Comprehensive characterization and quantification of multiple components in Dan-Huang-Qu-Yu capsule using a multivariate data processing approach based on microwave-assisted extraction with UHPLC and Q Exactive quadrupole-orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry

Astragaloside IV: A promising natural neuroprotective agent for neurological disorders

Neurological disorders are characterized by high morbidity, disability, and mortality rates, which seriously threaten human health. However, clinically satisfactory agents for treatment are still currently lacking. Therefore, finding neuroprotective agents with minimum side effects and better efficacy is a challenge. Chinese herbal medicine, particularly natural preparations extracted from herbs or plants, has become an unparalleled resource for discovering new agent candidates. Astragali Radix is an important Qi tonic drug in traditional Chinese medicine and has a long medicinal history. As a natural medicine, it has a good prevention and treatment effect on neurological disorders. Here, the role and mechanism of astragaloside IV in the treatment of neurological disorders were evaluated and discussed through previous research results. Related information from major scientific databases, such as PubMed, MEDLINE, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, Embase, BIOSIS Previews, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and Cochrane Library, covering between 2001 and 2021 was compiled, using "Astragaloside IV" and "Neurological disorders," "Astragaloside IV," and "Neurodegenerative diseases" as reference terms. By summarizing previous research results, we found that astragaloside IV may play a neuroprotective role through various mechanisms: anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, anti-apoptotic protection of nerve cells and regulation of nerve growth factor, as well as by inhibiting neurodegeneration and promoting nerve regeneration. Astragaloside IV is a promising natural neuroprotective agent. By determining its pharmacological mechanism, astragaloside IV may be a new candidate drug for the treatment of neurological disorders.

Global identification and quantitative analysis of representative components of Xin-Nao-Kang Capsule, a traditional Chinese medicinal formula, by UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS and UHPLC-TQ-MS

Xin-Nao-Kang Capsule (XNKC), a well-known traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), is widely used for the treatment of angina pectoris, cerebral arteriosclerosis and coronary artery disease in China. However, the chemical components have not been holistically explored. In this study, a total of 173 chemical components including 48 flavonoids, 8 lactones, 35 acids, 12 phenanthraquinones, 8 monoterpene glycosides, 32 triterpenoids and 30 other compounds were identified, among which 37 were unambiguously characterized in comparison with their corresponding authentic standards using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadruple time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS). To further elucidate the major representative constitutes of XNKC, a high performance liquid chromatography coupled with triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-TQ-MS) method was used for simultaneous quantitative analysis of 34 major representative constitutes in ten batches of XNKC samples, which was validated in terms of linearity, precision, accuracy, repeatability and recovery. Meanwhile, the results of chemometric analysis indicated that puerarin and salvianolic acid B might be the most potential quantitative markers for quality control of XNKC. Taken together, the chemical constitutes of XNKC were systematically identified and a reliable quantitative method coupled with chemometric analysis was successfully employed for evaluating the holistic quality of XNKC. This study will provide a robust foundation for the holistic quality assessment of XNKC.

Characterization of chemical profile and quantification of major representative components of Wendan decoction, a classical traditional Chinese medicine formula

Wendan decoction, a classical traditional Chinese medicine formula consisting of six herbal medicines, has been widely used in clinical treatments for thousands of years due to the expectorant effects. However, the chemical basis of Wendan decoction remains unclear, which hinders the elucidation of the scientific connotation and mechanism of its effective components. In this study, an ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry method was first developed for characterization of its chemical profile, and a total of 142 chemical components including flavonoids, triterpenoids, alkaloids, coumarins, pungent phytochemicals, and other types were detected, among which 41 components were definitively identified with authentic standards. Furthermore, 14 major representative components were simultaneously quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detector, indicating that the content levels of flavonoids were the most abundant in Wendan decoction. In summary, this study established sensitive and practical methods to systematically characterize chemical profile for the first time and simultaneous quantify representative components of Wendan decoction. These findings above would provide a solid chemical basis for disclosure of potential effective components by further in vivo disposal study, and promote therapeutic mechanism researches of Wendan decoction.