Identification of chemical constituents in traditional Chinese medicine formula using HPLC coupled with linear ion trap-Orbitrap MS from high doses of medicinal materials to equivalent doses of formula: Study on Xiang-Sha-Liu-Jun-Zi-Jia-Jian granules

Comparative Analysis of Chemical Composition of Zanthoxylum myriacanthum Branches and Leaves by GC-MS and UPLC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS, and Evaluation of Their Antioxidant Activities

Zanthoxylum myriacanthum Wall. ex Hook. f., a plant belonging to the Rutaceae family and the Zanthoxylum genus, is extensively utilized for its medicinal properties and as a culinary seasoning in China and Southeast Asian countries. However, the chemical composition and biological activities of Z. myriacanthum branches and leaves remain insufficiently explored. In this study, the volatile and non-volatile components of Z. myriacanthum branches and leaves were analyzed using GC-MS and UPLC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS techniques. A total of 78 volatile compounds and 66 non-volatile compounds were identified. The volatile compounds were predominantly terpenoids and aliphatic compounds, while the non-volatile compounds were primarily flavonoids and alkaloids. The branches contained 52 volatile compounds and 33 non-volatile compounds, whereas the leaves contained 48 volatile compounds and 40 non-volatile compounds. The antioxidant activities of the methanol extracts from Z. myriacanthum branches and leaves were evaluated using ABTS and DPPH free-radical-scavenging assays, both of which demonstrated certain antioxidant activity. The methanol extract of leaves demonstrated significantly higher antioxidant activity compared to that of the branches, possibly due to the higher presence of flavonoids and phenols in the leaves, with IC50 values of 7.12 ± 0.257 μg/mL and 1.22 × 102 ± 5.01 μg/mL for ABTS and DPPH, respectively. These findings enhance our understanding of the chemical composition and antioxidant potential of Z. myriacanthum. The plant holds promise as a natural source of antioxidants for applications in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and functional foods. Further research can explore its broader biological activities and potential applications.

Rapid and comprehensive identification of chemical constituents in Mai-Luo-Shu-Tong pill by UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS combined with a data mining strategy

Mai-Luo-Shu-Tong pill is an effective traditional Chinese medicine formula for the treatment of superficial thrombophlebitis, but it was insufficiently chemically scrutinized. In this study, the mass spectral data of Mai-Luo-Shu-Tong pill were acquired by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with Q Exactive hybrid Quadrupole-Orbitrap high resolution mass spectrometry. Then, a data mining strategy combining multiple data processing methods was used to identify chemical constituents in Mai-Luo-Shu-Tong pill by constructing a database of precursor ions and summarizing the mass spectral fragmentation behaviors. As a result, a total of 211 compounds including 70 flavonoids, 56 terpenoids, 37 phenolic acids and 48 others were identified in positive and negative ion modes. Among them, 66 compounds have passed comparison verification with reference standards, 145 compounds were identified based on the data mining strategy combining the characteristic cleavage behaviour of homologous compounds and fragment ions and 4 compounds were potentially new compounds. This study provides a database for quality evaluation and further study of Mai-Luo-Shu-Tong pill in vivo. Moreover, it provides a reference for the characterization of the chemical constituents of other traditional Chinese medicine formulae.

Chemical composition, quality control, pharmacokinetics, pharmacological properties and clinical applications of Fufang Danshen Tablet: A systematic review

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Fufang Danshen Tablet (FDT) is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula composed of three Chinese medicinal materials comprising Salviae Miltiorrhizar Radix et Rhizoma (Dan-Shen in Chinese), Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma (San-Qi), and Borneolum Syntheticum (Bing-Pian). It has been documented to exert significant effects in promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis, and become a frequently used formula in the treatment of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.

AIM OF THE REVIEW

To systematically analyze and summarize the research findings concerning the chemical composition, quality control, pharmacokinetics, pharmacological properties, clinical applications, and toxicity of FDT, so as to point out some typical problems and provides opinions for future study.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Literatures involving FDT were collected from online scientific databases including China National Knowledge Infrastructure, WanFang Data, PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, Web of Science, Springer Link, SciFinder, and Google Scholar up to March 2021. All eligible studies are analyzed and summarized in this review.

RESULTS

This review summarizes reported results concerning the post-marketing quality and efficacy of FDT. Some problems are pointed out for FDT. Hereon we propose several directions for future study: (a) improvement of quality control based on exact overall chemical profiles, entire production process monitoring, and biopotency-associated multi-index content determination method; (b) clarification of functional mechanisms focused on pharmacokinetic profiles in human, interplay with gut microbiota, and integration of multi-omics technologies; (c) reconfirmation of clinical effectiveness and safety from large-scale clinical studies based on evidence-based medicine.

CONCLUSIONS

FDT is a typical TCM formula in treating cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, but there are also some troubles. Future studies should focus on the improvement of quality control, the clarification of functional mechanisms, as well as the reconfirmation of clinical effectiveness and safety.

The Study on the Mechanism of Hugan Tablets in Treating Drug-Induced Liver Injury Induced by Atorvastatin

Atorvastatin is a widely used lipid-lowering drug in the clinic. Research shows that taking long-term atorvastatin has the risk of drug-induced liver injury (DILI) in most patients. Hugan tablets, a commonly used drug for liver disease, can effectively lower transaminase and protect the liver. However, the underlying mechanism of Hugan tablets alleviating atorvastatin-induced DILI remains unclear. To address this problem, comprehensive chemical profiling and network pharmacology methods were used in the study. First, the strategy of "compound-single herb-TCM prescription" was applied to characterize the ingredients of Hugan tablets. Then, active ingredients and potential targets of Hugan tablets in DILI treatment were screened using network pharmacology, molecular docking, and literature research. In the end, the mechanism of Hugan tablets in treating atorvastatin-induced DILI was elucidated. The results showed that Hugan tablets can effectively alleviate DILI induced by atorvastatin in model rats, and 71 compounds were characterized from Hugan tablets. Based on these compounds, 271 potential targets for the treatment of DILI were predicted, and 10 key targets were chosen by characterizing protein-protein interactions. Then, 30 potential active ingredients were screened through the molecular docking with these 10 key targets, and their biological activity was explained based on literature research. Finally, the major 19 active ingredients of Hugan tablets were discovered. In addition, further enrichment analysis of 271 targets indicated that the PI3K-Akt, TNF, HIF-1, Rap1, and FoxO signaling pathways may be the primary pathways regulated by Hugan tablets in treating DILI. This study proved that Hugan tablets could alleviate atorvastatin-induced DILI through multiple components, targets, and pathways.

Anti-inflammatory effects of Radix Aucklandiae herbal preparation ameliorate intestinal mucositis induced by 5-fluorouracil in mice

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) is a chemotherapy agent that is widely used in clinical oncologic practice. However, intestinal mucositis is the most frequently occurring side effect of cancer therapy with 5-FU. Based on a literature survey, Radix Aucklandiae herbal preparation potentially ameliorates intestinal mucositis in 5-FU-treated mice.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The aim of this study was to investigate the inflammation and gastrointestinal regulation of intestinal mucositis induced by 5-FU, including the intestinal morphology, as well as the reduction in food intake, body weight loss, and diarrhea.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Intestinal mucositis was induced in mice by 5-FU (30 mg/kg, i.p., for 5 consecutive days). The dose-dependent Radix Aucklandiae herbal preparation (0.3, 1, and 3 g/kg/day, p.o.), loperamide (3 mg/kg/day, p.o.) or celecoxib (40 mg/kg/day, p.o.) was concurrently administered until the 7th day. Physical status observation, diarrhea assessment, serum proinflammatory cytokine levels, intestinal villus height and crypt depth, and total goblet cells from tissues were assessed.

RESULTS

The dosage regimen of 5-FU administration caused severe intestinal mucositis in mice, including damage to the intestinal morphology, accompanied by a reduction in food intake, body weight loss, and diarrhea. The high-dose Radix Aucklandiae herbal preparation significantly relieves 5-FU-induced intestinal mucositis by enhancing proliferative activity in epithelial crypts; improving anepithymia, body weight loss, and diarrhea; and displaying protective effects on goblet cells in intestinal mucosal epithelia. Activation of NF-κB in the intestinal mucositis model was also suppressed by the Radix Aucklandiae herbal preparation, suggesting that it is a potent inhibitor of NF-κB and proinflammatory cytokines, such as IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and COX-2.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data support the conclusion that the Radix Aucklandiae herbal preparation could effectively ameliorate 5-FU-induced gastrointestinal toxicity and be applied clinically for the prevention of intestinal mucositis during chemotherapy.

Exploring the Active Components of Simotang Oral Liquid and Their Potential Mechanism of Action on Gastrointestinal Disorders by Integrating Ultrahigh-Pressure Liquid Chromatography Coupled with Linear Ion Trap-Orbitrap Analysis and Network Pharmacology

Simotang oral liquid (SMT), a well-known traditional Chinese medicine formula composed of four medicinal and edible plants, has been extensively used for treating gastrointestinal disorders (GIDs) since ancient times. However, the major active constituents and the underlying molecular mechanism of SMT on GIDs are still partially understood. Herein, the preliminary chemical profile of SMT was first identified by ultrahigh-pressure liquid chromatography coupled with linear ion trap-Orbitrap tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap). In total, 70 components were identified. Then, a network pharmacology approach integrating target prediction, pathway enrichment analysis, and network construction was adopted to explore the therapeutic mechanism of SMT. As a result, 170 main targets were screened out and considered as effective players in ameliorating GIDs. More importantly, the major hubs were found to be highly enriched in a calcium signaling pathway. Furthermore, 26 core SMT-related genes were identified, which may play key roles in ameliorating gastrointestinal motility. In conclusion, this work would provide valuable information for further development and clinical application of SMT.

Magnetic Nanomaterials in Chinese Medicine Chemical Composition Analysis and Drug Metabolism and Its Industry Prospect and Development Path Research

The paramagnetism and superparamagnetism of magnetic nanomaterials are very important for in vivo applications. The magnetic particles with paramagnetism or superparamagnetism can redistribute the magnetic particles after the magnetic field is withdrawn, which is widely used for the separation and purification of biomolecules. At the same time, superparamagnetic particles can also be used as MRI imaging contrast agent. Compared with Western medicine, traditional Chinese medicine is different from Western medicine in that it is originated from nature and has thousands of years of clinical efficacy. Therefore, we hope to elaborate the complex mechanism of traditional Chinese medicine through some modern technical means: through the establishment of relevant quality control system, Chinese medicine will be recognized and popularized in the international field. Therefore, this paper discusses the application of magnetic nanomaterials in the chemical composition analysis and drug metabolism of traditional Chinese medicine and its industrial prospect and development path. Firstly, the advantages of magnetic nanomaterials and the shortcomings of chemical composition analysis technology of traditional Chinese medicine are analyzed theoretically. Then, through the experimental simulation, the results show that, under the optimal conditions, the magnetic nanomaterials can be used to analyze the chemical composition of traditional Chinese medicine. The peak current and concentration of THP showed a good linear relationship in the range of 5.2 × 10−8 ∼ 2.1 × 10−5  mol/L, and the detection limit was 1.9 × 10−7  mol/L. Moreover, it showed effective results in repeatability, stability, and interference tests. Therefore, magnetic nanomaterials play an important role in the chemical composition analysis and drug metabolism of traditional Chinese medicine as well as its industrial prospect and development path.

Bioactive structural basis of proteoglycans from Sarcandra glabra based on spectrum-effect relationship

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Proteoglycans are one of the active ingredients of great importance in Sarcandra glabra. The biological activities of proteoglycans extracted from Sarcandra glabra including suppressing tumor growth and antioxidant activity were studied. However, raw materials from different regions may cause differences in the activity of natural extracts, especially for bioactive biomacromolecules. Conventional identification of S.glabra cannot accurately reflect the distinguishing relationship between internal components and the pharmacological activity. The identification of biologically active structures was obtained by constructing multiple fingerprint and spectrum-effect relationship.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To evaluate the bioactive structural basis of proteoglycans from S.glabra based on spectrum-effect relationship and chemometric methods.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Multiple fingerprinting including HPSEC, PMP-HPLC, and FT-IR of proteoglycans was established from 18 batches of samples based on the structural characteristics. Both antitumor activity and antioxidant activity were determined. Mathematical analysis was used to analyze the spectrum-effect relationship.

RESULTS

PCA results showed monosaccharides including Xly, Rha, and GlcA, carboxyl group in acidic sugars, peptide bond in proteins, and methylene groups could be used as markers for distinguishing the samples from different sources. The results of the spectrum-effect relationship analysis indicated that the bioactive markers of inhibitory activity on MG63 and U2OS cells by PLS-DA were related to GlcA, Xyl, Fuc, β-glycosidic bonds, peptide linkage, and methylene groups. Markers composing monosaccharide for antioxidant activity were Xyl, GlcA, and GlcN. Meanwhile, the group markers were pyranose ring, carboxyl group, peptide linkage, and methylene structure.

CONCLUSIONS

The material basis that affects the pharmacological efficacy could be found according to the spectrum-effect relationship analysis. This study could lay a foundation for further exploring the relationship between structural characteristics and pharmacodynamics of macromolecular glycoconjugates in Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Reversine and herbal Xiang-Sha-Liu-Jun-Zi decoction ameliorate thioacetamide-induced hepatic injury by regulating the RelA/NF-κB/caspase signaling pathway

This study investigated the anti-fibrotic effects of reversine and Chinese medicine Xiang–Sha–Liu–Jun–Zi decoction (XSLJZD) on thioacetamide (TAA)-induced hepatic injury. Sprague-Dawley rats were intraperitoneally administered with TAA, then injected with reversine intraperitoneally, and/or orally provided with XSLJZD. TAA resulted in liver injury with increases in the liver index and levels of serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase. Reversine alleviated the liver index and AST level and improved TAA-induced pathological changes but decreased TAA-induced collagen deposition, and α-smooth muscle actin and transforming growth factor-β1 expression. Reversine also modulated the mRNA levels of inflammatory cytokines, such as RelA, interleukin (IL)-17A, IL-22, IL-1β, IL-6, NLR family pyrin domain containing 3, platelet-derived growth factor, and monocyte chemoattractant protein, and suppressed nuclear factor (NF)-κB (p65) phosphorylation and caspase 1 activation. Meanwhile, XSLJZD protected TAA-injured liver without increasing fibrosis and enhanced the regulating effect of reversine on RelA, IL-17A, IL-1β, and MCP-1 cytokines. In conclusion, reversine ameliorates liver injury and inhibits inflammation reaction by regulating NF-κB, and XSLJZD protects the liver through its synergistic effect with reversine on regulating inflammatory cytokines.

An analytical strategy to explore the multicomponent pharmacokinetics of herbal medicine independently of standards: Application in Gelsemium elegans extracts

The multicomponent pharmacokinetic study of herbal medicine is a great challenge due to the low plasma concentrations, large range of concentration scales, lack of authentic standards and uncertain interactions of the components. The aim of this work was to explore the in vivo pharmacokinetics of herbal medicine independently of authentic standards using an integrated analytical strategy. First, ion pairs of multiple components were tuned and selected, and then major parameters were optimized for derivative multiple reaction monitoring (DeMRM) by LC-MS/MS, which was combined with characterization of the chemical profiles of the herbal medicine by LC-QqTOF/MS. Second, different concentrations of herbal extracts were employed instead of authentic standards to construct calibration curves for the semiquantitative determination of multiple components in plasma. Taking Gelsemium elegans as an example, in addition to the fully validated and sufficient methodological results, a total of 27 alkaloid components, major bioactive constituents of Gelsemium elegans, were simultaneously monitored in pig plasma. The concentration-time profiles and pharmacokinetic properties of these 27 components were characterized. The absolute quantification of three components was compared with the results obtained using authentic standards, and the method showed very similar analytical characteristics, such as linearity, precision, accuracy, and the values of the pharmacokinetic parameters T_max, Vd, Cl and MRT. This analytical strategy was found to be capable of assessing herbal pharmacokinetics independently of specific authentic compounds for each component. This study was the first attempt to systematically reveal the in vivo pharmacokinetics of Gelsemium elegans. This strategy and methodology will find widespread use in the quantitative pharmacokinetic analysis of multiple components independently of standards for herbal medicine, among other applications.

A High Throughput Three-step Ultra-performance Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry Method to Study Metabolites of Atractylenolide-III

Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz (AMK) is a traditional Chinese medicine widely used in the treatment of various diseases, especially spleen deficiency. As the principle active constituents of AMK, however, the metabolites of Atractylenolide-III (A-lactone-III) have not been identified in rats yet. In this study, a three-step high throughput method based on UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS-MS was developed to profile and characterize the metabolites of A-lactone-III in rat feces, urine and plasma. The initial step was a full-scan that utilized a multiple mass defect filter (MMDF) combined with dynamic background subtraction (DBS). PeakView®1.2 and Metabolitepilot™1.5 software was then used to obtain data and seek possible metabolites. Finally, MS-MS spectra of the parent drug and possible metabolites were compared by the fragment ion peaks and retention times, which enabled metabolites to be identified. As a result, 53 metabolites were characterized in rats in vivo. The metabolic pathways of A-lactone-III were identified as including methylation, oxidation, hydroxylation, dihydroxylation, hydrogenation, glycosylation, sulfonation, and glucuronide, cysteine and N-acetylcysteine conjugation.

Metabolic profile of danshen in rats by HPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap mass spectrometry

Danshen, the dried root of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge (Lamiaceae), is one of the traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) most commonly used for the treatment of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. However, little is known about the chemical and metabolic profiles of danshen in vitro or in vivo. In particular, more information is needed in relation to the 50% ethanol extracts usually used in danshen formulations such as Fufang Xueshuantong Capsules and Fufang Danshen tablets. High-performance liquid chromatography coupled with a linear ion trap-Orbitrap mass spectrometer (HPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap) provides a sensitive and accurate method for analyzing the composition of samples. This method was used to determine the in vitro and in vivo chemical and metabolic profiles of danshen. Sixty-nine components of danshen extract and 118 components of danshen in rat plasma, urine, feces, and bile were unambiguously or tentatively identified. These results not only revealed the material composition of danshen, but also provided a comprehensive research approach for the identification of multi-constituents in TCMs.

Identification and metabolite profiling of alkaloids in aerial parts of Papaver rhoeas by liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry

Papaver plants can produce diverse bioactive alkaloids. Papaver rhoeas Linnaeus (common poppy or corn poppy) is an annual flowering medicinal plant used for treating cough, sleep disorder, and as a sedative, pain reliever, and food. It contains various powerful alkaloids like rhoeadine, benzylisoquinoline, and proaporphine. To investigate and identify alkaloids in the aerial parts of P. rhoeas, samples were collected at different growth stages and analyzed using liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry. A liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry method was developed for the identification and metabolite profiling of alkaloids for P. rhoeas by comparing with Papaver somniferum. Eighteen alkaloids involved in benzylisoquinoline alkaloid biosynthesis were used to optimize the liquid chromatography gradient and mass spectrometry conditions. Fifty-five alkaloids, including protoberberine, benzylisoquinoline, aporphine, benzophenanthridine, and rhoeadine-type alkaloids, were identified authentically or tentatively by liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry in samples taken during various growth stages. Rhoeadine alkaloids were observed only in P. rhoeas samples, and codeine and morphine were tentatively identified in P. somniferum. The liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry method can be a powerful tool for the identification of diverse metabolites in the genus Papaver. These results may help understand the biosynthesis of alkaloids in P. rhoeas and evaluate the quality of this plant for possible medicinal applications.

The Herb-Drug Pharmacokinetic Interaction of 5-Fluorouracil and Its Metabolite 5-Fluoro-5,6-Dihydrouracil with a Traditional Chinese Medicine in Rats

Background: Xiang-Sha-Liu-Jun-Zi-Tang (XSLJZT) is the most common traditional formula given to colorectal and breast cancer patients in Taiwan, according to a statistical study of the National Health Insurance Research Database. 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) is widely used as the first line of treatment for colorectal cancer. Thus, the aim of study is to investigate the pharmacokinetic interaction of XSLJZT and 5-FU. Methods: To investigate the herb–drug interaction of XSLJZT with 5-FU as well as its metabolite 5-fluoro-5,6-dihydrouracil (5-FDHU) using pharmacokinetics, a high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) system coupled with a photodiode array detector was developed to monitor 5-FU and 5-FDHU levels in rat blood. Rats were divided into three cohorts, one of which was administered 5-FU (100 mg/kg, iv—intravenous) alone, while the other two groups were pretreated with low and high doses of XSLJZT (600 mg/kg/day or 2400 mg/kg/day for 5 consecutive days) in combination with 5-FU. Results: The results demonstrated that 5-FU level was not significantly different between the group treated with only 5-FU and the group pretreated with a normal dose of XSLJZT (600 mg/kg/day). However, pharmacokinetic analysis revealed that pretreatment with a high dose of XSLJZT (2400 mg/kg/day) extended the residence time and increased the volume of distribution of 5-FU. No significant distinctions were found in 5-FDHU pharmacokinetic parameters at three doses of XSLJZT. Conclusions: Overall, the pharmacokinetic results confirm the safety of coadministering 5-FU with XSLJZT, and provide practical dosage information for clinical practice.

Identification of a Multicomponent Traditional Herbal Medicine by HPLC-MS and Electron and Light Microscopy

Background: Commercial pharmaceutical herbal products have enabled people to take traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in a convenient and accessible form. However, the quantity and quality should be additionally inspected. To address the issue, a combination of chemical and physical inspection methods were developed to evaluate the amount of an herbal formula, Xiang-Sha-Liu-Jun-Zi-Tang (XSLJZT), in clinical TCM practice. Methods: A high-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC–MS) method with electrospray ionization was developed to measure the herbal biomarkers of guanosine, atractylenolide III, glycyrrhizic acid, dehydrocostus lactone, hesperidin, and oleanolic acid from XSLJZT. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) photographs and light microscopy photographs with Congo red and iodine–KI staining were used to identify the cellulose fibers and starch content. Furthermore, solubility analysis, swelling power test, and crude fiber analysis were contributed to measure the starch additive in pharmaceutical products. Results: The results demonstrated large variations in the chemical components of different pharmaceutical brands. The SEM photographs revealed that the starch was oval, smooth, and granular, and that the raw herbal powder appears stripy, stretched, and filiform. The stained light microscopy photographs of all of the pharmaceutical products showed added starch and raw herbal powder as extenders. Conclusion: The developed chemical and physical methods provide a standard operating procedure for the quantity control of the herbal pharmaceutical products of XSLJZT.

Recent advances in pharmacokinetics approach for herbal medicine

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), an indispensable part of herbal medicine, has been used for treating many diseases and/or symptoms for thousands of years.