processed products were detected. UPLC-Q-TOF/MS approach was established to compare the contents of major constituents in crude and wine-processed D. asper. Moreover, the linearity, precision, stability, repeatability and recoveries of the approach were well studied. The results of water content, total ash, acid-insoluble ash and water-soluble extract of crude and wine-processed D. asper were all in line with the requirements of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia 2015 edition. Meanwhile, 20 main chemical constituents were identified by using UPLC-Q-TOF/MS. After wine-processing, the contents of asperosaponin Ⅵ, acetylate analogues and caffeic acid were significantly increased, while the contents of other phenolic components such as dicaffeoylquinic acid were decreased significantly, which may be which may be the main reason for different clinical efficacy of crude and wine-processed D. asper.

Optimization of the processing technology of Fructus Arctii by response surface methodology

The present study was designed to optimize the processing of Fructus Arctii by response surface methodology (RSM). Based on single factor studies, a three-variable, three-level Box-Behnken design (BBD) was used to monitor the effects of independent variables, including processing temperature and time, on the dependent variables. Response surfaces and contour plots of the contents of total lignans, chlorogenic acid, arctiin, and arctigenin were obtained through ultraviolet and visible (UV-Vis) monitoring and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Fructus Arctii should be processed under heating in a pot at 311 °C, medicine at 119 °C for 123s with flipping frequently. The experimental values under the optimized processing technology were consistent with the predicted values. In conclusion, RSM is an effective method to optimize the processing of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).

Positive skeletal effect of two ingredients of Psoralea corylifolia L. on estrogen deficiency-induced osteoporosis and the possible mechanisms of action

Estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) is utilized as a major regime for treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis at present. However, long-term supplement of estrogen may cause uterine hyperplasia and hypertension leading to a high risk of endometrial cancer and breast cancer. Psoralea corylifolia L. has long been used as tonic and food additives in many countries. Previous studies had found two ingredients in P. corylifolia L.: bavachin and bakuchiol exhibited osteoblastic activity. The present study was designed to investigate the protective effect of bakuchiol and bavachin on ovariectomy-induced bone loss and explore the possible mechanism. In vivo, bakuchiol and bavachin could prevented estrogen deficiency-induced bone loss in ovariectomized rats without uterotrophic activity. In vitro studies suggested that bakuchiol and bavachin induced primary human osteoblast differentiation by up-regulating the Wnt signalling pathway. This study suggests that such a bone-protective role makes them a promising and safe estrogen supplement for the ERT.

Optimization of ultrasound-assisted extraction of phenolic compounds from Cimicifugae rhizoma with response surface methodology

Background:

Cimicifugae rhizoma was a Ranunculaceae herb belonging to the composite family, and the roots of C. rhizoma have been widely used in tradition Chinese medicine.

Materials and Methods:

Ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) of phenolic compounds from C. rhizoma. Caffeic acid (CA), isoferulic acid (IA), ferulic acid (FA), and total phenols were quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detection and ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometer. Effects of several experimental parameters, such as ultrasonic power (W), extraction temperature (°C), and ethanol concentration (%) on extraction efficiencies of phenolic compounds from C. rhizoma were evaluated.

Results:

The results showed that the optimal UAE condition was obtained with ultrasonic power of 377.35 W, extraction temperature of 70°C, and ethanol concentration of 58.37% for total phenols, and ultrasonic power of 318.28 W, extraction temperature of 59.65°C, and ethanol concentration of 64.43% for combination of CA, IA, FA.

Conclusions:

The experimental values under optimal conditions were in good consistent with the predicted values, which suggested UAE is more efficient for the extraction of phenolic compounds from plant materials.

Development and validation of a HPLC-UV-ESI-MS method for the simultaneous quantitation of ten bioactive compounds in Dahuang Fuzi Tang

AIM

To develop a high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) and ultraviolet (UV) detector method for the acid-alkaline simultaneous determination of ten bioactive compounds, and analyze the effect of compatible medicinal plants on the concentration of components in Dahuang Fuzi Tang (DFT).

METHOD

The chromatographic separation was performed on a Hypersil BDS C18 analytical column by gradient elution with acetonitrile and formate buffer (containing 0.15% formic acid, V/V) at 25 °C with a flow rate of 1.0 mL·min(-1) and UV detection at 280 nm. Four of the ten compounds in DFT were identified and their MS fragments were elucidated by HPLC-ESI-MS, and the contents of the six compounds were determined by HPLC-UV.

RESULTS

All calibration curves showed good linear regression (r(2) ≥ 0.9990). The limits of detection and limits of quantification were 0.021-0.155 -g·mL(-1) and 0.076-0.520 -g·mL(-1), respectively. Overall precision RSD (intra-day and inter-day) were less than 2.96%, and the average recoveries were 98.35%-101.45%, with RSD ranging from 1.54% to 3.01% for the analytes.

CONCLUSION

The developed method can be applied for the quality control and provide analytical evidence on the chemical basis and combinational principles of DFT.

Quality assessment of Psoralea fructus by HPLC fingerprint coupled with multi-components analysis

Psoralea Fructus, the dried and ripe fruit of Psoralea corylifolia L., have been used as traditional medicine. There is substantial evidence that multiple constituents are responsible for the beneficial effects of this medicine. To effectively control the quality of this herbal medicine, HPLC fingerprint analysis was performed on a SinoChrom ODS-BP column with mobile phase of a gradient prepared from H₂O and CH₃CN, which the conditions used for gradient elution were: 0–10 min, 5–45% CH₃CN; 10–45 min, 45–70% CH₃CN; 45–50 min, 70–100% CH₃CN; 50–60 min, 100–100% CH₃CN, and the flow rate was 1.0 ml/min. It was obtained on the basis of the chromatographic data from 28 batches of samples, which contained 26 common peaks and 13 peaks were identified by the electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry as psoralen, isopsoralen, isobavachin, neobavaisoflavone, bavachin, corylin, broussochalcone B, psoralidin, isobavachalcone, bavachinin, corylifol A, bavachalcone and backuchiol. The contents of these 13 compounds were also simultaneously examined. By using principal component analysis, 28 batches of samples collected from 6 producing locations with different collecting time were evaluated and differentiated. In summary, the data as described in this study offer valuable information for quality control and proper use of Psoralea Fructus.

[Research on chemical reactions during ginseng processing]

As a kind of commonly used traditional Chinese medicine, ginseng has a high reputation at home and abroad. The research of ginseng has been expanded to medicine, pharmacy, biology, food science and other fields, with great achievements in recent years. Ginseng contains ginsenosides, volatile oil, carbohydrates, amino acids, polypeptides, inorganic elements and othser chemical constituents. Each component has extensive physiological activity, and is the base of ginseng's effect. After processing, the complicated changes are taken place in the constituents of ginseng, and some new substances produced. This paper aims to review the studies on chemical constituents and their mechanisms during ginseng processing, and the ideas, methods and the direction of the development of traditional Chinese medicine processing in the future.

Antitumor effects of two extracts from Oxytropis falcata on hepatocellular carcinoma in vitro and in vivo

AIMS

To investigate the antitumor effects of extracts from Oxytropis falcata on human hepatocellular carcinoma SMMC-7721 cells in vitro and in transplanted murine H22 tumors in vivo.

METHODS

Cell proliferation, cell cycle distribution and apoptosis in SMMC-7721 cells were determined and tumor growth inhibition in H22 tumors was investigated. Cell cycle distribution was analyzed by flow cytometry with propidium iodide (PI) and Annexin V-FITC/ PI double staining.

RESULTS

MTT assay revealed that essential oil and flavonoids of O. falcata (named EOOF and FOF) inhibited proliferation of SMMC-7721 cells in a dose-dependent manner. The IC50 value of EOOF and FOF were 0.115 and 0.097 mg·mL(-1), respectively. Cell cycle was arrested at G(1) phase, and induction of apoptosis occurred in SMMC-7721 cells when subjected to FOF. Growth inhibition in H22 solid tumors transplanted mice was significantly pronounced after being treated with FOF, and the inhibition ratio were 56.1% and 70.8% at the concentration of 30 and 60 mg·kg(-1).

CONCLUSION

The results suggest that FOF promotes apoptosis in SMMC-7721 cells and inhibits H22 tumor growth, resulting in a potential antitumor effect on hepatic cancer.

Effects of food and gender on the pharmacokinetics of ginkgolides A, B, C and bilobalide in rats after oral dosing with ginkgo terpene lactones extract

The ginkgo terpene lactones (GTL), mainly including bilobalide (BB), ginkgolide A (GA), ginkgolide B (GB) and ginkgolide C (GC) possess different biological activities such as peripheral vasoregulation, platelet-activating factor (PAF) receptor antagonism, neuroprotective properties and prevention of membrane damage caused by free radicals. To investigate the effects of food and gender on the bioavailability of BB, GA, GB and GC after oral administration of GTL extract, a rapid UPLC-MS/MS method was developed and validated. A reversed phase C18 column (100mm×2.1mm, i.d., 1.7μm) and a mobile phase consisted of methanol and 1mM ammonium acetate (70/30, v/v) were employed. Compared with the fasted group, the t1/2 values for BB, GA, GB and GC in fed were all increased (p<0.05), AUC0-t and AUC0-∞ values of BB, GA, GB and GC were all significantly increased (p<0.05), but the Cmax values of BB, GA, GB and GC were significantly decreased (p<0.05). In comparison with the male group, all of the t1/2 values and AUC0-t values for BB, GA, GB and GC in female were higher (p<0.05), but no statistical difference in Tmax values for BB, GA, GB and GC between these two groups. Food and gender factor showed significant effects on the pharmacokinetics of BB, GA, GB, and GC. The results suggested that oral doses of GTL should be lowered for fasted and female subjects, compared with the fed and male subjects, respectively.

[Perspective and application of metabonomics in modern study of traditional Chinese medicine]

Metabonomics is a new method to study on the metabolic network and the relationship between body and environment, which conforms to the way of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) research. In the study process of modernization of traditional Chinese medicine, effectively conjunction with metabonomics method will facilitate the integration of TCM with modern biological science and technology, and promote the modernization of TCM. This paper introduce the application of metabonomics in the research of toxicity mechanism of TCM, compatibility mechanism of TCM formula, pharmacology effect of TCM and processing mechanism of TCM. This paper summarize the problems in the TCM metabonomics research and prospect its bright future.

Drug-in-cyclodextrin-in-liposomes: a promising delivery system for hydrophobic drugs

INTRODUCTION

Recently, the entrapment of hydrophobic drugs in the form of water-soluble drug-cyclodextrin (CD) complex in liposomes has been investigated as a new strategy to combine the relative advantages of CDs and liposomes into one system, namely drug-in-CD-in-liposome (DCL) systems.

AREAS COVERED

For DCLs preparation, an overall understanding of the interaction between CDs and lipid components of liposomes is necessary and valuable. The present article reviews the preparation, characterization and application of DCLs, especially as antitumor or transdermal carriers. Double-loading technique, an interesting strategy to control release and increase drug-loading capacity, is also discussed.

EXPERT OPINION

DCL approach can be useful in increasing drug solubility and vesicles stability, in controlling the in vivo fate of hydrophobic drugs and in avoiding burst release of drug from the vesicles. To obtain stable DCL, the CDs should have a higher affinity to drug molecules compared with liposomal membrane lipids. DCLs prepared by double-loading technique seem to be a suitable targeted drug delivery system because they have a fast onset action with prolonged drug release process and the significantly enhanced drug-loading capacity. In particular, DCLs are suitable for the delivery of hydrophobic drugs which also possess volatility.

Discrepancy between the effects of morronside on apoptosis in human embryonic lung fibroblast cells and lung cancer A549 cells

Morroniside is a water-soluble compound extracted from the fruit of Cornus officinalis and is used to protect lung activity against aging. In the present study, the manner in which morroniside regulates normal lung and cancer cells was examined. The human embryonic lung fibroblast (HELF) cell line and lung cancer A549 cell line, and their responses to morroniside treatment, were examined. Results showed that morroniside reverses the apoptotic effect of H₂O₂ on HELF cell growth, protecting cell proliferation and normal cell morphology and inhibiting apoptosis. However, these effects were not present in A549 cells. Western blotting showed that morroniside also markedly downregulated retinoblastoma protein in HELF cells. These results suggest that morroniside treatment exhibits different effects on apoptosis in HELF and A549 cells, making it a viable compound for decreasing the side effects of anticancer medicines in normal cells.

[Application of traditional Chinese medicine reference standards in quality control of Chinese herbal pieces]

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) reference standards plays an important role in the quality control of Chinese herbal pieces. This paper overviewed the development of TCM reference standards. By analyzing the 2010 edition of Chinese pharmacopoeia, the application of TCM reference standards in the quality control of Chinese herbal pieces was summarized, and the problems exiting in the system were put forward. In the process of improving the quality control level of Chinese herbal pieces, various kinds of advanced methods and technology should be used to research the characteristic reference standards of Chinese herbal pieces, more and more reasonable reference standards should be introduced in the quality control system of Chinese herbal pieces. This article discussed the solutions in the aspect of TCM reference standards, and future development of quality control on Chinese herbal pieces is prospected.

[Comparative study on decoction and dissolution of crude and processed corni fructus]

To compare and study the decoction and dissolution of active constituents in crude and processed Corni Fructus. HPLC, the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) decoction method and the dissolution methods were adopted to compare and study the decoction yield and dissolution rate of loganin and morroniside, active constituents in crude and processed Corni Fructus. The results showed that the content of active constituents loganin and morroniside in crude and processed Corni Fructus did not change significantly; compared with crude Corni Fructus, processed Corni Fructus (decoction) contained much higher loganin, with no obvious change in morroniside; compared with crude Corni Fructus, processed Corni Fructus (extracts) showed no significant difference in loganin dissolution, but notable increase in morroniside dissolution in intestinal fluid; in gastric fluid, processed Corni Fructus showed significant increase in loganin and morroniside dissolutions. However, in comprehensive consideration of the decoction dose in clinical administration, and calculated on the basis of the formula of the decoction yield x dissolution rate = decoction-dissolution product, it showed increase in the decoction-dissolution products of both of the active constituents loganin and morroniside, with significant difference. This suggested that processed Corni Fructus is superior to crude Corni Fructus in clinical application. In this article, we proposed to compare the changes in decoction and dissolution of active constituents in crude and processed Corni Fructus, study the decoction-dissolution product, and then apply it in the quality evaluation of crude and processed Corni Fructus.

[Sulfur-fumigation, maintenance method of Chinese herbal medicine-discard or inheritance]

Sulfur-fumigation processing technology is an ancient maintenance method, which plays a certain role in storage and preservation for Chinese herbal medicine. But in recent years, with the further explanation of sulfur-fumigation processing mechanism and more attention to the safety of drugs, such traditional maintenance method of Chinese herbal medicine is now being questioned by more and more people. The authors think we should have selective inheritance rather than abslute discard to this ancient processing technology after reviewing the literatures published in recent 20 years, and some suggestions are also put forward, which can supply some references for related drug supervision departments.

[Quick identification and discrimination of sun-dried and sulfur-fumigated cimicifugae rhizoma by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy]

OBJECTIVE

To develop a method for quick identification of sun-dried and sulfur-fumigated Cimicifugae Rhizoma by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR).

METHODS

The alcoholic and aqueous extracts of sun-dried and sulfur-fumigated Cimicifugae Rhizoma were analyzed and compared by FTIR combined with second derivative infrared spectroscopy.

RESULTS

FTIR spectra showed that there were some differences in the positions of infrared absorption peaks and the relative intensities in the alcoholic and aqueous extracts of sun-dried and sulfur-fumigated Cimicifugae Rhizoma, and the second derivative IR spectra clearly enhanced the spectral resolution of their differences. FTIR spectra showed that the new absorption peaks of Cimicifugae Rhizoma appeared and a part of original absorption peaks disappeared after sulfur-fumigation in aqueous extracts, while a lot of new absorption peaks appeared and the intensities of almost all absorption peaks significantly decreased after sulfur-fumigation in alcoholic extracts. Second derivative IR spectra showed that both sun-dried and sulfur-fumigated Cimicifugae Rhizoma extracted by water differed significantly from each other ranging from about 3 950 to 3 940 cm(-1), 3 850 to 3 800 cm(-1), 1 800 to 1 750 cm(-1), as well as from 1 400 to 1 350 cm(-1); Differences also existed between sun-dried and sulfur-fumigated Cimicifugae Rhizoma extracted by ethanol ranging from about 3 980 to 3 960 cm(-1), 3 850 to 3 800 cm(-1), and 1 500 to 1 460 cm(-1).

CONCLUSION

The FTIR method combined with the second derivative IR spectrum can be used to analyze and distinguish sun-dried and sulfur-fumigated Cimicifugae Rhizoma quickly and accurately. The developed method provides an efficient approach for the quality control of Chinese herbal medicines with its simplicity and strong specificity.