Chemical changes and antioxidant activities of heated whole barley extracts

Chemical profiles of ethanolic (70%) and aqueous extracts of whole barley heated at 150, 190, and 230 °C were analyzed by GC-MS and their antioxidant properties were studied in vitro, in bulk oil, or in an oil-in-water (O/W) emulsion systems. More chemicals were detected in the ethanolic extract than in the aqueous extract from heated barley; heating decreased the contents of detected chemicals. Organic acids, mono- and di-saccharides, sugar alcohols, and glycerol were the major chemicals detected in both the extracts. Ethanolic extracts possessed higher in vitro antioxidant activities than the aqueous extracts. However, this trend was not clearly observed in the bulk oil and O/W emulsion. For O/W emulsions, ethanolic extracts obtained following heating at 150 °C prevented lipid oxidation better than others. Therefore, heat treatment at 150 °C is recommended to enhance the antioxidant activities of whole barley.

Cissampelos pareira L.: A review of its traditional uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacology

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Cissampelos pareira, a well-known medicinal climber-plant of the Menispermaceae family, has been extensively used in the traditional medicinal system since the ancient time for the treatment of numerous diseases such as ulcer, wound, rheumatism, fever, asthma, cholera, diarrhoea, inflammation, snakebite, malaria, rabies, and also recommended for blood purification.

AIM OF THE REVIEW

The main purpose of this review is to provide updated information on ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, chromatographic and spectroscopic analysis, pharmacology, and toxicology of C. pareira along with the possible future research. This information will help to provide a foundation for plant-based drug discovery in the near future.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The online databases such as Scifinder, Web of Science, PubMed, and Google Scholar were used to collect electronically available literature data on C. pareira. Ayurveda text is searched for the traditional uses of this plant in India. The published books are also searched for the information on this plant. Our search was based on traditional uses, botany, phytochemistry, and pharmacological potential by using "Cissampelos pareira" as the keyword.

RESULTS

To date, approximately 54 phytomolecules have been isolated and characterized from C. pareira including mainly isoquinoline alkaloids along with few flavonoids, flavonoid glycosides, and fatty acids. The crude extracts of C. pareira have shown various pharmacological activities such as antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, antiarthritic, antiulcer, antidiabetic, anticancer, antifertility, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antivenom, antimalarial, and immunomodulatory, etc. The chemical fingerprinting of C. pareira carried out using HPTLC, HPLC, UPLC, LC-MS, and GC-MS, revealed the presence of alkaloids (isoquinoline alkaloids), fatty acids, and flavonoid glycosides. Moreover, the toxicological assessment of C. pareira has been moderately investigated, which requires further comprehensive studies.

CONCLUSION

Comprehensive literature survey reveals that till date, remarkable growth has been made on phytochemistry and pharmacology of C. pareira reflecting the great medicinal potential of this plant. Although some of the traditional uses have been well clarified and documented by modern pharmacological analysis, the correlation between its pharmacological activities and particular phytoconstituents still needs to be validated. Furthermore, there is partial data available on most of the pharmacological studies, along with incomplete toxicological screening. Future research needs to pay more attention to pharmacological studies of C. pareira via pre-clinical and clinical trials. Additionally, scientific validation of traditional knowledge of C. pareira is vital for ensuring safety, efficacy, and mechanism of action before clinical uses.

Oral treatment with a chemically characterized parsley (Petroselinum crispum var. neapolitanum Danert) aqueous extract reduces thrombi formation in rats

Petroselinum crispum var. neapolitanum Danert (Apiaceae) (PC), popularly known as parsley, is an herb native to the Mediterranean region widely cultivated around the world for culinary and ethnomedicinal purposes. The herb is traditionally used in various parts of the world to treat arterial hypertension, hemorrhoid, nose bleeding, hyperlipidemia, and pain, among other indications. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antithrombotic activity of an aqueous extract PC in rats. Aerial parts of a flat-leaf variety of parsley were extracted by decoction. In vivo thrombosis in rat models as well as ex vivo assays were used in the evaluation of PC antithrombotic effects. Intravenous administration of PC (25 mg/kg.b.w), 5 min before thrombosis induction, reduced the venous thrombus formation by 98.2%, while oral administration (125 mg/kg.b.w) impaired it by 76.2%. In the arterial thrombosis model, the oral administration of PC at 15 or 25 mg/kg.b.w, 60 min before thrombosis induction, increased the carotid artery occlusion time by 150% (37.0 ± 6.44 min) and 240% (more than 60 min), respectively. A HPLC-DAD-MS/MS profile of PC extract used in this study was provided. Apiin showed to be the most abundant phenolic compound in the extract. It also revealed the presence of many coumaric acid derivatives. Our results indicate that PC is a potential candidate for the development of a phytotherapeutic drug in the treatment of thromboembolic diseases and provide a detailed chemical profile useful for controlling PC extract production in view of phytotherapy.

Comprehensive characterization of the chemical constituents in Yiganmingmu oral liquid and the absorbed prototypes in cynomolgus monkey plasma after oral administration by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS based on the self built components database

BACKGROUND

Yiganmingmu oral liquid (YGMM), a well known over-the-counter (OTC) drug in China, is composed of 12 types of valuable herbal medicines and has been widely used in clinical for the treatment of soreness and weakness of waist and knees, dizziness, memory loss, and fatigue. However, the chemical compositions of YGMM and its absorbed compounds in plasma remain unclear.

METHODS

Since chemical investigation is the first important step to reveal effects and action mechanisms of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), in this study, based on the self built components database, systematic characterization of the chemical profile of YGMM in vitro was carried out by using a reliable UPLC-Q-TOF-MS method. Moreover, to obtain better understanding of the absorbed prototypes in plasma, serum pharmacochemistry analysis of YGMM after oral administration was conducted by using cynomolgus monkeys as animal model.

RESULTS

A total of 667 constituents from the 12 single herbal medicines were collected in the self built components database by searching the reported literatures, and 415 of them were initially screened as candidate compounds in YGMM by comparison of their experimental accurate mass measurements with those theoretical values. After that, 117 compounds including 17 phenolic acids, 25 flavonoids, 4 alkaloids, 10 phthalides, 5 monoterpenes, 8 triterpenoid saponins, 9 anthraquinones, and 39 other compounds, were unambiguously identified or tentatively characterized by analysing their MS/MS fragmentation patterns, and also by comparison with reference standards and those data reported in the literatures. 61 prototypes absorbed in plasma of cynomolgus monkey, including 13 phenolic acids, 21 flavonoids, 8 phthalides, 3 monoterpenes, 4 triterpenoid saponins, and 12 other compounds were tentatively assigned by serum pharmacochemistry analysis after oral administration.

CONCLUSION

It was the first comprehensive analysis of chemical constituents of YGMM and prototypes in plasma, and the data analysis strategy developed in this study showed high efficiency in the structural elucidations. The results might provide scientific evidence for further research on material basis of YGMM.

Chemical profile and potential mechanisms of Huo-Tan-Chu-Shi decoction in the treatment of coronary heart disease by UHPLC-Q/TOF-MS in combination with network pharmacology analysis and experimental verification

Huo-Tan-Chu-Shi Decoction (HTCSD), a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) prescription within Guangdong Provincial TCM Hospital (the largest TCM hospital in China), is used for effective clinical treatment of coronary heart disease (CHD) caused by phlegm-dampness syndrome with high incidence in the hot and humid climate of Lingnan region. However, its chemical components responsible for the therapeutic effects remain unclear, which restricts its application and further development. Hence, a detailed workflow, combing with UHPLC-Q/TOF-MS, network pharmacology analysis and experimental verification, was proposed and applied to characterize the chemical profile and potential mechanism of HTCSD against CHD. As a result, a total of 130 components from all six composed herbal medicines were characterized in a rapid and sensitive manner through UHPLC-Q/TOF-MS, of which 33 compounds were unambiguously confirmed with reference standards. Consequently, based on the integrated pharmacology network of "herbs-chemicals-targets-pathways-therapeutic effects", four chemicals (magnoflorine, menisperine, 13-hydroxyberberine, luteolin) with four CHD related targets (SRC, MAPK1, EGFR and AKT1) were considered as the key components and targets of HTCSD in the treatment of CHD. Furthermore, the effect of HTCSD was confirmed in animal experiments by enhancing the phosphorylation of MAPK, and the published literature and molecular binding results suggested that magnoflorine and luteolin tended to be the critical compounds involved in the process. Taken together, the characterization of chemical profile combined with network pharmacology analysis and experimental verification not only provided an efficient insight into the overall chemical profile of HTCSD but also revealed the potential pharmacological components and mechanisms of HTCSD against CHD, which laid a necessary chemical and biological basis for the discovery of in vivo bioactive components and the further revelation of functionary mechanism.

Deciphering superior quality of Pu-erh tea from thousands of years' old trees based on the chemical profile

Pu-erh teas from thousands of years' old trees (TPT) equip with both superior flavors and powerful antioxidative capacities. With UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS approach, TPTs' chemical profiles were characterized by comparing with Pu-erh teas from ecological trees (EPT). TPTs are discovered to possess higher contents of amino acids, fatty acids, phenolic acids, nucleosides and nucleobases but lower contents of flavonoids and caffeine congeners based on 117 discriminative constituents from 305 identified ones. Particularly, a series of caffeic acid congeners including ten new hydroxycinnamic acid depsides with higher contents in TPTs are discovered, and caffeic acid with a fold change of 638 is the foremost discriminative component. Furthermore, distinguishing constituent proportion including caffeic acid congeners in TPTs are found to take great responsibilities for their more powerful antioxidative abilities and superior flavors especially more aroma and pleasant bitterness. This research provides information for deciphering formation of TPTs' superior qualities based on chemical profile.

Chemical profile of Cimicifuga heracleifolia Kom. And immunomodulatory effect of its representative bioavailable component, cimigenoside on Poly(I:C)-induced airway inflammation

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The dried rhizome of Cimicifuga heracleifolia Kom. (C. heracleifolia) is a popular traditional Chinese medicine, which has been extensively used in Asian countries for its anti-inflammatory, antipyretic and analgesic activities. However, further utilization and application of C. heracleifolia have been hampered due to a lack of full understanding of its active ingredients.

AIM OF STUDY

The present study aims for clarification of the systematical chemical profile of C. heracleifolia and the immunomodulatory effect of its main bioavailable component.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Comprehensive chemical profile of C. heracleifolia was systematically analyzed by ultra-performance liquid chromatography hyphenated with quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF/MS). Xenobiotics after oral administration of C. heracleifolia extracts were investigated to hunt for bioavailable components. The immunomodulatory activity evaluation of cimigenoside was achieved on poly(I:C)-induced airway inflammation mouse and BEAS-2B cell models from aspects of neutrophil infiltration, lung inflammation by using microscope analysis, quantification of production and expression of inflammatory cytokine and chemokines by using ELISA and quantitative PCR.

RESULTS

By UPLC-Q-TOF/MS analysis, 110 compounds (including 81 triterpenoids, 21 cinnamic acid derivatives, and 8 other structure types) were identified or tentatively characterized in ethanolic extract of C. heracleifolia. Based on the data of chemical profile, xenobiotics of C. heracleifolia were subsequently analyzed, and triterpene glycosides were detected as the major bioavailable ingredients. Oral administration of cimigenoside, a representative triterpene glycoside, could prevent neutrophils infiltration in the lung due to suppression of the production of CXCL2 and CXCL10, and the expression of P-selectin, VCAM1 in poly(I:C)-induced airway inflammation model mice. Moreover, cimigenoside also inhibited the productions of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines from human airway epithelial cell line (BEAS-2B cells) induced by poly(I:C).

CONCLUSION

Triterpene glycosides were the main components of C. heracleifolia extract, and cimigenoside was considered as the effective component with immunomodulatory effect on the pulmonary immune system by oral administration.

Qualitative and quantitative analysis of the chemical profile for Gualou-Xiebai-Banxia decoction, a classical traditional Chinese medicine formula for the treatment of coronary heart disease, by UPLC-Q/TOF-MS combined with chemometric analysis

Gualou-Xiebai-Banxia decoction (GXB) is one of the famous classical traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) formula for the treatment of chest stuffiness and pains syndrome in Chinese medicine, i.e., coronary heart disease (CHD) in modern medicine. Being compared with Gualou-Xiebai Baijiu-decoction which only consists of Trichosanthis Pericarpium (TP), Allii Macrostemonis Bulbus (AMB) and wine, GXB is composed of another one additional herbal medicine, Pinellinae Rhizoma Praeparatum (PRP), and is more suitable to treat severe atherosclerosis and dyslipidemia. However, the comprehensive chemical composition of GXB is still unclear, which has seriously hindered the discovery of its effective components for improving the clinical symptoms of CHD. The present study aimed to investigate the overall chemical profile of GXB qualitatively and quantitatively by ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q/TOF-MS), and further explore the chemical contribution of PRP to this formula combined with chemometric approach. First, a total of 151 components, including steroidal saponins, flavonoids, triterpenoids, nitrogenous and other types components, were detected and characterized by UPLC-Q/TOF-MS in GXB. Then, flavonoids and nitrogenous could be qualitatively observed enrichment in GXB compared to those in GXB-dePRP (GXB deducted PRP in the formula). Furthermore, 19 characteristic components were selected for quantitative comparison between GXB and GXB-dePRP by UPLC-MS/MS combined with chemometric method. These findings indicated that steroidal saponins were the most abundant components in GXB, while the introduction of PRP could not only enrich the structural types of chemical compounds in this formula, but also increase the abundance of active components from other composed herbal medicines, TP and AMB. Taken together, this study developed and validated sensitive and practical methods for qualitative and quantitative analysis of GXB, and clarified the chemical contribution of PRP to this formula. These results laid a solid chemical foundation for further in vivo disposal investigation to screen out the potential effective components as well as therapeutic mechanism research of GXB.

Comparative study of the chemical profile of the parotoid gland secretions from Rhaebo guttatus from different regions of the Brazilian Amazon

Amphibian cutaneous secretion has great potential for bioprospection and is a great tool in the development of bioproducts. Thus, the objective of the present work was to evaluate the comparative study of the chemical profile parotoid gland secretions from Rhaebo guttatus collected in two distinct regions of the Brazilian Amazon. For this, the chemical composition of six methanolic extracts of this species were analyzed by Liquid Chromatography in UV and MS Detection Ultra-Chromatography Systems (UFLC-DAD-micrOTOF). All obtained chromatograms presented two distinct regions; one referring to the more hydrophilic molecules (alkaloids), while the other refers to the more hydrophobic compounds (steroids). The steroid region resembles all samples, regardless of where they were collected. In the alkaloid region, there was a standardized variation for the samples from the southern Brazilian Amazon, but the same was not true for the samples collected in the Amazon-Cerrado transition region. Thus, the data suggest that the environment and diet of R. guttatus may be important in alkaloid production, but do not influence steroid content. These results add new information about the poison of the toad R. guttatus and raises new questions to be further investigated, thus contributing to the knowledge of the anuran fauna of the Brazilian Amazon.

The effects of sulfur fumigation processing on Panacis Quinquefolii Radix in chemical profile, immunoregulation and liver and kidney injury

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The influence of sulfur fumigation processing on chemical profile, pharmacological activity and safety of Chinese herbs has attracted great attention. Panacis Quinquefolii Radix (PQR) was more widely used as edible and medicinal than Ginseng because of its tonifying effect and characteristic of not getting inflamed. The disadvantage of sulfur fumigated (SF) Ginseng has been reported, but the systematic study of SF-PQR is deficient and urgently needed.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To systematically describe the influence of sulfur fumigation on chemical profile, characteristic products, immunoregulation and liver and kidney injury of PQR.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

ICP-MS and HPLC-DAD were used to detect 11 inorganic elements and 3 ginsenosides, respectively. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to distinguish SF-PQR from non-sulfur fumigated (NSF)-PQR by combining the content changes of inorganic elements and ginsenosides. UPLC/Orbitrap-MS was applied to screen the characteristic products (m/z) after sulfur fumigation. For the effectiveness and safety, male KM mice were used to compare the immunomodulatory effects of NSF-PQR or SF-PQR under both healty and cyclophosphamide induced immunosuppressive conditions by net growth rate of body weight, thymus and spleen indices, serum IL-6, SOD, BUN, AST levels, and HE staining of liver and kidney.

RESULTS

Sulfur fumigation processing significantly reduced the contents of ginsenosides Rb₁, Re and Rg₁ with the elevation of inorganic elements in 20 batches PQR. Based on the scatter distribution of PCA, SF-PQR and NSF-PQR can be distinguished. According to the Rt, Precursor ion (m/z) and Product ion (m/z) produced by UPLC/Orbit trap-MS, R₁-SO₃ (m/z, 1059.53), Re-SO₃ (m/z, 1025.55), Rg₁-SO₃ (m/z, 878.47), Ro-SO₃ (m/z, 1035.32), Rb₁-SO₃ (m/z, 1179.58), and Rk₃-SO₃ (m/z, 745.40) could be confirmed as important markers for identifying SF-PQR. The effect of SF-PQR on reversing immunosuppression induced by cyclophosphamide was significantly reduced (P < 0.05) evidenced by the inhibition of net growth rate of body weight, immune organ index, IL-6 level and SOD activity. For healthy mice, SF-PQR not only failed to maintain the normal indexes, but also reduced the indexes to lower levels. After 2 weeks of continuous gastric administration, the abnormal liver and kidney functions in healthy mice were damaged and manifested by the increasing of BUN and AST levels, which was consistent with hepatic lesion area and renal tubular injury observed by HE staining.

CONCLUSION

Sulfur fumigation processing not only reduced the immunomodulatory effect of PQR, but also brought the hidden danger in liver and kidney injury. The sulfonated products provided in this paper can be applied for the identification of SF-PQR accurately.

New psychoactive substances (NPS) prevalence over LSD in blotter seized in State of Santa Catarina, Brazil: A six-year retrospective study

Designer drugs or new psychoactive substances (NPS) are a heterogeneous group of substances obtained through the modification of chemical structure of some natural products or drugs. NPS illegally commercialized in blotter papers mimicking the most common form of LSD consumption, with a great variability of colours and symbols, have largely increased worldwide, including in Brazil, becoming an important emerging public health issue. In this study, we have evaluated the presence and profile of NPS in blotters seized in the State of Santa Catarina, Brazil, over the period of 2011 to 2017. The state government criminal forensics staff has performed gas chromatography-mass spectrometer (GC-MS) analyses in order to determine the chemical composition of the blotters. During the evaluated period, there was a considerable increase in the seizing of blotters events, from 87 in 2011, to 301 in 2016 and reaching 277 in 2017. There was also an increase in the number of blotters seized per event. Interestingly, while in 2011, 100% of blotters contained LSD, this number decreased to 0,1% in 2014, and achieved 17,6% in 2017, when up to 25 different substances were detected in blotters seized. Drugs such as DOx, NBOMe, fentanyl, mescaline derivatives, triptamines, cathinones, and synthetic cannabinoids were detected and became the major substances found in blotters. In some cases, more than one substance was found in the same blotter, characterizing a new mixture scenario. The presence of several new psychoactive substances in blotters is a reality in forensic toxicology. In Brazil, it might be related to the fact that most of these substances were not considered illegal by Brazilian legislation by the time they emerged.

Chemical profile and pancreatic lipase inhibitory activity of Sinobambusa tootsik (Sieb.) Makino leaves

Background

Sinobambusa tootsik (Sieb.) Makino (S. tootsik) is one species of bamboo distributed in China, Japan and Vietnam. The chemical profile of its leaves and its potential application was unknown yet.

Methods

The chemical profile of S. tootsik was studied by HPLC and UPLC-DAD-QTOF-MS. The S. tootsik extract was prepared by extraction with 50% aqueous ethanol, followed by H103 macroporous resins adsorption and desorption processes. Pancreatic lipase inhibitory activity was determined using p-nitrophenyl palmitate as the substance, which was hydrolyzed by lipase to form coloured p-nitrophenol.

Results

Eighteen compounds were identified in S. tootsik. Most of them were the C-glycosylated derivatives of luteolin and apigenin, such as isoorientin, isoorientin-2″-O-rhamnoside and isovitexin. Isoorientin-2″-O-rhamnoside was the most dominant flavonoid in the sample. S. tootsik extract was prepared through resin adsorption/desorption with yield of 1.12 ± 015% and total flavonoids content of 82 ± 2 mg/g (in term of isoorientin). The extract exhibited pancreatic lipase inhibitory activity with IC50 value of 0.93 mg/mL.

Conclusion

The chemical profile of S. tootsik leaves was uncovered for the first time. C-glycosyl flavonoids were the main constituents in the plant. The extract exhibited pancreatic lipase inhibitory activity and may have potential for use as a food supplement for controlling obesity.

Chemical fingerprint, acute oral toxicity and anti-inflammatory activity of the hydroalcoholic extract of leaves from Tocoyena formosa (Cham. & Schlecht.) K. Schum

Inflammation is a protective response of the organism against damaging agents, this process is considered beneficial, however in some situations, this response can be damage when exacerbated effect are present. This claim objective to evaluate the qualitative and quantitative chemical profile, acute toxic and anti-inflammatory effects of the hydroalcoholic extract of leaves from Tocoyena formosa (Cham. & Schlecht.) K. Schum. (HELTF). Quantitative and qualitative phytochemical analysis was performed by HPLC-DAD and colorimetric assay. The topical anti-inflammatory activity was determined in Croton oil-induced ear edema assay and systemic activity was performed in vascular permeability, paw edema induced by carrageenan and dextran. Phytochemical analysis of leaves from HELTF showed presence of tannin, flavonoid, saponins an other that confirmed by HPLC analysis. The extract did not cause significant with LD₅₀ greater than 5000 mg/kg and did not promote significate reduction in topical inflammatory process. However, HELTF demonstrate significant reduction of paw edema induced by carrageenan and dextran. The HELTF (200 mg/kg) reduced the protein/cell migration in the intradermal carrageenan-induced inflammation. Our results demonstrated that the first time the chemical profile and describe the effective action in systemic anti-inflammatory, antiedematogenic activity and low acute toxicity. This activity presents, supporting its traditional use. However, new studies are necessary for the detection and clarification of the possible mechanism of action.

Influence of roasting on chemical profile, antioxidant and antibacterial activities of dried chili

Roasted dried chili, used to improve texture and taste, is important for various cuisines. The effect of roasting at 90 °C for 25 min on the chemical profile and bioactivities of dried chili extracted by petroleum ether was investigated. Based on GC-MS analysis, the crude extracts of roasted dried chili exhibited different chemical profile compared to the control. Roasting of dried chili significantly increased total phenolic compounds. Consequently, the antioxidant activity indicated by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging activity and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) significantly improved. Conversely, a reduction in the antibacterial agents, capsaicin (32.36%) and dihydrocapsaicin (9.11%), in the roasted sample resulted to a decline in antibacterial activity. The extracts showed a strong activity against Bacillus cereus followed by B. subtilis, and Staphylococcus aureus compared to Escherichia coli based on the results of agar disk diffusion, minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC), and electron scanning microscopy observation.

Mucosal immunomodulatory evaluation and chemical profile elucidation of a classical traditional Chinese formula, Bu-Zhong-Yi-Qi-Tang

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL EVIDENCE

With fast development and high pace life in modern society, autoimmune diseases like inflammatory bowel disease had become increasingly common. Bu-Zhong-Yi-Qi-Tang (BZYQT), a famous traditional Chinese medicine prescription (TCMP), has been used for 700 years mainly in Eastern Asia countries for the treatment of gastrointestinal and respiratory disorder, and weakness after serious diseases. These diseases were proved to be closely related to human immune system, among which, mucosal immune system is the largest immune system. So it is necessary to discover the mucosal immune related bioactive components of BZYQT.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To evaluate the mucosal immunomodulatory bioactivity of BZYQT and ingredients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Peyer's patches were collected from mice administrated orally with BZYQT, its related Octadecylsilane (ODS) fractions and polysaccharide part. Productions of several cytokines including IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, and IFN-γ from T lymphocytes were tested with enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) by Peyer's patch cells ex vivo experiments. Chemical profile including low molecular part and polysaccharide part were investigated. Low molecular part of BZYQT and related ODS fractions were analyzed by ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q/TOF-MS) based on LC-MS information from self-established compound library. exclusion chromatography, and chemical property has been analyzed.

RESULT

Three-days' administration of BZYQT enhanced productions of IL-4 and IFN-γ in T lymphocytes of Peyer's patches in addition to IL-2. Some hydrophobic low molecular weight fractions (30%, 70% and 100% MeOH ODS fraction), which were fractionated from BZYQT by ODS column chromatography, showed enhancing or suppressive effects on productions of IL-2, IL-4 or IL-5 in T lymphocytes of Peyer's patches after oral administration. Besides, 161 components from hydrophobic low molecular weight fractions of BZYQT were unequivocally identified or tentatively characterized by UPLC-Q/TOF-MS according to retention time behaviors and fragments, and most of them were flavonoids and saponins from Glycyrrhizae Radix, Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium, and Cimicifugae Rhizoma. Polysaccharide part was separated and purified both by anion-exchange and size. BZYQT also contained at least one neutral and three weakly or strongly acidic polysaccharides, and analysis of their chemical properties indicated that a neutral polysaccharide was glucan, and acidic polysaccharides possessed heteroglycan and pectic arabinogalactan features. Murine administration of polysaccharide fractions of BZYQT induced different changes on functions of T lymphocytes in Peyer's patches from hydrophobic low molecular weight fractions. By experiment using intranasally-immunized mice, BZYQT negatively regulated antibody response in lung as combinatorial actions of its low molecular weight ingredients and polysaccharides.

CONCLUSION

BZYQT contains several low and macromolecular weight ingredients, which affect to immune-function of T lymphocytes in Peyer's patches, and the formula expresses its regulative activity on lower respiratory immune system through combinatorial actions of these ingredients on immunocompetent cells in Peyer's patches.

A comparison of equilibrium and kinetic passive sampling for the monitoring of aquatic organic contaminants in German rivers

The performances of an equilibrium and a kinetic passive sampler for monitoring a range of organic contaminants (Log K_OW from -0.03 to 6.26) were evaluated in the effluent of a wastewater treatment plant, the receiving river Saar as well as the river Mosel in Germany. The polar organic chemical integrative sampler (POCIS) and a new mixed polymer sampler (MPS) were selected as kinetic and equilibrium passive samplers, respectively. Concentrations were described in terms of a time-weighted average concentration (C_TWA) from the POCIS measurements and as an equilibrium concentration from the MPS (C_Equil-MPS) and POCIS membrane (C_Equil-PES) analyses. Twenty-seven compounds could be detected, including eight priority substances of the EU Water Framework Directive. Both sampler types detected a similar range of compounds in the low ng/L to μg/L range, with a high proportion of pharmaceuticals being detected at all sampling sites. To account for uncertainty in the POCIS sampling rates, a range in C_TWA was estimated by applying low and high sampling rates. For the compounds that were detected in the POCIS this range was within a factor of 3.5. Interestingly, the MPS extracts showed lower ionisation artefacts than the POCIS extracts during the LC-MS/MS analysis. Finally, total water concentrations (C_Total) were estimated from the dissolved concentrations, literature organic carbon partition coefficients (K_OC) and the total organic carbon levels measured in the rivers. For the compounds in this study, negligible differences between C_Total and the passive sampler-derived dissolved concentrations were found with a maximum difference of 15% for diclofenac. Overall, this study demonstrated that the parallel application of kinetic and equilibrium passive samplers can improve the description of water quality.

Characterization of inhibitory constituents of NO production from Catalpa ovata using LC-MS coupled with a cell-based assay

An effective screening method for inhibitors of NO production in natural products using LC-QTOF MS/MS coupled with a cell-based assay was proposed. The ethyl acetate fraction of Catalpa ovata exhibited a strong inhibitory effect on NO production in lipopolysaccharide-induced BV2 microglia cells. We attempted to identify the active constituents of C. ovata by using LC-QTOF MS/MS coupled with a cell-based assay. Peaks at approximately 14-15 min on the MS chromatogram were estimated to be the bioactive constituents. A new iridoid compound, 6-O-trans-feruloyl-3β-hydroxy-7-deoxyrehamaglutin A (4), and nine known compounds (1-3, 5-10) were isolated from the ethyl acetate fraction of C. ovata by repeated column chromatography. Compounds 3, 4, 5, 7, and 8 significantly attenuated lipopolysaccharide-stimulated NO production in BV2 cells. Our results indicate that LC-QTOF MS/MS coupled with a cell-based NO production inhibitory assay successfully predicted active compounds without a time-consuming isolation process.

Systematic screening and characterization of Qi-Li-Qiang-Xin capsule-related xenobiotics in rats by ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry

Qi-Li-Qiang-Xin capsule (QLQX), a well-known traditional Chinese medicine prescription (TCMP), is consisted of eleven commonly used herbal medicines, has been widely used for the treatment of chronic heart failure (CHF). However, the absorbed components and related metabolites after oral administration of QLQX are still remaining unknown. In the present work, a reliable and effective method using ultra performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC/Q-TOF-MS) was established to identify QLQX-related xenobiotics in rats. Based on a representative structure based homologous xenobiotics identification (RSBHXI) strategy, a total of eleven compounds (salvianolic acid B, formononetin, benzoylmesaconine, alisol A, sinapine thiocyanate, naringin, tanshinone IIA, ginsenoside Rg1, ginsenoside Rb1, astragaloside IV and periplocin), bearing different chemical core structures, were selected and investigated for their metabolism in vivo. And then, comprehensive metabolic profiles of the holistic multi-ingredients in QLQX were achieved. As a result, a total of 121 QLQX-related xenobiotics (47 prototypes and 74 metabolites) were identified or tentatively characterized, among them eight prototypes (mesaconine, hypaconine, songorine, fuziline, neoline, talatizamine formononetin, neocryptotanshinone) and two metabolites (calycosin-gluA, formononetin-guA) were relatively the main existing xenobiotics exposed in blood. All absorbed prototype constituents were mainly from six composed herbal medicines (Aconiti lateralis radix, Astragali radix, Ginseng radix, Alismatis rhizoma, Salvia miltiorrhiza radix, Periploca cortex). The main metabolic reactions were methylation, hydrogenation, hydroxylation, oxidization, sulfation and glucuronidation. This is the first study on in vivo metabolism of QLQX. These results enabled us to focus on several high exposure ingredients in the discovery of effective substances of QLQX, however further pharmacokinetic study on these QLQX-related xenobiotics are needed to be carried out.

Anti-aging potential of extracts from Sclerocarya birrea (A. Rich.) Hochst and its chemical profiling by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS

Background

Degradation of components of the extracellular matrix such as elastin and collagen by elastase and collagenase accelerates skin aging. Phytochemicals that inhibit the activity of these enzymes can be developed as anti-aging ingredients. In this study, an investigation of the anti-aging properties of Sclerocarya birrea (A. Rich.) Hochst (Marula) extracts was conducted in vitro with the aim of developing chemically characterized anti-aging ingredients.

Methods

Marula stems, leaves and fruits were extracted using methanol:dichloromethane (DCM) (1:1). The stems were later extracted using acetone, ethanol, methanol:DCM (1:1) and sequentially using hexane, DCM, ethyl acetate and methanol. The stem ethanol extract was defatted and concentrated. Elastase and collagenase inhibition activities of these extracts and Marula oil were determined using spectrophotometric methods. The chemical profile of the ethanolic stem extract was developed using Ultra-performance-liquid chromatography quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS) with MassLynx software. Pure standards were used to confirm the identity of major compounds and were screened for anti-elastase and anti-collagenase activity.

Results

Marula stems extracts were the most active as they exhibited anti-elastase activity comparable to that of elafin (> 88%) and anti-collagenase activity as potent as EDTA (> 76%). The leaf extract had moderate anti-elastase activity (54%) but was inactive agains collagenase. Marula fruits and oil exhibited limited activity in both assays. The ethanolic extract of Marula stems was the most suitable based on its acceptability to the cosmetic industry and its anti-collagenase activity (99%). Defatting and concentration improved its antiaging activity and lowered the colour intensity. Six compounds have been tentatively identified in the chemical profile of the ethanolic extract of Marula stems of which four; quinic acid, catechin, epigallocatechin gallate and epicatechin gallate have been confirmed using pure standards. Epigallocatechin gallate and epicatechin gallate were as potent (p < 0.05) as EDTA at 5 μg/ml in the anti-collagenase assay.

Conclusions

The ethanolic extract of Marula stems can be developed into an anti-aging ingredient as it exhibited very good in vitro anti-aging activity and its chemical profile has been developed. Epicatechin gallate and epigallocatechin gallate contribute to the anti-aging activity of Marula stem ethanol extract.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12906-018-2112-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Sensory and chemical profiles of Finnish honeys of different botanical origins and consumer preferences

The sensory-chemical profiles of Finnish honeys (labeled as buckwheat, cloudberry-bog, lingonberry, sweet clover, willowherb and multifloral honeys) were investigated using a multi-analytical approach. The sensory test (untrained panel, n = 62) was based on scaling and check-all-that-apply (CATA) methods accompanied with questions on preference and usage of honey. The results were correlated with corresponding profiles of odor-active compounds, determined using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry/olfactometry (GC-MS/O). Botanical origins and chemical compositions including sugars were evaluated using NMR spectroscopy. A total of 73 odor-active compounds were listed based on GC-O. Sweet and mild honeys with familiar sensory properties were preferred by the panelists (PCA, R²X(1) = 0.7) while buckwheat and cloudberry-bog honeys with strong odor, flavor and color were regarded as unfamiliar and unpleasant. The data will give the honey industry novel information on honey properties in relation to the botanical origin, and consumer preference.

Chemical profiles and pharmacological activities of Chang-Kang-Fang, a multi-herb Chinese medicinal formula, for treating irritable bowel syndrome

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Chang-Kang-Fang formula (CKF), a multi-herb traditional Chinese medicinal formula, has been clinically used for treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The mechanisms of CKF for treating IBS and the components that are responsible for the activities were still unknown.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To investigate the chemical profiles and effects of CKF on IBS model.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The chemical profiles of CKF were investigated by ultra performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q/TOF-MS/MS). On colon irritation induced rat neonates IBS model, the influence of CKF on neuropeptides, including substance P (SP), calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), were measured by ELISA, and the effect on intestinal sensitivity was assessed based on the abdominal withdrawal reflex (AWR) scores. In addition, the activities of CKF against acetic acid-induced nociceptive responses and prostigmin methylsulfate triggered intestinal propulsion in mice were also evaluated.

RESULTS

80 components were identified or tentatively assigned from CKF, including 11 alkaloids, 20 flavanoids, 4 monoterpenoids, 9 iridoid glycoside, 9 phenylethanoid glycosides, 10 chromones, 7 organic acid, 3 coumarins, 2 triterpene and 5 other compounds. On IBS rat model, CKF was observed to reduce AWR scores and levels of SP, CGRP, VIP and 5-HT. Moreover, CKF reduced the acetic acid-induced writhing scores at all dosages and reduced the intestinal propulsion ration at dosage of 7.5 and 15.0g/kg/d.

CONCLUSIONS

CKF could alleviate the symptoms of IBS by modulating the brain-gut axis through increasing the production of neuropeptides such as CGRP, VIP, 5-HT and SP, releasing pain and reversing disorders of intestinal propulsion. Berberine, paeoniflorin, acteoside, flavonoids and chromones may be responsible for the multi-bioactivities of CKF.

Gastroprotective effect and mechanism of action of Croton rhamnifolioides essential oil in mice

BACKGROUND

Croton rhamnifolioides Pax is a plant species that have been used in the folk medicine to treat ulcers, inflammations and hypertension. However, despite the relevant data obtained from ethnopharmacological studies, the pharmacological properties endorsing the efficacy of this plant to treat ulcer remain to be elucidated.

HYPOTHESIS/PURPOSE

The present study aimed to characterize the chemical profile and evaluate the gastroprotective activity of the essential oil obtained from C. rhamnifolioides Pax (OECC) in mice.

METHODS

The essential oil of Croton rhamnifolioides was obtained by hydrodistillation and analyzed by gas-phase chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The median lethal dose was determined employing an acute toxicity test. The gastroprotective activity of the OECC was investigated using animal models of gastric ulcer induced by the administration of absolute ethanol, acidified ethanol or indomethacin. Mechanisms of action were investigated using the physical barrier test and by in vivo evaluation of the involvement of the following molecular pathways: nitric oxide, ATP - dependent potassium channels, α₂ - noradrenergic receptors, capsaicin - sensitive afferent neurons and opioid receptor.

RESULTS

We identified the presence of 21 compounds in OECC, including spathulenol and 1,8 - cineole as major constituents. In orally administered mice, OECC caused no significant toxicity. OECC significantly prevented gastric lesions in all mice models. The barrier test demonstrated that the gastroprotective activity of OECC occurs in a systemic dimension. Our results demonstrated that the gastroprotective effect of OECC involves mechanisms that are related to modulation of opioid receptors and nitric oxide.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, OECC demonstrated significant gastroprotective activity associated with low toxicity, providing scientific evidences that C. rhamnifolioides have the potential for the development of new antiulcer drugs.

Large chemical characterisation of PM10 emitted from graphite material production: Application in source apportionment

This work focuses on emissions from industrial sources that are still poorly understood in Europe, especially the "carbon industry". The study is based on two intensive sampling campaigns performed in a graphite material production plant for 2weeks in July 2013 and November 2013 in alpine valleys. The chemical characterization of PM10 was conducted at three sampling sites (outdoor and indoor sites) located inside one industrial area, which is considered as the highest emissions source of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the Arve valley. The identification of specific tracers among metals and trace elements is commonly used to characterize industrial emissions. In our study, original enrichment factors relative to the "rural exposed background" have been calculated, and the metallic fraction was not affected by this industrial source. In contrast, the organic fraction of PM10 has a number of features, providing a complete organic source profile and referred to as the "carbon industry". In particular, polycyclic aromatic sulfur heterocycles (PASH) have been largely detected from fugitive emissions with rather large concentrations. The average concentrations of benzo(b)naphtho(2,1-d)thiophene (BNT(2,1)) reached 2.35-6.56ng·m(-3) and 60.5-376ng·m(-3) for outdoor and indoor sites, respectively. The use of this reference profile in the chemical mass balance model (CMB) applied to samples collected in two sites near industrial areas shows that this source had an average contribution of 6% of the organic matter (OM) mass during the sampling period during the winter of 2013.

Nutritional value, chemical composition, antioxidant activity and enrichment of cream cheese with chestnut mushroom Agrocybe aegerita (Brig.) Sing

A very well-known and appreciated mushroom, Agrocybe aegerita (Brig.) Sing, was the subject of chemical profiling, antioxidant assays and sensory evaluation test in cream cheese. Methanolic extract obtained from a wild sample of A. aegerita fruiting body was fully chemically identified. Sample was found to be rich in carbohydrates (84.51 g/100 g dw), ash and proteins (6.69 g/100 g dw and 6.68 g/100 g dw, respectively). Trehalose was the main free sugar while malic acid was the most abundant organic acid. Four isoforms of tocopherols were identified; γ- tocopherol was the dominant isoform with 86.08 μg/100 g dw, followed by β- tocopherol, δ-tocopherol and α-tocopherol (8.80 μg/100 g dw, 3.40 μg/100 g dw and 2.10 μg/100 g dw, respectively). Polyunsaturated fatty acids were predominant, with linoleic acid as the most prominent one (78.40 %). Methanolic extract of chestnut mushroom exhibited high antioxidant activity. Sensory evaluation test included grading by panelists and comparing the overall acceptability of cream cheese alone and enriched cream cheese with dry powder of A. aegerita. General conclusion of the participants was that the newly developed product was more likeable in comparison to cream cheese alone. Due to the health-beneficial effects of antioxidants and wealth of chemically identified nutrients, A. aegerita is a promising starting material for incorporation on larger scale products.

A global survey of the stable isotope and chemical compositions of bottled and canned beers as a guide to authenticity

This study presents a dataset, derived from the analysis of 162 bottled and canned beers from around the globe, which may be used for comparison with suspected counterfeit or substitute products. The data comprise δ2H and δ18O compositions of the whole beer and δ13C compositions of the dry residue (mostly sugar) together with the concentrations of five anions (F, Cl, NO3, SO4, PO4) and seven cations (Ca, K, Mg, SiO2, V, Mn, Sr). A strong correlation, consistent with natural waters but offset from the Global Meteoric Water Line, was observed between the δ2H/δ18O composition of the beers. The extent of the offset could be explained by the brewing process and the alcohol and sugars present in the beers. Correlations between inorganic analytes were consistent with the addition of salts in the brewing process. Beers were classified as follows: ale, lager, stout or wheat-beer and the chemical composition was found to be characteristic of the assigned type, with lagers being the most readily classified. A combination of chemical and isotopic data was found to be characteristic of the geographical origin (on a continental scale) and could most easily identify beers from Australasia or Europe. A global map of δ18O data revealed a geo-spatial distribution that mirrored existing maps of the isotopic composition of annual precipitation. This confirmed a commonsense view that local precipitation will be the primary source for the water used in brewing. Using this isoscape (or alcoscape) it may be possible to assess the geographical origins of samples for which genuine comparative samples cannot be obtained.