The effects of Rhizoma Zingiberis on pharmacokinetics of six Aconitum alkaloids in herb couple of Radix Aconiti Lateralis-Rhizoma Zingiberis

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Radix Aconiti Lateralis (Fuzi in Chinese, derived from the lateral roots of Aconitum Carmichaeli Debx.) is widely used for the treatment of heart failure, internal cold, arthralgia, diarrhea and edema for thousands of years. It was usually prescribed in combination with Rhizoma Zingiberis (Ganjiang in Chinese, derived from the dry rhizome of Zingiber officinale Rosc.) to decrease toxicity and increase efficacy.

AIM OF THE STUDY

In order to investigate the influence of Rhizoma Zingiberis on pharmacokinetics of six Aconitum alkaloids, i.e. aconitine (AC), hypaconitine (HA), mesaconitine (MA), benzoylaconine (BAC), benzoylhypaconine (BHA) and benzoylmesaconine (BMA), in Fuzi-Ganjiang herb couple, the comparative pharmacokinetics of six Aconitum alkaloids after oral administration of Fuzi and Fuzi-Ganjiang aqueous extract was carried out.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A sensitive, specific and rapid LC-MS/MS method was developed to determine the six analytes in plasma. Then the rats were randomly divided into two groups and orally administered with Fuzi and Fuzi-Ganjiang aqueous extract. At designated time points after oral administration, the concentrations of the six Aconitum alkaloids in rat plasma were determined, and main pharmacokinetic parameters were investigated using 3P97 (Practical Pharmacokinetics Program Version 1.0).

RESULTS

Comparing with Fuzi group, both T1/2 and AUC0-t of AC and HA decreased (P<0.05), while T1/2, AUC0-t and Cmax of BAC, BHA increased (P<0.05) in Fuzi-Ganjiang group, which indicated that Ganjiang could promote the elimination of AC and HA and enhance the absorption of BAC, BHA and BMA.

CONCLUSION

The differences of pharmacokinetics of Aconitum alkaloids in rat plasma could support those of pharmacologics and toxicity in previous reports between Fuzi and Fuzi-Ganjiang herb couple. The results might be helpful in explaining the mechanism of combination of Fuzi-Ganjiang to decrease toxicity and increase efficacy.

Preparation, characterization and tissue distribution of brucine stealth liposomes with different lipid composition

OBJECTIVE

To improve the therapeutic index of brucine, the novel stealth liposomes (SLS-n), composed of naturally unsaturated and hydrogenated soy phosphatidylcholines, with significant difference of phase transition temperature, were developed to encapsulate brucine.

METHODS

Brucine-loaded stealth liposomes with different lipid compositions were prepared and characterized for their entrapment efficiency (EE), particle size, zeta potential and in vitro drug release profile. Tissue distribution after intravenous administration of different brucine formulations was further compared in tumor-bearing mice.

RESULTS

Compared with the conventional stealth liposomes composed of SPC (SLS-s) or HSPC (SLS-h), EE and zeta potential of SLS-n were increased slightly, and the size was decreased slightly. The results of drug release showed that SLS-n were more stable than SLS-s. After intravenous administration, tumor AUC in SLS-s, SLS-n and SLS-h treated animals were 1.33, 1.72 and 2.59-fold higher than in mice treated with the same dose of free brucine, respectively. Compared with brucine solution, administration of SLS-s and SLS-n could significantly decrease brucine concentration in brain, but administration of SLS-h resulting in significantly increased (2.75-fold) concentration in 10 min.

CONCLUSION

Since brucine has severe central nervous system toxicity, our study indicated that SLS-n could considerably improve the therapeutic index of brucine.

[Study on quality evaluation of cimicifugae rhizoma from different producing areas by HPLC fingerprint]

To establish a fingerprint for Cimicifugae Rhizoma from different producing areas. Column kromasil (4.6 mm x 250 mm, 5 microm) was employed with acetonitrile-0.1% formic acid solution as the mobile phase for gradient elution. The flow rate was 1.0 mL x min(-1), the detection wavelength was 254 nm. Twenty chromatographic peaks were extracted as the common peaks of fingerprint, and 21 batches of samples were compared and classified with such methods as similarity evaluation, cluster analysis and principle component analysis. The results showed 12 common peaks and three categories of samples. The method was so highly reproducible, simple and reliable that it could provide basis for quality control and evaluation of Cimicifugae Rhizoma from different producing areas.

[Optimization of extraction process for Baizhu Shaoyao San by multi-index orthogonal experiment]

Baizhu Shaoyao San is a famous traditional Chinese medicine formula, which is efficient to diarrhea clinically. However, there are very few reports for extraction process of Baizhu Shaoyao San at present. In this article, an orthogonal test was conducted, with 10 major components and extractum of Baizhu Shaoyao San as indexes, and data was processed by the compound weight method, in order to detect four factors, including the concentration of ethanol, the dosage of ethanol, the soaking and extracting times, and optimize the extraction process of Baizhu Shaoyao San. The results showed that the optimal extraction process was adding 12-fold ethanol of 70% concentration, soaking for 1 hours, and extracting for twice, 2 hours each time. Among the indexes, the extracting time made significant impact. The optimized method is stable and reliable, and can provide reference for further development and utilization of the formula.

Comparative pharmacokinetics of aloe-emodin, rhein and emodin determined by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry after oral administration of a rhubarb peony decoction and rhubarb extract to rats

This study aimed to clarify the rationality of herbaceous compatibility of a rhubarb peony decoction (DaHuang-Mu-Dan-Tang, RPD) by comparing the pharmacokinetics of aloe-emodin, rhein and emodin in rats' plasma after oral administration of RPD and rhubarb extract. A rapid, sensitive LC-MS method was developed and validated for the determination of the plasma concentrations of the three analytes after oral administration RPD and rhubarb extract. The developed method was successfully applied to a pharmacokinetic study of aloe-emodin, rhein and emodin in rats' plasma after oral administration. Compared with administration of single rhubarb, the C(max) of rhein in RPD was decreased significantly (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, the T1/2 of aloe-emodin and emodin were increased significantly (p < 0.05) after administration of RPD. In addition, the T(max) of rhein and emodin were also increased significantly (p < 0.05) in RPD. These results indicated that the absorption of rhein in rats was suppressed after oral administration RPD. Moreover, The time for rhein and emodin to reach the peak concentration was delayed and the elimination of aloe-emodin and emodin was also postponed in RPD. This study could provide a meaningful basis for evaluating the clinical application of traditional Chinese medicine in terms of pharmacokinetics.

[Study on HPLC chromatograms of different processed Euphorbia ebracteolata products and content change of three chemical components]

To prepare processed products with different methods, in order to study the impact of auxiliary materials and temperature on chemical components of Euphorbia ebracteolata, and establish specific chromatograms of different processed products. Wel-chorm-C18 column (4.6 mm x 250 mm, 5 microm) was used and eluted with a gradient program, with acetonitrile (A)-water(B). The column temperature was 25 degrees C, and the detection wave length was set at 226 nm. The aim was to determine the content of effective components in different processed products--ebracteolata cpd B, ebracteolata cpd C and jolkinolide B and establish respective characteristic fingerprints to compare with similarity. The results showed that the content of ebracteolata cpd B, ebracteolata cpd C first increased and then decreased with the rise in temperature. Different processed products showed significant difference in HPLC spectrograms, with a low similarity. This study showed great impacts of auxiliary materials and temperature on chemical components of E. ebracteolata. As the vinegar processing method had higher attenuation and and synergistic effects than other methods, the auxiliary material vinegar cannot be replaced by chemical reagent acetic acid.

[Study on preparation and thermosensitive release property of composite phospholipid liposomes containing total alkaloids from Strychnos nux-vomica]

To prepare composite phospholipid liposomes containing total alkaloids of Strychnos nux-vomica with hydrogenated soybean phosphatidylcholine (HSPC) and 1, 2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphacholine (DPPC), and compare with normal DPPC thermosensitive liposomes for thermosensitive release property. Total alkaloids were extracted from S. nux-vomica with the impregnation method and further purified. Liposomes containing total alkaloids, thermosensitive liposomes and conventional thermosensitive liposomes without thermosensitive release property were prepared by ammonium sulfate transmembrane gradients and stealth liposome technique. Their encapsulation efficiency (EE), grain size, zeta potential and drug release behavior were compared. Their EEs and zeta potentials were almost identical; but the grain sizes of composite phospholipid liposomes and thermosensitive liposomes were significantly smaller than conventional liposomes. After comparing release behaviors of the three liposomes at 37, 43 degrees C, we found that the release of composite phospholipid liposomes was significantly lower than that of thermosensitive liposomes at 37 degrees C, but higher than that of thermosensitive liposomes at 43 degrees C. Meanwhile, conventional liposomes, with a very high phase-transition temperature, showed only slight release behavior at both temperatures. The study results showed that composite phospholipid liposomes had a better thermosensitive release behavior when the dosage of lysophosphatidic was reduced by 2. 5 times.

Skin permeation behavior of elastic liposomes: role of formulation ingredients

INTRODUCTION

With the incorporation of edge activators into the lipid bilayer structure, elasticity properties are given to liposomes. Regardless of the debate over the precise permeation mechanism of elastic liposomes, these vesicles have been proven to enhance drug permeation into or through skin in most cases.

AREAS COVERED

This article provides an overview of the formulation ingredients of elastic liposomes and their relationship with skin permeation behavior. The ingredients are divided into two categories of basic and optional ingredients. The effect of stability on permeation behavior of the vesicles is highlighted.

EXPERT OPINION

More attention should be paid to the stability of elastic liposomes. The different stability properties of the elastic liposomes following administration can induce different skin permeation behaviors of the vesicles. It is necessary to select the optimum composition of the elastic liposomes in order to control the stability and permeation behavior of the vesicles into or through the skin. Moreover, for the development of elastic liposomes, particular attention should also be paid to the drug leakage from the vesicles during long-term storage. The application of optional ingredients to improve the stability and/or elasticity of the elastic liposomes is becoming a new trend.

[Optimization and application of method to determine plasma concentration of brucine]

The HPLC method for determining plasma concentration of brucine was optimized during the study on the effect of the extraction reagent, the extraction frequency and the volume of extraction solvent on the extraction recovery of brucine. The optimum sample treatment method was obtained in the study. Specifically, ammonia water was added, 4 mL extraction solvent (N-hexane-methylene chloride-isopropyl alcohol 65:30:5) were adopted to extract brucine for twice. The method to determine plasma concentration of brucine was applied in pharmacokinetic study to compare pharmacokinetic properties of intravenous injection (5 mg x kg(-1)) and transdermal administration (40 mg x kg(-1)) of brucine aqueous alkali. The results showed that both pharmacokinetic parameters of brucine after intravenous injection and transdermal administration were in conformity with the two-compartment model. After transdermal administration, the absolute bioavailability was calculated to be 18.72%. The optimized HPLC method can satisfy the demands of the pharmacokinetic study on brucine.

Evaluation of the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of brucine following transdermal administration

Before the design of brucine-containing transdermal formulations, the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of brucine following transdermal administration should be evaluated. In this study, the effect of addition of ethanol on solubility of bruicne was investigated and 20% ethanol was added into PBS to obtain 10mg/mL brucine solution. Then three transdermal doses (10, 20 and 40 mg/kg) were administered to mice to evaluate pharmacological activity. It had been demonstrated that brucine possessed analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity in a dose-dependent manner. Cytotoxicities of brucine against various tumor cells including skin tumor cell were also compared in vitro. Brucine was found to possess antitumor activity in a concentration and time-dependent manner and gastrointestinal tumor cells seemed to be more sensitive to brucine. Then in vitro skin permeation behavior and in vivo pharmacokinetics following transdermal administration were further investigated. The cumulative amounts of brucine across mouse skin in vitro were found to be higher than 90%. The absolute bioavailability of brucine was determined to be 40.83%. And compared with intravenous administration, MRT and T1/2 values were increased about 8~12-fold by transdermal route. Moreover, fluctuations of drug levels were found to be significantly decreased in tissues, especially in brain. Finally, no dermal toxicity of brucine was observed. The results of this study indicated that transdermal administration might be beneficial for the sustained efficacy and reduced toxicity of brucine.

[Optimization of extraction process of Chrysanthemi Flos by multi-index orthogonal experiment]

OBJECTIVE

To explore quantitative assessment indicators of Chrysanthemi Flos, and optimize the extraction process of Chrysanthemi Flos through orthogonal experimental design.

METHOD

The concentration of ethanol, amount of ethanol, extraction time and extraction frequency were selected as factors in the L9 (3(4)) orthogonal experiment. A comprehensive assessment was conducted with the peak area of the eight major common peaks in the fingerprint of Chrysanthemi Flos as the indicators.

RESULT

The optimum extraction process was selected as follows: using ultrasonic extraction method, adding 30-fold ethanol with 80% concentration, extracting for 2 times for extraction, 40 min for each time.

CONCLUSION

The optimized extraction process is reliable, with controllable assessment indicators, which is significant to the standardization of the extraction process and quality control of Chrysanthemi Flos preparations.

[Application of reference extracts in quality control of traditional Chinese medicines]

The essay summarizes the current development and application of reference extracts from traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs). Through the analysis on problems in the quality control of TCMs, and on the basis of the current application of reference extracts in Chinese Pharmacopoeia, it investigates reference extracts from TCMs and forecasts the study orientation on TCM quality standards. Despite a wide prospect for the application of reference extracts in quality control of TCMs, there remain problems in varieties and standards. It is of great significance for the TCM understanding to further promote the development of reference extracts.

[Optimization of preparation of salt-processed psoraleae fructus medicines with multi-index orthogonal method]

OBJECTIVE

To optimize the preparation of salt-processed Psoraleae Fructus by the orthogonal test method.

METHOD

With the 12 components such as coumarin, flavone and phenolics as study indexes, a L9 (3(4)) orthogonal test was adopted to compare the effect of different factors on salt-processed Psoraleae Fructus.

RESULT

According to the finalized optimal process, 100 g Psoraleae Fructus was added with 2 g salt, moistened for 2 hours, and then fried for 10 min at 150 degrees.

CONCLUSION

The orthogonal test is so reasonable and reliable that it can provide basis for the preparation of salt-processed Psoraleae Fructus.

Profiling and characterization of volatile components from non-fumigated and sulfur-fumigated Flos Lonicerae Japonicae using comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry coupled with chemical group separation

Flos Lonicerae Japonicae (FLJ) is a popular herb used for many centuries in Traditional Chinese Medicine as a treatment of fever and inflammation. Non-fumigated processing of FLJ has been the traditional approach used in post-harvest preparation of the commodity for commercial use. However, in recent years, natural drying processing of FLJ has been replaced by sulfur-fumigation for efficiency and pest control. Sulfur-fumigation can induce changes in the volatile compounds of the herb, altering its medicinal properties. A comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC×GC-TOF/MS) method was established for the resolution and determination of volatile components in non-fumigated and sulfur-fumigated FLJ. In this paper, analysis of the volatile oils in non-fumigated and sulfur-fumigated (including lab-prepared sulfur- fumigated and industrial sulfur-fumigated) FLJ was performed using GC×GC-TOF/MS. Seventy-three representative volatile components were identified, including furans, alkalies, acids, aldehydes, ketones, alcohols, terpenes, esters, and others, as the main components of FLJ volatile oils. The proposed method was successfully applied for rapid and accurate quality evaluation of FLJ and its related medicinal materials and preparations.

[Study on MEKC-DAD fingerprint of Scutellariae radix]

OBJECTIVE

To establish the analytical method for the fingerprint of Scutellariae Radix by MEKC-DAD and compare the fingerprints of Scutellariae Radix, Scutellariae Radix Stir-baked and Scutellariae Radix Green.

METHODS

Based on the mode of micellar electrokinetic chromatography, 40 mmol/L sodium hydrogen phosphate, 15 mmol/L sodium borate, 40 mmol/L SDS, 15% acetonitrile, 7.5% propyl alcohol were selected for the running buffer (pH 8.4). The separation voltage was 20 kV and the detection wavelength was set at 280 nm. Baicalin was used as reference standard, the chromatographic fingerprint was established.

RESULTS

MEKC-DAD fingerprint with 9 main peaks was established preliminarily. Regarding to the fingerprints of Scutellariae Radix and its processed products, the samples before and after storage moisture, there were obvious differences in the relative areas of common peaks.

CONCLUSION

The method is reliable, accurate and can be used for quality control of Scutellariae Radix.

[Application of spectrum-effect relationship in Chinese medicine research and related thinking]

Fingerprint technology is the key technology in modern Chinese medicine research, while spectrum-effect relationship research is the advanced stage of fingerprint research. Spectrum-effect relationship research can reveal the relationship between fingerprint and pharmacological effect through multiple statistical analyses, which can be used in Chinese medicine research. Spectrum-effect relationship has been used in many areas of Chinese medicine research, such as effective basis of single and compound Chinese medicine research, component compatibility research, processing mechanism research, pharmacological effect forecast research, technology optimization research, and so on. This paper systematically reviewed the application of spectrum-effect relationship in Chinese medicine research, and indicated some problems in spectrum-effect relationship research. At last, the authors give an outlook of the future of spectrum-effect relationship research.

[Identification of metabolites of arbidol by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry]

UPLC-MS-MS system was used for the identification of arbidol metabolites in the rat feces, urine and plasma samples. The system was so powerful a way with high ability of separation and analysis, based on both chromatography and mass properties. The isotope of Br was also a good indicator for metabolites finding. There were altogether 9 metabolites detected and identified, including 2 phase I biotransformation products and 7 phase II ones. It is concluded that arbidol mainly undergo metabolic reactions such as N-demethylation, S-oxidation, glucuronidation and sulfation in rats.

Simultaneous determination of four bioactive compounds in Verbena officinalis L. by using high-performance liquid chromatography

Background:

Verbena officinalis L., called mabiancao in Chinese, is derived from the aerial part of Herba Verbanae. It is a traditional Chinese medicine commonly used in China and northern Europe, which is widely used for clearing away heat and detoxicating, promoting blood circulation, and removing blood stasis. This paper describes a sensitive and specific assay for the determination of four bioactive compounds in V. officinalis L.

Materials and Methods:

In this paper, the four components were separated on an Agilent Zorbax Extend C₁₈ column (250 mm × 4.6 mm × 5 μm) and detected by a diode array detector. The mobile phase was composed of (a) aqueous phosphoric acid (0.1%, v/v) and (b) acetonitrile using a gradient elution. Analytes were performed at 30°C with a flow rate of 1.0 ml/min and UV detection at 203, 238, and 331 nm.

Results:

All calibration curves showed good linear regression (r² ≥ 0.9999) within tested ranges. Overall intra- and interday variations were less than 1.84%, and the average recoveries were 97.32–102.81% for analytes.

Discussion and Conclusion:

The proposed method would be sensitive enough and reliable for comprehensive quality control for clinical use and modernization of V. officinalis L.

[Identification study of raw oyster and calcined ostreae concha]

OBJECTIVE

To identify the differences in characteristics of raw oyster and oysters calcined under different temperatures.

METHODS

Identified raw oyster, oysters calcined under different temperatures and calcium carbonate, calcium oxide by differential thermal analysis, infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis.

RESULTS

Composition of calcined oysters was closer to calcium carbonate than raw oyster.

CONCLUSION

The fingerprints are established and identify raw oyster and calcined oysters.

Novel software-based method to classify structurally similar compounds combined with high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry to identify complex components of herbal medicines

The components of herbal medicines (HMs) are usually extremely complex, belonging to hundreds of compound classes with diverse chemical and physical properties. Full characterization of HMs is hugely important in order to identify the individual chemical constituents and provide a first step toward determining which components are responsible for the therapeutic effects of a particular medical plant. In this study, a novel software-based approach was developed to classify structurally similar compounds, and this was combined with high performance liquid chromatography/quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (HPLC-QTOF-MS) to identify the individual components in an extract of Mentha haplocalyx. A total of 33 compounds were tentatively identified in samples of M. haplocalyx extract, including 9 new minor constituents reported for the first time. Semi-quantitative analysis of the extract sample was also carried out. Software validation and robustness tests were performed. The results of this study demonstrate the enormous potential of this strategy, using classification based on structural similarity together with HPLC-QTOF-MS, for the identification and quantification of complex components in HMs and related products.

[Preparation and pharmacokinetics of brucine hydrogel patch]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of dose on pharmacokinetic properties of brucine hydrogel patch.

METHODS

The plasma concentration of brucine was determined by HPLC. Brucine hydrogel patch was prepared and its pharmaceutical characterization was investigated. After transdermal administration of different dose brucine hydrogel patch; Plasma concentration versus time profiles were determined and pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated by DAS program.

RESULTS

The pharmaceutical properties of brucine hydrogel patch were satisfactory. The AUC0-1 values were 7.24 +/- 0.61, 16.02 +/- 2.34 and 54.84 +/- 26.59 microg x h/mL after administration of 30, 60 and 180 mg/kg brucine hydrogel patch, respectively. The corresponding C(max) values were 0.73 +/- 0.23, 1.45 +/- 0.28 and 4.59 +/- 1.85 microg/mL, respectively. And the corresponding T(max) values were 8.67 +/- 2.07, 11.67 +/- 2.66 and 8.33 +/- 2.65 h, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The pharmacokinetic properties of brucine do not vary with the dose of brucine hydrogel patch.

Advances in understanding the pathogenesis of acute pancreatitis-associated acinar cell injury

Acute pancreatitis is a common severe disease involving a complicated cascade of events. The injury of pancreatic acinar cells is the trigger of local and systemic inflammation. Calcium overload, endoplasmic reticulum stress, mitochondrial injury are closely associated with the injury of pancreatic acinar cells. This review aims to elucidate the pathogenesis of acute pancreatitis-associated acinar cell injury.

[Brucine chitosan thermosensitive hydrogel for intra-articular injection]

The aim of this study was to develop a sustained release converse thermosensitive hydrogel for intra-articular injection using chitosan-glycerol-borax as matrix, its physical properties and biocompatibility were investigated. Taking gelation time and gelation condition as index, the influence of concentration of chitosan, ratio of chitosan to glycerol, pH on physical properties of hydrogel were investigated. And then the in vitro drug release, rheological properties and biocompatibility were studied. The thermosensitive hydrogel flows easily at room temperature and turns to gelation at body temperature, which can certainly prolong the release of drug and has good biocompatibility.

Novel materials which possess the ability to target liver cells

INTRODUCTION

Hepatic-targeted drug delivery systems are designed to treat diseases of the liver. However, since there are several different types of liver diseases that are caused by different cells, it is important to select the proper materials to target these different cells.

AREAS COVERED

This review addresses novel materials that possess the ability to target liver cells via receptor-ligand processes and offers an insight into the aspects of formulation design. It also discusses several approaches used to enhance the targeting efficiency of drug delivery systems to receptors in the liver cells. In addition, the delivery efficiency and therapeutic efficacy of these materials in the treatment of acute or chronic liver diseases is highlighted.

EXPERT OPINION

Further research into the use of clinical materials and the design of smart materials for multi-drug delivery to different organelles is important for future studies on these new materials. It is hoped that these targeted therapeutics will benefit patients with liver disorders in the near future.

[Study on the HPCE fingerprint of Rehmannia glutinosa]

OBJECTIVE

To establish the analytical method for the fingerprint of Rehmannia glutinosa by HPCE and compare the fingerprints of Rehmannia glutinosa and its processed products.

METHODS

Based on the mode of high performance capillary electrophoresis, 60 mmol/L sodium borate was used as buffer solution (5% MeOH, pH 9.5). The separation voltage was 20 kV and the detection wavelength was set at 210 nm. Catalpol was used as a reference standard, the chromatographic fingerprint were determined. The data were analyzed by fuzzy cluster and fingerprint similarity evaluation software was used to compare the similarity of samples.

RESULTS

HPCE fingerprints with 7 common peaks of Rehmannia glutinosa were established preliminarily. It was discovered that a small number of samples differed from others. Regarding to the fingerprints of Rehmannia glutinosa and its processed products, there were obvious differences in the relative areas of common peaks.

CONCLUSION

The method is reliable, accurate and can be used for quality control of Rehmannia glutinosa.