A novel strategy for target profiling analysis of bioactive phenylethanoid glycosides in Plantago medicinal plants using ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem quadrupole mass spectrometry

Plantaginis semen ameliorates diabetic kidney disease via targeting the sphingosine kinase 1/sphingosine-1-phosphate pathway

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Plantaginis Semen (PS) is widely utilized as a common herb in several Asian countries, particularly China, due to its diuretic, anti-hypertensive, anti-hyperlipidemic, and anti-hyperglycemic properties. Furthermore, it is acknowledged for its ability to mitigate renal complications associated with metabolic syndrome. Despite its extensive usage, there is limited systematic literature elucidating its therapeutic mechanisms, thus emphasizing the necessity for comprehensive investigations in this field.

AIM

This study aims to comprehensively evaluate the therapeutical potential of PS in treating diabetic kidney disease (DKD) and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms through in vivo and in vitro models.

METHODS

The main composition of PS were characterized using the UPLC-QTOF-MS method. For the in vivo investigation, a mouse model mediated by streptozocin (STZ) associated with a high-fat diet (HFD) and unilateral renal excision was established. The mice were split into 6 groups (n = 8): control group (CON group), DKD group, low-dose of Plantago asiatica L. seed extract group (PASE-L group, 3 g/kg/d), medium-dose of PASE group (PASE-M, 6 g/kg/d), high-dose of PASE group (PASE-H, 9 g/kg/d), and positive drug group (valsartan, VAS group, 12 mg/kg/d). After 8 weeks of treatment, the damage induced by DKD was evaluated by using relevant parameters of urine and blood. Furthermore, indicators of inflammation and factors associated with the SphK1-S1P signaling pathway were investigated. For the in vitro study, the cell line HBZY-1 was stimulated by high glucose (HG), they were then co-cultured with different concentrations of PASE, and the corresponding associated inflammatory and sphingosine kinase 1/sphingosine-1-phosphate (SphK1-S1P) factors were examined.

RESULTS

A total of 59 major components in PS were identified, including flavonoids, iridoids, phenylethanol glycosides, guanidine derivatives, and fatty acids. In the mouse model, PS was found to significantly improve body weight, decrease fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels, increased glucose tolerance and insulin tolerance, improved kidney-related markers compared to the DKD group, pathological changes in the kidneys also improved dramatically. These effects showed a dose-dependent relationship, with higher PASE concentrations yielding significantly better outcomes than lower concentrations. However, the effects of the low PASE concentration were not evident for some indicators. In the cellular model, the high dose of PASE suppressed high glucose (HG) stimulated renal mesangial cell proliferation, suppressed inflammatory factors and NF-κB, and decreased the levels of fibrillin-1(FN-1) and collagen IV(ColIV).

CONCLUSION

Our results indicate that PS exerts favorable therapeutic effects on DKD, with the possible mechanisms including the inhibition of inflammatory pathways, suppression of mRNA levels and protein expressions of SphK1 and S1P, consequently leading to reduced overexpression of FN-1 and ColIV, thereby warranting further exploration.

Plantago major and Plantago lanceolata Exhibit Antioxidant and Borrelia burgdorferi Inhibiting Activities

Lyme disease, caused by Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato infection, is the most widespread vector-borne illness in the Northern Hemisphere. Unfortunately, using targeted antibiotic therapy is often an ineffective cure. The antibiotic resistance and recurring symptoms of Lyme disease are associated with the formation of biofilm-like aggregates of B. burgdorferi. Plant extracts could provide an effective alternative solution as many of them exhibit antibacterial or biofilm inhibiting activities. This study demonstrates the therapeutic potential of Plantago major and Plantago lanceolata as B. burgdorferi inhibitors. Hydroalcoholic extracts from three different samples of each plant were first characterised based on their total concentrations of polyphenolics, flavonoids, iridoids, and antioxidant capacity. Both plants contained substantial amounts of named phytochemicals and showed considerable antioxidant properties. The major non-volatile constituents were then quantified using HPLC-DAD-MS analyses, and volatile constituents were quantified using HS-SPME-GC-MS. The most prevalent non-volatiles were found to be plantamajoside and acteoside, and the most prevalent volatiles were β-caryophyllene, D-limonene, and α-caryophyllene. The B. burgdorferi inhibiting activity of the extracts was tested on stationary-phase B. burgdorferi culture and its biofilm fraction. All extracts showed antibacterial activity, with the most effective lowering the residual bacterial viability down to 15%. Moreover, the extracts prepared from the leaves of each plant additionally demonstrated biofilm inhibiting properties, reducing its formation by 30%.

Studies on the metabolism and mechanism of acteoside in treating chronic glomerulonephritis

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Acteoside (ACT) is the main ingredient derived from the leaves of Rehmannia glutinosa (Dihuangye). Dihuangye has the function of clearing heat, replenishing qi and activating blood, nourishing yin and tonifying kidney in traditional Chinese medicine. Recent studies have demonstrated that Dihuangye can be used to treat nephritis and ACT is a promising antinephritic agent.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To clarify the metabolites of ACT in biological samples and investigate the renoprotective effect and mechanism of ACT in rats with chronic glomerulonephritis (CGN).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this study, the biotransformation of ACT in rat biological samples was clarified by quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry. The metabolites were validated by urine samples in nephropathy model rats. The effect of ACT and its metabolites was evaluated by glomerular podocyte injury due to high glucose. Based on an analysis of the ingredients in vivo, the potential therapeutic targets in the treatment of CGN were investigated by using network pharmacological analysis and molecular docking. Then, the renoprotective effect and mechanism of ACT were determined in rats in a passive Heymann nephritis (PHN) model.

RESULTS

A total of 49 metabolites of ACT were detected and identified. Meanwhile, 21 metabolites were detected in nephropathy model rats. ACT was absorbed rapidly and transferred from the kidney, and the metabolites were eliminated via urine. The whole process lasted approximately 8 h. ACT had a significant protective effect on glomerular podocytes damaged by high glucose and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid might be the main metabolite of ACT underlying its functions in vivo. The network pharmacology and molecular docking results showed 84 ACT-CGN targets, among which MAPK1, HRAS, AKT1, EGFR, and others were a highly correlated. In the PHN rat model, ACT significantly reduced the 24-h urine protein and serum creatinine concentrations, suppressed the leukocyte CD18 expression levels, decreased the serum tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) levels and tended to reduce serum interleukin 6 (IL-6) levels. ACT significantly reduced the platelet aggregation rate and inhibited the proliferative activity of splenic lymphocytes in response to the mitogen concanavalin A. Meanwhile, ACT inhibited transforming growth factor-β and fibronectin expression in renal tissues and dose-dependently inhibited TNF-α and IL-6 production in RAW264.7 mouse macrophages at doses ranging from 1.8 to 1330 μg/mL.

CONCLUSIONS

ACT had therapeutic effects on PHN rats, and its mechanism might be related to the inhibition of intercellular or intercellular-matrix adhesion, suppression of inflammatory response, regulation of immune function, improvement of tissue hemodynamics and hemorheology, and relief of fibrotic lesions.

Leucosceptosides A and B: Two Phenyl-Ethanoid Glycosides with Important Occurrence and Biological Activities

In this review paper, the occurrence in the plant kingdom, the chemophenetic value and the biological activities associated with two specific phenyl-ethanoid glycosides, i.e., leucosceptoside A and leucosceptoside B, were reported. This is the first work ever conducted on such a subject. Analysis of the literature data clearly led to three important conclusions: leucosceptoside A is much more common in plants than leucosceptoside B; leucosceptoside A exerts more biological activities than leucosceptoside B even if nothing can be generally concluded about which one is actually the most potent; neither of these compounds can be used as a chemophenetic marker. These three aspects and more are discussed in more depth in this work.

Healing effect of carboxymethyl chitosan-plantamajoside hydrogel on burn wound skin

BACKGROUND

It is known that hydrogels based on carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS) have properties controling microbial growth, reducing inflammatory cell infiltration, and promoting collagen deposition. Plantamajoside (PMS), a natural Chinese herbal medicine with biological activity, has the properties of reducing inflammation, anti-oxidation, and promoting wound healing. However, the effects of carboxymethyl chitosan/plantamajoside hydrogel on partial thickness burn wounds remain unclear.

METHODS

The healing effect of carboxymethyl chitosan/plantamajoside hydrogel was evaluated by in vitro cell viability assay, cell migration assay, and further evaluated in a rat model of partial-thickness burn wounds.

RESULTS

The hydrogels were highly porous with a pore size of about 250 μm, and these pores were interconnected. After adding plantamajoside, a dense microstructure was further formed. The hydrogels containing 0.25% plantamajoside significantly increased the viability and migration of L929 cells (P < 0.05). Carboxymethyl chitosan/plantamajoside hydrogel significantly improved wound healing, granulation tissue proliferation and re-epithelialization, and promoted collagen deposition (P < 0.05). Carboxymethyl chitosan/plantamajoside hydrogel also significantly decreased IL (interleukin)-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α expression, and increased IL-10 expression (P < 0.05). Furthermore, carboxymethyl chitosan/plantamajoside hydrogel significantly promoted the expression levels of VEGF, CD31, α-SMA (α-smooth muscle actin) and collagen III, and reduced the expression level of collagen Ⅰ (P < 0.05). Our data suggest that carboxymethyl chitosan/plantamajoside hydrogel promotes burn wound healing by accelerating angiogenesis and collagen deposition and reducing the inflammatory response.

Profiling of phenolic compounds in desiccation-tolerant and non-desiccation-tolerant Linderniaceae

INTRODUCTION

Craterostigma plantagineum and Lindernia brevidens are resurrection plants, so these plants can tolerate desiccation of their vegetative tissues. Different components and mechanisms contribute to desiccation tolerance and secondary plant metabolites, like phenolic compounds, may play a role during these processes.

OBJECTIVES

Secondary plant metabolites of the two resurrection plants, C. plantagineum and L. brevidens as well as the closely related desiccation sensitive species, L. subracemosa, were investigated regarding the polyphenol profile.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Secondary plant compounds were extracted with acidified methanol and analysed with ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry (UHPLC-ESI-MS). Phenolic compounds were identified by comparing of ultraviolet (UV) and MSⁿ -spectra with published data. All compounds were quantified as verbascoside equivalents by external calibration at the compound specific wavelength.

RESULTS

In total, eight compounds that belong to the subclass of phenylethanoid glycosides and one flavone, luteolin hexoside pentoside, were identified. Two of these compounds exhibited a fragmentation pattern, which is closely related to phenylethanoid glycosides. The predominantly synthesised phenylethanoid in all of the three plant species and in every stage of hydration was verbascoside. The total content of phenolic compounds during the three stages of hydration, untreated, desiccated, and rehydrated revealed differences especially between C. plantagineum and L. brevidens as the latter one lost almost all phenolic compounds during rehydration.

CONCLUSION

The amount of verbascoside correlates with the degree of desiccation tolerance and verbascoside might play a role in the protective system in acting as an antioxidant.

Diuretic Effect and Metabolomics Analysis of Crude and Salt-Processed Plantaginis Semen

Plantaginis Semen (PS) is well recognized in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and health products. Crude PS (CPS) and salt-processed CPS (SPS) are the two most commonly used decoction pieces of PS, and are included in the 2020 edition of Chinese Pharmacopoeia. Although they all have multiple effects, the mechanisms for treating diseases are different and remain unclear, the processing mechanism of SPS is also indeterminate, which hinders their clinical application to a certain extent. In order to solve these problems and further develop PS in the clinical application. Here, we used saline-loaded model rats for experiments, and utilized an integrated approach consisting of pharmacological methods and metabolomics, which could assess the diuretic impact of CPS and SPS ethanol extracts on saline-loaded rats and elucidate the underlying mechanism. The results showed that CPS and SPS both produced increased urine volume excretion and urine electrolyte excretion, but the levels of aldosterone (ALD) and aquaporin 2 (AQP2) were decreased. And 30 differential metabolites such as linoleic acid, lysoPC(O-18:0), sphingosine-1-phosphate, lysoPC(18:0) were found, mainly involving three metabolic pathways. In conclusion, CPS and SPS both have a diuretic effect, and that of SPS is better. This work investigated the possible diuretic mechanisms of CPS and SPS which may also be the mechanism of PS for anti-hypertension. In addition, a holistic approach provided novel and helpful insights into the underlying processing mechanisms of TCM.

Comparison of main chemical composition of Plantago asiatica L. and P. depressa Willd. seed extracts and their anti-obesity effects in high-fat diet-induced obese mice

BACKGROUND

Nowadays, the pharmacological effects of Plantaginis semen was getting more and more attention because of the great effect of treating diuresis, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and hyperglycemia. According to the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, Plantaginis semen is the seed of Plantago asiatica L. or P. depressa Willd. This was verified by examining chemical composition differences in a preliminary experiment, predicting their differences in pharmacology.

PURPOSE

In this study, we aimed to compared the the differences in main components and anti-obesity effects of Plantago asiatica L. seed extract (PASE) and P. depressa Willd. seed extract (PDSE).

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

The ultra-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS) analysis was used to characterize and compare the differences chemical constituents of PASE and PDSE. The difference therapeutic effects between PASE and PDSE on obesity and associated metabolic disorders was investigated by high-fat (HF) diet induced mice model.

RESULTS

The fingerprint of Plantaginis semen were established by screening and identified 15 main components, including iridoids, phenethanol glycosides, flavonoids, guanidines, and fatty acids. Pentahydroxy flavanone was observed only in PDSE but not in PASE. The quantitative analysis results indicated that the main bioactive components in PASE were geniposidic acid and acteoside; their concentrations were three times higher in PASE than in PDSE. In anti-obesity effects, the result show the levels of fasting blood glucose were improved in both PASE and PDSE when compared with the HF group, while the PASE is show a significant effect then the PDSE group and improved the glucose tolerance but not in PDSE. The results also displayed that the Plantaginis semen did not modify food intake or body weight but decreased abdominal white/brown adipocyte size, serum total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), hepatic TG and TC, fecal TG and TC concentrations when compared with the HF group. Among these indicators, serum TG, liver TG, fecal TC and TG levels were significantly improved in PASE compared with PDSE. The results indicated that PASE treatment more effectively improved lipid and glucose metabolism in HF diet-induced obese mice than did PDSE.

CONCLUSION

As Plantaginis semen sources, P. asiatica L. seeds demonstrated more bioactive components and favorable metabolic disorder treatment outcomes than did P. depressa Willd. seeds.

Extract of Plantago asiatica L. Seeds Ameliorates Hypertension in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats by Inhibition of Angiotensin Converting Enzyme

Plantago asiatica L. seeds is a common folk medicine with a long history of medical use in China because of its antipyretic, diuretic, and expectorant properties. It has been applied to treat hypertension clinically due to its diuresis, however, its efficacy and mechanisms on anti-hypertension has not been reported yet to our knowledge. In this study, we investigated the antihypertensive effect and underlying mechanisms of P. asiatica L. seeds extract (PASE) in spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR). Male SHRs were treated with 2.5 mg/kg of fosinopril (FOS) and 400 mg/kg of PASE orally per day for once or 12 weeks. SHR or Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY) receiving vehicle (distilled water) was used as control. The results demonstrated systolic, diastolic, and mean blood pressures (SBP, DBP, and MBP) were significantly lowered after single and long-term intragastric administration of PASE. The cardiac and aortic index and collagen accumulation were improved in the PASE group compared with the SHRs group. Meanwhile, PASE treatment remarkably reduced urine total protein, the ratio of serum urea nitrogen to serum creatinine, and increased serum potassium. The levels of serum angiotensin I (Ang I), angiotensin II (Ang II), the ratio of Ang II to Ang I, and aldosterone (ALD) were lowered after treatment of PASE. Besides, PASE and its major active constituents of phenylethanoid glycosides, including isoacteoside, plantamajoside and acteoside, were found to effectively inhibit angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) activation in vitro. These findings suggest that PASE has the antihypertensive effect that may involve a mechanism of ACE inhibition and simultaneously protect organ damage against hypertension.

Verbascoside: Identification, Quantification, and Potential Sensitization of Colorectal Cancer Cells to 5-FU by Targeting PI3K/AKT Pathway

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer mortality worldwide. Although, 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU)-based chemotherapeutic regimens remain the mainstay for treatment of CRC, intrinsic and acquired resistance to 5-FU is the main reason for treatment failure and relapse. Adjunct or add-on therapy, therefore, should be thought of to enhance responsiveness to 5-FU. Verbascoside (VER) is a phenylethanoid glycoside ingredient present in many Plantago species and was widely used in traditional medicine. VER showed antiproliferative effects in many cancer types including CRC. In the present study, VER in Plantago seeds was identified using UPLC-MS/MS and quantified using newly developed and validated UPLC-DAD followed by investigating its potential sensitization of CRC cells to 5-FU in vitro. The potential impact on PI3K/AKT pathway was also investigated. A synergistic cytotoxic interaction between 5-FU and VER besides G1 cell cycle arrest were detected. Enhanced apoptosis mainly by affecting Bax and Bcl-2 and to a lesser extent Bcl-xL and p53 was also observed. Additionally, 5-FU combined to VER was capable of significantly reducing PI3K and p-AKT/total AKT ratio. Overall, these results suggest a potential role of VER as an adjuvant treatment to decrease the resistance of CRC cells to 5-FU possibly by targeting the PI3K/AKT pathway.

Application of electrospray ionization mass spectrometry fingerprinting associated with macroscopic and histological analysis for Plantago major herbal infusions quality control

The present study demonstrates the need to conduct an integrative quality control of teas marketed as Plantago major. In the present study, quality control checks were performed through macroscopic, microscopic and chemical analyses of commercial brands. Leaves with parts not allowed for consumption were found in all brands. Six brands showed histological similarity <50% with the authentic P. major. Eight brands demonstrated low chemical similarity (40 to 60%), indicating that they do not have the same compounds from the authentic P. major. All commercial samples are contaminated with aflatoxins, indicative of fungicide contamination and consequent degradation of phenolic compounds and reduction of antioxidant activity from the commercial samples. The difference in the present study is the integrative application of methods for success in the quality control of P. major, which can be applied to other species. Thus, more rigorous inspection actions in the production of teas to guarantee the therapeutic benefit of these products.

Comprehensive metabolite profiling of Plantaginis Semen using ultra high performance liquid chromatography with electrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry coupled with elevated energy technique

Plantaginis Semen is commonly used in traditional medicine to treat edema, hypertension, and diabetes. The commercially available Plantaginis Semen in China mainly comes from three species. To clarify the chemical composition and distinct different species of Plantaginis Semen, we established a metabolite profiling method based on ultra high performance liquid chromatography with electrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry coupled with elevated energy technique. A total of 108 compounds, including phenylethanoid glycosides, flavonoids, guanidine derivatives, terpenoids, organic acids, and fatty acids, were identified from Plantago asiatica L., P. depressa Willd., and P. major L. Results showed significant differences in chemical components among the three species, particularly flavonoids. This study is the first to provide a comprehensive chemical profile of Plantaginis Semen, which could be involved into the quality control, medication guide, and developing new drug of Plantago seeds.

Chemical Profiling and Assessment of Antineurodegenerative and Antioxidant Properties of Veronica teucrium L. and Veronica jacquinii Baumg

Neuroprotective potential of V. teucrium and V. jacquinii methanol extracts was analyzed. Chemical analysis of investigated extracts showed the presence of phenolic acid derivatives, flavonoids and one secoiridoid. The detected flavonoids derived from flavones (luteolin and isoscutellarein in V. jacquinii; apigenin, isoscutellarein and luteolin in V. teucrium) and flavonol (quercetin in V. jacquinii). Acteoside was the dominant compound in V. jacquinii, while plantamajoside and isoscutellarein 7-O-(6‴-O-acetyl)-β-allosyl (1‴→2‴)-β-glucoside were the major phenolics in V. teucrium. Additionally, the antineurodegenerative activity was tested at concentrations of 25, 50, and 100 μg/ml using acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and tyrosinase (TYR) assays. The inhibition of both enzymes was achieved with the investigated extracts, ranging from 22.78 to 35.40% for AChE and from 9.57 to 16.38% for TYR. There was no statistical difference between the activities of the analyzed extracts. Our data indicate that V. teucrium and V. jacquinii may have beneficial effects against Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.

Plantago asiatica L. Seed Extract Improves Lipid Accumulation and Hyperglycemia in High-Fat Diet-Induced Obese Mice

Obesity and its common association with type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, and cardiovascular diseases are worldwide epidemics. Currently, to prevent or treat obesity and associated metabolic disorders, herbal dietary supplements or medicines have attracted more and more attention owing to their relative effectiveness with fewer significant side effects. We investigate the therapeutic effects and underlying mechanisms of Plantago asiatica L. seed extract (PSE) on obesity and associated metabolic disorders in high-fat (HF) diet-induced mice. Our results displayed that PSE did not modify food intake or body weight but decreased abdominal white adipose tissue ratio, white/brown adipocyte size, serum total cholesterol, triglyceride (TG), low density lipoprotein cholesterol, free fatty acid, and hepatic TG concentrations when compared with the HF group. The levels of fasting blood glucose and glucose tolerance were improved in the PSE group when compared with the HF group. Furthermore, PSE upregulated mRNA expressions of peroxisome proliferator activated receptors (PPARs) and target genes related to fatty acid metabolism and energy expenditure in liver and adipose tissue of obese mice when compared with the HF group. PSE treatment effectively improved lipid and glucose metabolism in HF diet-induced obese mice. These effects might be attributed to the upregulation of PPAR signaling.

An untargeted metabolomics approach to determine component differences and variation in their in vivo distribution between Kuqin and Ziqin, two commercial specifications of Scutellaria Radix

Kuqin (KQ) and Ziqin (ZQ), derived from the roots of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, are two important commercial specifications of Scutellariae Radix (SR, termed Huang qin in Chinese).

Recent development in liquid chromatography stationary phases for separation of Traditional Chinese Medicine components

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is an ancient medical practice which has been used to prevent and cure diseases for thousands of years. TCMs are frequently multi-component systems with mainly unidentified constituents. The study of the chemical compositions of TCMs remains a hotspot of research. Different strategies have been developed to manage the significant complexity of TCMs, in an attempt to determine their constituents. Reversed-phase liquid chromatography (RPLC) is still the method of choice for the separation of TCMs, but has many problems related to limited selectivity. Recently, enormous efforts have been concentrated on the development of efficient liquid chromatography (LC) methods for TCMs, based on selective stationary phases. This can improve the resolution and peak capacity considerably. In addition, high-efficiency stationary phases have been applied in the analysis of TCMs since the invention of ultra high-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC). This review describes the advances in LC methods in TCM research from 2010 to date, and focuses on novel stationary phases. Their potential in the separation of TCMs using relevant applications is also demonstrated.

Chemical Discrimination of Cortex Phellodendri amurensis and Cortex Phellodendri chinensis by Multivariate Analysis Approach

Background:

As herbal medicines have an important position in health care systems worldwide, their current assessment, and quality control are a major bottleneck. Cortex Phellodendri chinensis (CPC) and Cortex Phellodendri amurensis (CPA) are widely used in China, however, how to identify species of CPA and CPC has become urgent.

Materials and Methods:

In this study, multivariate analysis approach was performed to the investigation of chemical discrimination of CPA and CPC.

Results:

Principal component analysis showed that two herbs could be separated clearly. The chemical markers such as berberine, palmatine, phellodendrine, magnoflorine, obacunone, and obaculactone were identified through the orthogonal partial least squared discriminant analysis, and were identified tentatively by the accurate mass of quadruple-time-of-flight mass spectrometry. A total of 29 components can be used as the chemical markers for discrimination of CPA and CPC. Of them, phellodenrine is significantly higher in CPC than that of CPA, whereas obacunone and obaculactone are significantly higher in CPA than that of CPC.

Conclusion:

The present study proves that multivariate analysis approach based chemical analysis greatly contributes to the investigation of CPA and CPC, and showed that the identified chemical markers as a whole should be used to discriminate the two herbal medicines, and simultaneously the results also provided chemical information for their quality assessment.

SUMMARY

Multivariate analysis approach was performed to the investigate the herbal medicine

The chemical markers were identified through multivariate analysis approach

A total of 29 components can be used as the chemical markers.

UPLC-Q/TOF-MS-based multivariate analysis method for the herbal medicine samples

Abbreviations used: CPC: Cortex Phellodendri chinensis, CPA: Cortex Phellodendri amurensis, PCA: Principal component analysis, OPLS-DA: Orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis, BPI: Base peaks ion intensity

Plantadeprate A, a Tricyclic Monoterpene Zwitterionic Guanidium, and Related Derivatives from the Seeds of Plantago depressa

Two new alkaloids, plantadeprate A (1) and 1'-(4″-hydroxybutyl)plantagoguanidinic acid (2), along with three known compounds, were isolated from the seeds of Plantago depressa. Their structures were elucidated by physical data analyses including NMR, MS, and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) methods. Plantadeprate A (1), a monoterpene zwitterionic guanidium, possesses a unique 5/5/6-tricyclic ring system. Its absolute configuration was determined by X-ray crystallography and computational methods. Compound 1, plumbagine D (3), and plantagoguanidinic acid (4) exhibited potential antihyperglycemic properties attributed to suppression of hepatic gluconeogenesis with inhibitory rates of 8.2%, 18.5%, and 12.5% at 40 μM, respectively.

Quality control of processed Crataegi Fructus and its medicinal parts by ultra high performance liquid chromatography with electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry

Crataegi Fructus, an edible food, has been used as a traditional medicine to treat diseases for many years. There is substantial evidence that multiple constituents are responsible for the beneficial effects of Crataegi Fructus. To effectively control the quality of this herbal medicine, we developed an ultra high performance liquid chromatography with electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry protocol to simultaneously quantify ten compounds (chlorogenic acid, procyanidin B2, l-epicatechin, glucosylvitexin, vitexin-2-O-rhamnoside, vitexin, rutin, hyperoside, isoquercitrin, and quercetin) in Crataegi Fructus. Multiple-reaction monitoring was used for the quantification in the negative mode for 8 min. This proposed method is simple, reliable, sensitive, and specific. Further, the quantification parameters, including linearity, limit of detection, limit of quantification, precision, reproducibility, stability, and accuracy were optimized. The quality of the processed samples of Crataegi Fructus was evaluated using this method. Additionally, the method was successfully used to distinguish the medicinal components, including peel, kernel, and flesh. The data described in this study offer valuable information for the quality control and proper use of Crataegi Fructus.

LTQ-Orbitrap-based strategy for traditional Chinese medicine targeted class discovery, identification and herbomics research: a case study on phenylethanoid glycosides in three different species of Herba Cistanches

An LTQ-Orbitrap-based strategy for traditional Chinese medicine targeted class discovery, identification and herbomics research was developed.

Effects of N source concentration and NH4(+)/NO3(-) ratio on phenylethanoid glycoside pattern in tissue cultures of Plantago lanceolata L.: a metabolomics driven full-factorial experiment with LC-ESI-MS(3.)

Tissue cultures of a medicinal plant, Plantago lanceolata L. were screened for phenylethanoid glycosides (PGs) and other natural products (NPs) with LC-ESI-MS(3). The effects of N source concentration and NH4(+)/NO3(-) ratio were evaluated in a full-factorial (FF) experiment. N concentrations of 10, 20, 40 and 60mM, and NH4(+)/NO3(-) ratios of 0, 0.11, 0.20 and 0.33 (ratio of NH4(+) in total N source) were tested. Several peaks could be identified as PGs, of which, 16 could be putatively identified from the MS/MS/MS spectra. N source concentration and NH4(+)/NO3(-) ratio had significant effects on the metabolome, their effects on individual PGs were different despite these metabolites were of the same biosynthethic class. Chief PGs were plantamajoside and acteoside (verbascoside), their highest concentrations were 3.54±0.83% and 1.30±0.40% of dry weight, on media 10(0.33) and 40(0.33), respectively. NH4(+)/NO3(-) ratio and N source concentration effects were examined on a set of 89 NPs. For most NPs, high increases in abundance were observed compared to Murashige-Skoog medium. Abundances of 42 and 10 NPs were significantly influenced by the N source concentration and the NH4(+)/NO3(-) ratio, respectively. Optimal media for production of different NP clusters were 10(0), 10(0.11) and 40(0.33). Interaction was observed between NH4(+)/NO3(-) ratio and N source concentration for many NPs. It was shown in simulated experiments, that one-factor at a time (OFAT) experimental designs lead to sub-optimal media compositions for production of many NPs, and alternative experimental designs (e.g. FF) should be preferred when optimizing medium N source for optimal yield of NPs. If using OFAT, the N source concentration is to be optimized first, followed by NH4(+)/NO3(-) ratio, as this reduces the likeliness of suboptimal yield results.

Identification and quantification of phytochemical composition and anti-inflammatory, cellular antioxidant, and radical scavenging activities of 12 Plantago species

Twenty-eight seed samples of 12 Plantago species were investigated for their chemical compositions and anti-inflammatory, cellular antioxidant, and radical scavenging properties. A new UPLC-UV procedure was developed and applied to quantify acteoside and geniposidic acid, the characteristic constituents of the genus Plantago. The amounts of acteoside and geniposidic acid ranged from 0.07 to 15.96 mg/g and from 0.05 to 10.04 mg/g in the tested samples, respectively. Furthermore, 26 compounds were tentatively identified by UPLC/Q-TOF-MS analysis. The Plantago samples significantly differed in their phytochemical compositions. The extracts of Plantago seeds also showed inhibitory effects on LPS-induced IL-1β, IL-6, and COX-2 mRNA expression in RAW 264.7 mouse macrophage cells. Additionally, significant variations were observed among different samples on cellular antioxidant activities in HepG2 cells, as well as DPPH and hydroxyl radical scavenging capacities. The results from this study may be used to promote the use of the genus Plantago in improving human health.

Identification and determination of Aconitum alkaloids in Aconitum herbs and Xiaohuoluo pill using UPLC-ESI-MS

A rapid, specific, and sensitive ultra-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (UPLC-ESI-MS) method to examine the chemical differences between Aconitum herbs and processed products has been developed and validated. Combined with chemometrics analysis of principal component analysis (PCA) and orthogonal projection to latent structural discriminate analysis, diester-diterpenoid and monoester-type alkaloids, especially the five alkaloids which contributed to the chemical distinction between Aconitum herbs and processed products, namely mesaconitine (MA), aconitine (AC), hypaconitine (HA), benzoylmesaconitine (BMA), and benzoylhypaconitine (BHA), were picked out. Further, the five alkaloids and benzoylaconitine (BAC) have been simultaneously determined in the Xiaohuoluo pill. Chromatographic separations were achieved on a C₁₈ column and peaks were detected by mass spectrometry in positive ion mode and selected ion recording (SIR) mode. In quantitative analysis, the six alkaloids showed good regression, (r) > 0.9984, within the test ranges. The lower limit quantifications (LLOQs) for MA, AC, HA, BMA, BAC, and BHA were 1.41, 1.20, 1.92, 4.28, 1.99 and 2.02 ng·mL⁻¹, respectively. Recoveries ranged from 99.7% to 101.7%. The validated method was applied successfully in the analysis of the six alkaloids from different samples, in which significant variations were revealed. Results indicated that the developed assay can be used as an appropriate quality control assay for Xiaohuoluo pill and other herbal preparations containing Aconitum roots.