Approaches to establish Q-markers for the quality standards of traditional Chinese medicines

Quantitative ternary network-oriented discovery of Q-markers from traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions: Bu-Zhong-Yi-Qi-Tang as a case study

BACKGROUND

The proposal of Q-markers for traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) represents a novel avenue of research pertaining to the quality control of TCM prescriptions. However, prior exploratory studies on Q-markers with multiple properties consistently neglected the consideration of weights, hampering our ability to accurately gauge the significance of each property and potentially leading to a flawed comprehension of Q-markers.

PURPOSE

In this study, a quantitative ternary network strategy was firstly proposed to visually discover the Q-markers from TCM prescriptions, and it has been successfully applied into the quality control study of Bu-Zhong-Yi-Qi-Tang (BZYQT), a classical TCM prescription.

METHODS

Firstly, the contents of 34 components in BZYQT, along with the kinetic features of 17 candidate Q-markers in biosamples (plasma and small intestinal contents), were characterized by UPLC-QqQ-MS/MS, and their immunomodulatory activities in macrophages and splenic lymphocytes were also assessed. Next, the obtained data were integrated into three properties: testability, bioavailability, effectiveness, and their weights were calculated using the entropy weight method to further establish a ternary network for quantitatively screening Q-markers. Subsequently, the identified Q-markers of BZYQT were utilized for the holistic quality evaluation of 36 batches of the commercial BZYQT preparation, Bu-Zhong-Yi-Qi-Pill (BZYQP) produced by three manufacturers, through similarity evaluation of the Q-marker-based fingerprint.

RESULTS

Nine compounds (hesperidin, astragaloside IV, ononin, 18β-glycyrrhizic acid, narirutin, calycosin, cimigenoside, astragaloside II, and liquiritin) showing three core properties, including testability, bioavailability, and effectiveness, were screened out as Q-markers of BZYQT based on their rankings in terms of regression area of the ternary network. Employing Q-markers as common peaks, the similarity values of 36 batches BZYQP ranged 0.914-0.998 under HPLC-UVD mode, and 0.631-1.000 under HPLC-ELSD mode, which were less than the similarity values evaluated by the conventional common peaks (HPLC-UVD mode: 0.946-0.990; HPLC-ELSD mode: 0.957-0.997). This observation suggests that the identified Q-markers are more representative as common peaks in chromatographic fingerprints for the holistic quality evaluation of TCM-related products from different manufacturers.

CONCLUSION

The quantitative discovery of Q-markers from BZYQT laid an important foundation for holistic quality assessment of its related commercially available products, and our work offering a new strategy for ensuring the consistency and efficacy of TCM prescriptions.

An integrated strategy for quality control of Pseudobulbus Cremastrae seu Pleiones based on Q-marker

Pseudobulbus Cremastrae seu Pleiones (PCsP), a traditional Chinese medicine known as ‶Shan-Ci-Gu″, possesses properties for clearing heat, counteracting toxicity, dissipating phlegm, and resolving masses. As a TCM with multiple bases, the dried pseudobulbs of Pleione bulbocodioides (PB), Pleione yunnanensis (PY) and Cremastra appendiculata (CA) are considered to be the official sources of PCsP. Additionally, several unofficial substitutes are also available in the market. To enhance the quality control of PCsP, an integrated strategy based on Q-marker was proposed. Initially, a study of integrating plant metabolomics, target isolation, structure identification, and activity testing afforded five Q-markers, including three new compounds. Furthermore, a quality evaluation method using a single standard to determine multi-components (SSDMC) based on Q-marker was established, which could effectively distinguish PB from CA and the counterfeit herbs. Finally, the transitivity of Q-markers was explored through a representative Chinese compound prescription containing PCsP. The results indicated that the identified Q-markers together with the established analysis methods could be effectively applied for quality control of PCsP and its preparations.

Research on quality marker based on the processing from Aconiti lateralis radix praeparata to Heishunpian

INTRODUCTION

Aconiti lateralis radix praeparata (ALRP), the sub root of Aconitum carmichaelii Debx., is a traditional Chinese medicine with good pharmacological effects. Heishunpian (HSP), prepared through the process of brine immersing, boiling, rinsing, dyeing, and steaming ALRP is one of the most widely used forms of decoction pieces in clinical practice.

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to investigate the mechanisms of component changes and transformations during the processing from ALRP to HSP, and to screen for their quality markers through UHPLC-QTOF-MS analysis.

METHODS

Samples from ALRP to HSP during processing were prepared and analyzed by UHPLC-QTOF-MS. By comparing the differences between before and after each processing step, the purpose of processing and the transformation of components during processing were studied. In addition, multiple batches of ALRP and HSP were determined, and potential quality markers were screened.

RESULTS

Through the analysis of ALRP and five key processing samples, 55 components were identified. Immersing in brine, rinsing, and dyeing were the main factors of component loss, and boiling caused a slight loss of components. Some components were enhanced during the steaming process. Combining the screened differences components between multiple ALRP and HSP, 10 components were considered as potential quality biomarkers.

CONCLUSION

This study found that the adjacent hydroxyl groups of the ester group may have a positive impact on the hydrolysis of the ester group, and 10 quality markers were preliminarily screened. It provides a reference for quality control and clinical application of ALRP and HSP.

Exploring the biological diversity and source species of medicinal horseflies through metabarcoding

Horseflies from the Tabanidae family play a significant role in traditional Chinese medicine to treat various health conditions, including coronary heart disease, stroke, headaches, liver cirrhosis, psoriasis, and hepatic carcinoma. There are 27 species of Tabaninae (Tabanidae) used as medicine, and they showed high morphological similarities with those for which medicinal properties have not been reported. Nonetheless, there have been reports suggesting that medicinal crude drugs sometimes contain irrelevant or false species, impacting the drug's efficacy. In this current study, we collected 14 batches, totaling 13,528 individuals, from various provinces in China. Instead of "classic" DNA barcoding strategy, we employed a high-throughput metabarcoding approach to assess the biological composition of crude drug mixtures derived from horseflies. Our analysis identified 40 Amplicon Sequence Variants (ASVs) with similarity percentages ranging from 92% to 100% with 12 previously reported species. Species delimitation methods revealed the presence of 11 Molecular Operational Taxonomic Units (MOTUs), with ten belonging to the Tabanus genus and one to Hybomitra. Tabanus sp6 displayed the highest relative abundance, and its ASVs showed close resemblance to Tabanus pleski. Our investigations revealed that the medicinal batches were biologically composed of 6 to 12 species. Some batches contained ASVs that closely resembled species previously associated with false Tabanus species. In conclusion, our findings offer valuable insights into the biological composition of crude drugs derived from horseflies and have the potential to enhance the quality of these traditional medicines.

Effects of Viscum coloratum (Kom.) Nakai on collagen-induced rheumatoid arthritis

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Viscum coloratum (Kom.) Nakai has been traditionally used in China for nearly a thousand years to treat rheumatic diseases. However, its efficacy and mechanisms in treating rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have not been demonstrated.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To investigate the anti-arthritic effects and molecular mechanisms of Viscum coloratum (Kom.) Nakai on collagen-induced arthritic mice through network pharmacology technology and experimental validation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

First, the main ingredients of the extract of Viscum coloratum (Kom.) Nakai (EVC) were identified through chemical composition characterization using Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry (UPLC-MS). Then, the collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) model was established in DBA/1 J mice and the ameliorative effects of EVC on the progression of CIA mice were evaluated by oral treatment with different doses of the EVC for 28 days. After that, cytokine antibody microarray assay was used to detect the levels of multiple inflammation-related cytokines and chemokines in each group, and performed Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genome (KEGG) enrichment analysis. Subsequently, the potential target for the effective chemical components of EVC in treating RA was identified using various databases. Additionally, a drug-disease target protein-protein interaction network (PPI) was conducted using Cytoscape for visualization and clustering, while GO and KEGG enrichment analyses were performed with the Metascape database. Finally, identified phenotypes and targets by network pharmacology analysis were experimentally validated in vivo.

RESULTS

Treatment with EVC significantly suppressed the severity of CIA with a dramatic reduction of paw swelling, arthritis index, levels of IgGs (IgG, IgG1, IgG2a, and IgG2b), multi-inflammation-related cytokines and chemokines on the progression of CIA. Histopathological examinations showed EVC could markedly inhibit inflammatory cell infiltration, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) activity of osteoclast, and bone destruction. Furthermore, GO and KEGG enrichment analyses revealed that EVC could ameliorate RA by inhibiting osteoclast differentiation and regulating multiple signaling pathways including Osteoclast differentiation, IL-17, and TNF. PPI network analysis demonstrated that AKT1, MMP9, MAPK3, and other genes were highly related to EVC in treating RA. Finally, we proved that EVC could inhibit the expression of NFTAc1, MMP9, Cathepsin K, and AKT which were closely related to osteoclast activity.

CONCLUSIONS

EVC could treat RA through multiple components, multiple targets, and multiple pathways. The present study demonstrated the therapeutic efficacy of EVC and its molecular mechanisms in treating RA, indicating that it would be a potent candidate as a novel botanical drug for further investigation.

Lab-on-a-chip: an advanced technology for the modernization of traditional Chinese medicine

Benefiting from the complex system composed of various constituents, medicament portions, species, and places of origin, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) possesses numerous customizable and adaptable efficacies in clinical practice guided by its theories. However, these unique features are also present challenges in areas such as quality control, screening active ingredients, studying cell and organ pharmacology, and characterizing the compatibility between different Chinese medicines. Drawing inspiration from the holistic concept, an integrated strategy and pattern more aligned with TCM research emerges, necessitating the integration of novel technology into TCM modernization. The microfluidic chip serves as a powerful platform for integrating technologies in chemistry, biology, and biophysics. Microfluidics has given rise to innovative patterns like lab-on-a-chip and organoids-on-a-chip, effectively challenging the conventional research paradigms of TCM. This review provides a systematic summary of the nature and advanced utilization of microfluidic chips in TCM, focusing on quality control, active ingredient screening/separation, pharmaceutical analysis, and pharmacological/toxicological assays. Drawing on these remarkable references, the challenges, opportunities, and future trends of microfluidic chips in TCM are also comprehensively discussed, providing valuable insights into the development of TCM.

Development of a Non-Target Screening and Quantitative Analysis Strategy Based on UPLC-Q-TOF/MS and UPLC-QQQ/MS to Improve the Quality Control of Wuling Capsule

Herbal medicine has been widely valued because of its remarkable efficacy and minimal side effects. The quantitative analysis of herbal medicines is essential to ensure their safety and efficacy. The simultaneous detection of multiple quality markers (Q-markers) has emerged as an important approach and trend in herbal medicine quality control. In recent years, non-targeted screening has become an effective strategy for the discovery and identification of unknown compounds. This study developed a non-targeted screening and quantitative analysis strategy to discover, identify and quantify the multiple components that truly represent the efficacy of Wuling capsule. Within this strategy, 18 types of flavonoids were tentatively discovered and identified from Wuling capsule by analyzing mass cleavage pathways, the precise molecular weights of compounds, and comparing the data with a database. Ten types of flavonoids were determined after the comparison of the standards. Additionally, following the evaluation of the regression equation, linear range, limit of detection (LOD), limit of quantitation (LOQ), precision, repeatability, and recovery of the proposed quantitative method, six flavonoids were quantified. This method successfully screened, identified, and quantified the potential active components in Wuling capsule, providing insights for improving the quality control standards in other herbal medicines.

Insights into Q-markers of honey-fried licorice in treating spleen deficiency based on substance and energy metabolism regulation

BACKGROUND

Honey-fried Licorice (HFL) is a dosage form of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizome processed with honey, which has been recorded to exhibit better efficacy in tonifying the spleen compared to the raw product. In contrast, different processing methods of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizome exhibit different efficacies and applications, but their current quality control index components remain consistent.

PURPOSE

Based on the discovery and research strategy of traditional Chinese medicine decoction piece quality marker (Q-marker), this study aimed to conduct a multidimensional integration of constituents absorbed into the body and metabolomics based on the tonifying spleen and stomach effects of HFL to effectively identify the Q-marker of HFL.

METHODS

In this study, a spleen deficiency rat model was established using the "exhausted swimming + poor diet" method to investigate the pharmacodynamics of tonifying the spleen and stomach by HFL. The constituents absorbed into blood was conducted using UPLC-Q-TOF/MS, correlation analysis between metabolomics and constituents absorbed into blood recognized the Q-Marker of HFL.

RESULTS

The pharmacodynamic data demonstrated that HFL exhibited a significant regulatory effect on the disordered levels of PP, trypsin, chymase, PL, α-Glu, MTL, GAS, VIP, IL-2, IFN-γ, and IgA in the spleen deficiency model. Furthermore, HFL was found to improve the pathological changes in the spleen and intestine in the spleen deficiency model, highlighting its significant "tonifying spleen and stomach" effect. In the serum containing HFL, a total of 17 constituents were identified as being absorbed into the blood. Among these, 11 were prototypical components, while 6 were metabolites. Metabolomics data revealed that 9 differentially expressed metabolic markers were observed. Furthermore, the analysis of endogenous metabolic markers indicated that 10 components exhibited significant correlations with these biomarkers.

CONCLUSION

The effect of "tonifying spleen and stomach" of HFL is closely related to the regulation of the material and energy metabolism pathway. The Q-Marker of HFL is glycyrrhizic acid and 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid as the main control standards and liquiritin, isoliquiritin, liquiritin, isoliquiritin, isolicorice flavonol, licorice chalcone C and Formononetin were used as auxiliary standards.

Bioactive components and potential mechanisms of Biqi Capsule in the treatment of osteoarthritis: based on chondroprotective and anti-inflammatory activity

Cartilage damage and synovial inflammation are vital pathological changes in osteoarthritis (OA). Biqi Capsule, a traditional Chinese medicine formula used for the clinical treatment of arthritis in China, yields advantages in attenuating OA progression. The drawback here is that the bioactive components and pharmacological mechanisms by which Biqi Capsule exerts its anti-inflammatory and chondroprotective effects have yet to be fully clarified. For in vivo studies, a papain-induced OA rat model was established to explore the pharmacological effects and potential mechanisms of Biqi Capsule against OA. Biqi Capsule alleviated articular cartilage degeneration and chondrocyte damage in OA rats and inhibited the phosphorylation of NF-κB and the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in synovial tissue. Network pharmacology analysis suggested that the primary biological processes regulated by Biqi Capsule are inflammation and oxidative stress, and the critical pathway regulated is the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. The result of this analysis was later verified on SW1353 cells. The in vitro studies demonstrated that Glycyrrhizic Acid and Liquiritin in Biqi Capsule attenuated H2O2-stimulated SW1353 chondrocyte damage via activation of PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. Moreover, Biqi Capsule alleviated inflammatory responses in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages via the NF-κB/IL-6 pathway. These observations were suggested to have been facilitated by Brucine, Liquiritin, Salvianolic Acid B, Glycyrrhizic Acid, Cryptotanshinone, and Tanshinone ⅡA. Put together, this study partially clarifies the pharmacological mechanisms and the bioactive components of Biqi capsules against OA and suggests that it is a promising therapeutic option for the treatment of OA. Chemical compounds studied in this article. Strychnine (Pubchem CID:441071); Brucine (Pubchem CID:442021); Liquiritin (Pubchem CID:503737); Salvianolic Acid B (Pubchem CID:6451084); Glycyrrhizic Acid (Pubchem CID:14982); Cryptotanshinone (Pubchem CID:160254); Tanshinone ⅡA (Pubchem CID:164676).

Rapid characterization of physical properties for the pharmaceutical pellet cores based on NIR spectroscopy and ensemble learning

During the development of sustained-release pellets, the physical characteristics of the pellet cores can affect drug release in the preparation. The method based on near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy and ensemble learning was proposed to swiftly assess the physical properties of the pellet cores. In the research, the potential of three algorithms, direct standardization (DS), partial least squares regression (PLSR) and generalized regression neural network (GRNN), was investigated and compared. The performance of the DS, PLSR and GRNN models were improved after applying bootstrap aggregating (Bagging) ensemble learning. And the Bagging-GRNN model showed the best predictive capacity. Except for inter-particle porosity, the mean absolute deviations of other 11 physical parameters were less than 1.0. Furthermore, the cosine coefficient values between the actual and predicted physical fingerprints was higher than 0.98 for 15 out of the 16 validation samples when using the Bagging-GRNN model. To reduce the model complexity, the 60 variables significantly correlated with angle of repose, particle size (D50) and roundness were utilized to develop the simplified Bagging-GRNN model. And the simplified model showed satisfactory predictive capacity. In summary, the developed ensemble modelling strategy based NIR spectra is a promising approach to rapidly characterize the physical properties of the pellet cores.

Three-tiered authentication of herbal traditional Chinese medicine ingredients used in women's health provides progressive qualitative and quantitative insight

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) herbal products are increasingly used in Europe, but prevalent authentication methods have significant gaps in detection. In this study, three authentication methods were tested in a tiered approach to improve accuracy on a collection of 51 TCM plant ingredients obtained on the European market. We show the relative performance of conventional barcoding, metabarcoding and standardized chromatographic profiling for TCM ingredients used in one of the most diagnosed disease patterns in women, endometriosis. DNA barcoding using marker ITS2 and chromatographic profiling are methods of choice reported by regulatory authorities and relevant national pharmacopeias. HPTLC was shown to be a valuable authentication tool, combined with metabarcoding, which gives an increased resolution on species diversity, despite dealing with highly processed herbal ingredients. Conventional DNA barcoding as a recommended method was shown to be an insufficient tool for authentication of these samples, while DNA metabarcoding yields an insight into biological contaminants. We conclude that a tiered identification strategy can provide progressive qualitative and quantitative insight in an integrative approach for quality control of processed herbal ingredients.

A comprehensive review of the classical prescription Yiguan Jian: Phytochemistry, quality control, clinical applications, pharmacology, and safety profile

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Yiguan Jian (YGJ) is a classical prescription, which employs 6 kinds of medicinal herbs including Rehmanniae Radix, Lycii Fructus, Angelicae sinensis Radix, Glehniae Radix, Ophiopogonis Radix, and Toosendan Fructus. YGJ decoction is originally prescribed in Qing Dynasty (1636 CE ∼ 1912 CE) in China, and is commonly used to treat liver diseases. There remain abundant literature investigating YGJ decoction from multiple aspects, but few reviews summarized the research and gave a precise definition, which impedes further applications and commercialization of YGJ decoction.

AIM OF THE REVIEW

The aim of this review is to provide comprehensive descriptions of YGJ decoction, tackling with issues in the research and development of YGJ decoction.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The literature and clinical reports were obtained from the databases including Web of Science, Science Direct, PubMed, Google Scholar, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, China Science Periodical Database, China Science and Technology Journal Database, and SinoMed since 2000. The phytochemical characteristics, quality control, pharmaceutical forms, clinical position, pharmacological effects, and toxic events of YGJ decoction were included for analysis.

RESULT

This review firstly summarized the progress of the chemical existences of YGJ decoction and discussed the advanced methods in monitoring quality of YGJ decoction and its herbal ingredients, particularly in the form of granules. Whilst this review aims to identify the pharmacological actions and clinical impacts of YGJ decoction, the medicinal materials that could provide these benefits were observed in the remaining herbs to exert the anti-fibrotic effects, anti-inflammatory activities, anti-cancer, and anti-diabetic effects, and to universally treat liver and gastric diseases. This review provided supplementary descriptions on the safety issues, especially in Glehniae Radix and Toosendan Fructus, to define the alterations between hepatoprotective activities and unclear toxics in YGJ decoction application.

CONCLUSIONS

Our comprehensively organized review discussed the chemical characteristics and the research in altering or identifying these essences. The effects of YGJ decoction on the non-clinical and clinical tests exert the good management of sophisticated diseases. In this review, current issues are discussed to inform and inspire subsequent research of YGJ decoction and other classical prescriptions.

Discovery and verification of Q-markers for promoting blood circulation and removing stasis of raw and wine-steamed Vaccaria segetalis based on pharmacological evaluation combined with chemometrics

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Dried and mature seeds of Vaccaria segetalis (Neck.) Garcke ex Asch. (VS) are known for their therapeutic effects, as they stimulate blood circulation, promote menstruation and diuresis and eliminate gonorrhoea. However, due to its hard shell, the dissolution of its active ingredients is often improved by steaming and frying in clinical applications. Among the processed products, wine-steamed Vaccaria segetalis (WVS) is one of the commonly used ones. Numerous historical records have shown that wine steaming can enhance the efficacy of drugs to promote blood circulation and remove blood stasis. However, the differences in the efficacy of VS and WVS in promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis have not been thoroughly studied, and the possible reasons for these differences have not been reported.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The objective of this study was to identify quality markers (Q-markers) that could differentiate the efficacy of promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis of VS and WVS, which could serve as a basis for the rational application of VS and WVS in clinical settings.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A pharmacodynamic comparison between the water extracts of VS and WVS was carried out based on a mouse acute blood stasis model (ABS) and thrombus zebrafish model. The potential bioactive substances of WVS were screened by investigating the correlation between common peaks identified for 10 batches of WVS by ultra-performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS) and their rate of thrombosis inhibition in zebrafish. Furthermore, multivariate statistical analysis of chemical components between VS and WVS was conducted to speculate the Q-markers combined with the results of the bioactive components. Based on the efficacy verification of Q-markers, the content of Q-markers in 10 batches of WVS was evaluated.

RESULTS

The results of efficacy comparison assays demonstrated that the efficacy of WVS was more prominent than VS at the same dose. Five components were screened as effective components of WVS for promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis by correlation analysis. Furthermore, a total of 24 common ingredients were identified in VS and WVS extracts, and 9 of them showed increased dissolution rate after wine steaming, including 4 active ingredients, Hypaphorine, Vaccarin, Saponarin, and Isovitexin-2″-O-arabinoside, which were screened out by correlation analysis. The monomer test suggested that these 4 components could activate blood circulation and remove blood stasis in a dose-dependent manner. Consequently, Hypaphorine, Vaccarin, Saponarin, and Isovitexin-2″-O-arabinoside were selected as Q-markers to distinguish between VS and WVS. The content determination showed that the total contents of 4 Q-markers of WVS from 10 batches with different origins ranged from 0.478% to 0.716%.

CONCLUSIONS

This study compared the efficacy of VS and WVS in promoting blood circulation and resolving stasis and revealed Q-markers that reflected the difference in efficacy between them for the first time, which laid the foundation for establishing quality standards for WVS.

A comprehensive quality evaluation for Huangqi Guizhi Wuwu decoction by integrating UPLC-DAD/MS chemical profile and pharmacodynamics combined with chemometric analysis

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Huangqi Guizhi Wuwu Decoction (HGWD), a classical Chinese formula originally recorded in Jin Kui Yao Lue, was used for the treatment of human "blood impediment" (a type of "Bi" syndrome). In clinical practice, HGWD has been applied to treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

AIM OF THE STUDY

The characterization of chemical markers reflecting both efficacy and chemical characteristics is of great significance for TCM quality control. With the anti-RA effects of HGWD as an example, the aim of this study was to develop a comprehensive strategy combining the overall chemical profile and biological activity data to identify chemical markers.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

First, an ultra-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detector (UPLC-DAD) fingerprint was established and validated to evaluate the holistic quality of HGWD of different origins. Characteristic markers associated with HGWD from different geographical origins were screened by a combination of UPLC-DAD fingerprint and chemometrics methods. Second, the chemical profiles of the 15 batches of HGWD samples were characterized by UPLC coupled tohybrid linear ion trap-Orbitrap mass spectrometry (UPLC-HRMS). The in vitro anti-RA activities of the 15 HGWD samples were then evaluated. Third, spectrum-effect relationship analysis was performed to identify bioactive compounds that could potentially be used as quality markers. Finally, a UPLC-triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry approach was optimized and established for quantitative analysis of the characteristic and quality markers in 15 batches of HGWD.

RESULTS

In total, 30 common peaks were assigned in the UPLC-DAD fingerprint. Nine peaks were recognized and considered characteristic markers: protocatechuic acid, coumarin, cinnamic acid, oxypaeoniflorin, paeoniflorin, calycosin, formononetin, catechin, and albiflorin. Furthermore, ninety-five common compounds were identified in the UPLC-HRMS chemical profile. The pharmacological analysis indicated that the anti-RA activities of the 15 HGWD samples were vastly different. The spectrum-effect relationship analysis revealed 30 potential bioactive constituents positively correlated with anti-RA activity. Among them, five compounds with relative amounts >1%, paeoniflorin, astragaloside IV, hexahydrocurcumin, formononetin and calycosin-7-glucoside, were selected as quality markers, and their activity was verified in LPS-induced RAW264.7 macrophages. Finally, the above 12 representative components were simultaneously quantified in the 15 batches of HGWD samples.

CONCLUSION

Combining a holistic chemical profile with representative component evaluation, this systematic strategy could be a reliable and effective method to improve quality evaluations of HGWD.

Comprehensive quality control of Qingjin Yiqi granule based on UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS and UPLC-QQQ-MS

INTRODUCTION

Qingjin Yiqi granule (QYG) is a prescription medicine of traditional Chinese medicine which is widely used clinically for the recovery of coronavirus patients. However, there is currently limited research on the quality control of QYG.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the quality of QYG qualitatively and quantitatively by making full use of advanced chromatography-mass spectrometry techniques.

METHODS

Firstly, a multicomponent characterisation of QYG was performed by ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography coupled with a Q Exactive™ hybrid quadrupole-Orbitrap mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS) system using a rapid negative/positive switching mode. Secondly, the co-condition fingerprint analysis of constituted herbal medicines of QYG was performed to unveil active ingredients as the quality markers of QYG. Thirdly, the marker compounds in 10 batches of QYG were quantified by ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography coupled with a Waters Xevo TQ-S triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (UPLC-QQQ-MS) system.

RESULTS

A comprehensive method that combined the inclusion list and data-dependent acquisition (DDA) to achieve a systematic characterisation of QYG was established by UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS. After analysis based on Compound Discoverer software and Global Natural Products Social (GNPS) platform, a total of 332 compounds were detected. Eleven Q-markers were determined for the quality evaluation of QYG by comparison with the fingerprint of nine constituted herbal medicines. An adjusted multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) quantification method was further established to simultaneously determine the 11 Q-markers for holistic quality evaluation of QYG.

CONCLUSION

This is the first study to report comprehensive multicomponent characterisation, identification, and quality assessment of QYG, which could be used for effective guarantee of the quality of QYG.

A Q-marker screening strategy based on ADME studies and systems biology for Chinese herbal medicine, taking Qianghuo Shengshi decoction in treating rheumatoid arthritis as an example

Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) exhibits a broad spectrum of clinical applications and demonstrates favorable therapeutic efficacy. Nonetheless, elucidating the underlying mechanism of action (MOA) of CHM in disease treatment remains a formidable task due to its inherent characteristics of multi-level, multi-linked, and multi-dimensional non-linear synergistic actions. In recent years, the concept of a Quality marker (Q-marker) proposed by Liu et al. has significantly contributed to the monitoring and evaluation of CHM products, thereby fostering the advancement of CHM research. Within this study, a Q-marker screening strategy for CHM formulas has been introduced, particularly emphasising efficacy and biological activities, integrating absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) studies, systems biology, and experimental verification. As an illustrative case, the Q-marker screening of Qianghuo Shengshi decoction (QHSSD) for treating rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has been conducted. Consequently, from a pool of 159 compounds within QHSSD, five Q-markers exhibiting significant in vitro anti-inflammatory effects have been identified. These Q-markers encompass notopterol, isoliquiritin, imperatorin, cimifugin, and glycyrrhizic acid. Furthermore, by employing an integrated analysis of network pharmacology and metabolomics, several instructive insights into pharmacological mechanisms have been gleaned. This includes the identification of key targets and pathways through which QHSSD exerts its crucial roles in the treatment of RA. Notably, the inhibitory effect of QHSSD on AKT1 and MAPK3 activation has been validated through western blot analysis, underscoring its potential to mitigate RA-related inflammatory responses. In summary, this research demonstrates the proposed strategy's feasibility and provides a practical reference model for the systematic investigation of CHM formulas.

Integration of non-targeted multicomponent profiling, targeted characteristic chromatograms and quantitative to accomplish systematic quality evaluation strategy of Huo-Xiang-Zheng-Qi oral liquid

Huo-Xiang-Zheng-Qi oral liquid (HXZQOL) is a well-known traditional Chinese medicine formula for the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases, with the pharmacologic effects of antiinflammatory, immune protection and gastrointestinal motility regulation. More significantly, HXZQOL is recommended for the treatment of COVID-19 patients with gastrointestinal symptoms, and it has been clinically proven to reduce the inflammatory response in patients with COVID-19. However, the effective and overall quality control of HXZQOL is currently limited due to its complex composition, especially the large amount of volatile and non-volatile active components involved. In this study, aimed to fully develop a comprehensive strategy based on non-targeted multicomponent identification, targeted authentication and quantitative analysis for quality evaluation of HXZQOL from different batches. Firstly, the non-targeted high-definition MSE (HDMSE) approach is established based on UHPLC/IM-QTOF-MS, utilized for multicomponent comprehensive characterization of HXZQOL. Combined with in house library-driven automated peak annotation and comparison of 47 reference compounds, 195 components were initially identified. In addition, HS-SPME-GC-MS was employed to analyze the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in HXZQOL, and a total of 61 components were identified by comparison to the NIST database, reference compounds as well as retention indices. Secondly, based on the selective ion monitoring (SIM) of 24 "identity markers" (involving each herbal medicine), characteristic chromatograms (CCs) were established on LC-MS and GC-MS respectively, to authenticate 15 batches of HXZQOL samples. The targeted-SIM CCs showed that all marker compounds in 15 batches of samples could be accurately monitored, which could indicate preparations authenticity. Finally, a parallel reaction monitoring (PRM) method was established and validated to quantify the nine compounds in 15 batches of HXZQOL. Conclusively, this study first reports chemical-material basis, SIM CCs and quality evaluation of HXZQOL, which is of great implication to quality control and ensuring the authenticity of the preparation.

Uncovering quality markers of Yiqi-Tongluo capsule against myocardial ischemia and optimization of its extraction process

Myocardial ischemia (MI), a condition in which the heart is unable to function due to insufficient blood and oxygen supply, is a major cause of death from coronary heart disease (CHD). Yiqi Tongluo capsule (YTC) is a Chinese patent drug which commonly used for treatment of MI in clinic. However, the related active components of YTC for treatment of MI were still uncovered. This paper is aimed to study the quality markers (Q-markers) of YTC and further optimize the extraction process of YTC based on Q-markers, providing research foundation for the further modern pharmaceutical preparations of YTC. We firstly used UPLC-QTOF-MS to analyze the constituents of YTC absorbed in blood, then isoprenaline (ISO) induced H9c2 cell model was used further screen the active constituents with protective effects on cardiomyocytes. After that, the orthogonal table (L9 (34)) was used to optimize the extraction process with three levels of 4 factors (water addition, immersion time, extraction time and decoction times). Finally, the HPLC fingerprint of 15 batches of optimized YTC was established. In our present study, a total of 33 components were identified in YTC, of which 10 components were absorbed in blood. Among the 10 components, 8 compounds had significant protective effects on ISO stimulated H9c2 cells, including Paeoniflorin, Ferulic acid, Calycosin, Senkyunolide A, N-butylphthalide, Z-ligustilide, LevistilideA, and Astragaloside IV, which were considered as the Q-markers of YTC. The optimized extraction process based on Q-marker as follows: soaking 1 h, then adding 8 times water to extract 3 times by decoction, each extraction lasts 1.5 h. The HPLC fingerprint of optimized YTC was established with 15 batches of YTC samples, and the optimized YTC samples has no significant toxicity to the heart, liver, spleen, lungs, and brain tissues of rats.

Quality control for a traditional Chinese medicine, Millettia speciosa Champ, using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography fingerprint, serum pharmacochemistry and network pharmacology

Millettia speciosa (M. speciosa) Champ (MSC) is a healthy food type with medicinal and edible homology, which is now considered a clinically significant anti-rheumatoid arthritis medicine. However, there is currently no standardized or generally accepted research strategy by which we can assess M. speciosa. Thus, it is essential to develop novel theories, strategies and evaluation methods for the scientific quality control of M. speciosa. Herein, our use ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC)-MS/MS analysis identified 12 common bioactive components absorbed into MSC serum. Next, network pharmacology analysis exhibited that 5 MSC components may be those active components in treating rheumatoid arthritis and may be considered potential quality markers. These 5 components were then quantified using a fast UPLC approach, based on the quality marker of measurability, showing that lenticin can be regarded as the MSC quality marker. The cumulative study findings, based on systematic assessment of chemical composition both in vivo and in vitro, and the potential efficacy of M. speciosa, provide a novel approach for M. speciosa quality control.

Multiple heart-cutting two-dimensional liquid chromatography/charged aerosol detector assay of ginsenosides for quality evaluation of ginseng from diverse Chinese patent medicines

For quality control of Chinese patent medicines (CPMs) containing the same herbal medicine or different herbal medicines that have similar chemical composition, current ″one standard for one species″ research mode leads to poor universality of the analytical approaches unfavorable to discriminate easily confused species. Herein, we were aimed to elaborate a multiple heart-cutting two-dimensional liquid chromatography/charged aerosol detector (MHC-2DLC/CAD) approach to quantitatively assess ginseng from multiple CPMs. Targeting baseline resolution of 16 ginsenosides (noto-R1/Rg1/Re/Rf/Ra2/Rb1/Rc/Ro/Rb2/Rb3/Rd/Rh1/Rg2/Rg3/Rg3(R)/24(R)-p-F11), experiments were conducted to optimize key parameters and validate its performance. A Poroshell 120 EC-C18 column and an XBridge Shield RP18 column were separately utilized in the first-dimensional (1D) and the second-dimensional (2D) chromatography. Eight consecutive cuttings could achieve good separation of 16 ginsenosides within 85 min. The developed MHC-2DLC/CAD method showed good linearity (R2 > 0.999), repeatability (RSD < 6.73%), stability (RSD < 5.63%), inter- and intra-day precision (RSD < 5.57%), recovery (93.76-111.14%), and the limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) varied between 0.45-2.37 ng and 0.96-4.71 ng, respectively. We applied it to the content determination of 16 ginsenosides simultaneously from 28 different ginseng-containing CPMs, which unveiled the ginsenoside content difference among the tested CPMs, and gave useful information to discriminate ginseng in the preparation samples, as well. The MHC-2DLC/CAD approach exhibited advantages of high specificity, good separation ability, and relative high analysis efficiency, which also justified the feasibility of our proposed ″Monomethod Characterization of Structure Analogs″ strategy in quality evaluation of diverse CPMs that contained different ginseng.

Biomarkers based on multiplatform comprehensive analysis: A systematic analysis of Geng-Nian-Shu in perimenopausal syndrome

Although Geng-Nian-Shu has been shown to be clinically effective in perimenopausal syndrome, its active components and mechanism have not yet been elucidated. To demonstrate the mechanism-based biomarkers of Geng-Nian-Shu in treating perimenopausal syndrome, a total of 135 chemical constituents including 52 prototype blood constituents were identified via high-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time of flight/mass spectrometry. Then, network pharmacology showed significant enrichment for the PhosphoInositide-3 Kinase/Akt pathway, suggesting that it may be the main regulatory pathway for the Geng-Nian-Shu treatment of the perimenopausal syndrome. Subsequently, multivariate analysis was performed between the Geng-Nian-Shu sham-treated and Geng-Nian-Shu ovariectomy-treated groups and further screened out 18 prototype blood constituents by correlation analysis with plasma estrogen levels to identify potential biomarkers associated with Geng-Nian-Shu treat the ovariectomy-induced perimenopausal syndrome. Finally, the results of pharmacological experimental verification and Pearson correlation analysis indicated that catalpol, ligustilide, paeoniflorin, and gallic acid were selected as biomarkers of Geng-Nian-Shu which were strongly and positively correlated with PhosphoInositide-3 Kinase/Akt signaling pathway. In this study, based on high-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time of flight/mass spectrometry combined with pharmacodynamics, network pharmacology, pharmacology, and other disciplines, we explored the effects and mechanisms of Geng-Nian-Shu in the treatment of perimenopausal syndrome at multiple levels. Using multiplatform technology to investigate the role of Geng-Nian-Shu represents a new strategy for the selection and verification of biomarkers of Geng-Nian-Shu and provides a basis for further development and utilization of Geng-Nian-Shu.

A quality-comprehensive-evaluation-index-based model for evaluating traditional Chinese medicine quality

BACKGROUND

Evaluating traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) quality is a powerful method to ensure TCM safety. TCM quality evaluation methods primarily include characterization evaluations and separate physical, chemical, and biological evaluations; however, these approaches have limitations. Nevertheless, researchers have recently integrated evaluation methods, advancing the emergence of frontier research tools, such as TCM quality markers (Q-markers). These studies are largely based on biological activity, with weak correlations between the quality indices and quality. However, these TCM quality indices focus on the individual efficacies of single bioactive components and, therefore, do not accurately represent the TCM quality. Conventionally, provenance, place of origin, preparation, and processing are the key attributes influencing TCM quality. In this study, we identified TCM-attribute-based quality indices and developed a comprehensive multiweighted multi-index-based TCM quality composite evaluation index (QCEI) for grading TCM quality.

METHODS

The area of origin, number of growth years, and harvest season are considered key TCM quality attributes. In this study, licorice was the model TCM to investigate the quality indicators associated with key factors that are considered to influence TCM quality using multivariate statistical analysis, identify biological-evaluation-based pharmacological activity indicators by network pharmacology, establish real quality indicators, and develop a QCEI-based model for grading TCM quality using a machine learning model. Finally, to determine whether different licorice quality grades differently reduced the inflammatory response, TNF-α and IL-1β levels were measured in RAW 264.7 cells using ELISA analysis.

RESULTS

The 21 quality indices are suitable candidates for establishing a method for grading licorice quality. A computer model was established using SVM analysis to predict the TCM quality composite evaluation index (TCM QCEI). The tenfold cross validation accuracy was 90.26%. Licorice diameter; total flavonoid content; similarities of HPLC chromatogram fingerprints recorded at 250 and 330 nm; contents of liquiritin apioside, liquiritin, glycyrrhizic acid, and liquiritigenin; and pharmacological activity quality index were identified as the key indices for constructing the model for evaluating licorice quality and determining which model contribution rates were proportionally weighted in the model. The ELISA analysis results preliminarily suggest that the inflammatory responses were likely better reduced by premium-grade than by first-class licorice.

CONCLUSIONS

In the present study, traditional sensory characterization and modern standardized processes based on production process and pharmacological efficacy evaluation were integrated for use in the assessment of TCM quality. Multidimensional quality evaluation indices were integrated with a machine learning model to identify key quality indices and their corresponding weight coefficients, to establish a multiweighted multi-index and comprehensive quality index, and to construct a QCEI-based model for grading TCM quality. Our results could facilitate and guide the development of TCM quality control research.

Chemistry, Bioactivity, and Prediction of the Quality Marker (Q-Marker) of Ferula Plants in China: A Review

The genus of Ferula belongs to the family Apiaceae, and many Ferula plants are used as traditional Chinese medicines. Ferula plants were initially identified as early as the "Newly Revised Materia Medica" written in the Tang Dynasty (AD 659), and several of them are also recognized as the traditional medicines of the Uygur, Kazakh, and Mongolian. Ferula plants are distributed in China, Russia, India, Africa, Central Asia, and other places. Currently, the chemical components derived from Ferula plants are mainly coumarins, sesquiterpenes, and volatile oils. Ferula plants can exhibit diverse pharmacological activities such as anti-allergy, analgesia, relieving cough, anticoagulation, and anti-tumor. Therefore, this article summarized the domestic research conducted on the genus Ferula, appropriately combines the research status of the foreign genus Ferula, and describes the chemical composition, biological activity, toxicity issues, and Q-marker prediction. In addition, all the related studies about the genus Ferula are summarized by analyzing the various databases such as CNKI, Wanfang data, PubChem and SciFinder.

Systematic investigation of the material basis, multiple mechanisms and quality control of Simiao Yong'an decoction combined with antibiotic in the treatment of sepsis

BACKGROUND

Sepsis is one of the major threats to human health with high mortality. Simiao Yong'an decoction (SMYAD) has the efficacy of anti-inflammation, improving coagulation and microcirculation, which is applicable for the clinical assistance treatment of sepsis. Yet, its material basis and relevant mechanisms are still vague.

PURPOSE

Explore the quality markers (Q-markers), biomarkers and potential mechanisms of SMYAD combined with imipenem/cilastatin sodium for anti-sepsis.

METHODS

Linear-Trap-LC/MSⁿ was employed to profile the compounds in the extract and medicated serum of SMYAD. Then, the components and targets obtained from databases were applied to network pharmacology. Q-markers' range was narrowed via the affinity of three times docking and determined as per its screening criteria. Also, the content of them was detected by HPLC. Next, cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) model was reproduced to observe the effect of SMYAD united antibiotic by survival rate, histopathology score, ELISA, western blot and qPCR. Finally, metabolomics based upon GC-MS was exerted to discover the differential endogenous metabolites, metabolic pathway and joint pathway of SMYAD combined with antibiotic for sepsis.

RESULTS

The 25 serum migrant ingredients derived from 113 chemical compounds of SMYAD were identified for the first time, and 6 components were determined as the Q-markers of SMYAD. The enrichment analysis indicated that the potential mechanism was mainly associated with the IL-17 signaling pathway, complement-coagulation cascades signaling pathway and VEGF signaling pathway. Then, SMYAD united antibiotic declined the mortality of septic rats, restored cytokine levels, ameliorated histopathological lesions and decreased the mRNA and protein expression of target proteins in a dose-dependent way. Furthermore, 8 differential metabolites were regarded as latent biomarkers related to the antiseptic effect of SMYAD united antibiotic, which were mainly involved in the Citrate cycle (TCA cycle) metabolic pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

Different skeletons of compounds, including iridoids, phenylpropanoids, organic acids, triterpenes and others, were the main compositions of SMYAD. Among them, 6 components were determined as the Q-markers, which provided a basis for the construction of quality standards for this ancient classic formula. The combination therapy of SMYAD and antibiotic obviously ameliorated inflammatory reaction, coagulation dysfunction and microcirculation abnormalities for sepsis by inhibiting IL-17 signaling pathway, complement-coagulation cascades signaling pathway and VEGF signaling pathway.

A funnel-type stepwise filtering strategy for identification of potential Q-markers of traditional Chinese medicine formulas

Quality marker (Q-marker) serves as an important driver for the standardization of quality control in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formulas. However, it is still challenging to discover comprehensive and representative Q-markers. This study aimed to identify Q-markers of Hugan tablet (HGT), a famous TCM formula with ideal clinical effects in liver diseases. Here, we proposed a funnel-type stepwise filtering strategy that integrated secondary metabolites characterization, characteristic chromatogram, quantitative analysis, literature mining, biotransformation rules and network analysis. Firstly, the strategy of "secondary metabolites-botanical drugs-TCM formula" was applied to comprehensively identify the secondary metabolites of HGT. Then, the secondary metabolites with specificity and measurability in each botanical drug were identified by HPLC characteristic chromatogram, biosynthesis pathway and quantitative analysis. Based on literature mining, the effectiveness of botanical metabolites that met the above conditions was evaluated. Furthermore, the metabolism of the above metabolites in vivo was studied to reveal their biotransformation forms, which were used for network analysis. At last, according to biotransformation rules of the prototype drugs in vivo, the secondary metabolites were traced and preliminarily chosen as Q-markers. As a result, 128 plant secondary metabolites were identified in HGT, and 11 specific plant secondary metabolites were screened out. Then, the content of specific plant secondary metabolites in 15 batches of HGT was determined, which confirmed their measurability. And the results of literature mining showed that eight secondary metabolites had therapeutic effects in treating liver disease at the in vivo level, and three secondary metabolites inhibited liver disease-related indicators at the in vitro level. After that, 26 compounds absorbed into the blood (11 specific plant metabolites and their 15 metabolites in vivo) were detected in rats. Moreover, 14 compounds, including prototype components and their metabolites, were selected as Q-marker candidates by the "TCM formula-botanical drugs-compounds-targets-pathways" network. Finally, 9 plant secondary metabolites were defined as comprehensive and representative Q-markers. Our study not only provides a scientific basis for the improvement and secondary development of the quality standard of HGT, but also proposes a reference method for discovering and identifying Q-markers of TCM preparations.

Three-dimensional characteristic chromatogram by online comprehensive two-dimensional liquid chromatography: Application to the identification and differentiation of ginseng from herbal medicines to various Chinese patent medicines

One bottleneck problem in the quality control of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is the accurate identification of easily confused herbal medicines from Chinese patent medicine (CPM). Ginseng products derived from the multiple parts (e.g., root/rhizome, leaf, and flower bud) of multiple Panax species (P. ginseng, P. quinquefolius, P. notoginseng, P. japonicus, and P. japonicus var. major) are globally popular; however, their authentication is very challenging. Using online comprehensive two-dimensional liquid chromatography (LC × LC), we propose the concept of a three-dimensional characteristic chromatogram (3D CC) by integrating enhanced LC × LC separation and a contour plot that visualizes the stereoscopic chromatographic peaks and examine its performance in authenticating various ginseng products. Targeted at the resolution of 17 ginsenoside markers, an online LC × LC/UV system with a 56 min analysis time was constructed: a CORTECS UPLC Shield RP 18 column running at 0.1 mL/min for the first-dimensional chromatography and a Poroshell SB-Aq column at 2.0 mL/min in shift gradient mode in the second dimension of separation. In particular, ginsenosides Rg1/Re and Rc/Ra1 were well resolved. According to the presence/absence of stereo peaks consistent with the main ginsenoside markers in the 3D CC and the depth of shade (depending on peak volume), it was feasible to use a single method to identify and distinguish among 12 different ginseng species as the drug materials and the use of ginseng simultaneously from 21 CPMs. Conclusively, a practical solution enabling the accurate identification of easily confused TCMs was provided, covering both the drug materials and the compound preparations.

Integrated serum pharmacochemistry and metabolomics reveal potential effective components and mechanisms of Shengjiang Xiexin decoction in the treatment of Clostridium difficile infection

Shengjiang Xiexin Decoction (SXD) is a widely recognized formula in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for treating diarrhea and is commonly used in clinical practice. Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is a type of antibiotic-associated diarrhea with a rising incidence rate that has severe consequences for humans. Recent clinical applications have found significant efficacy in using SXD as an adjunct to CDI treatment. However, the pharmacodynamic substance basis and therapeutic mechanism of SXD remain unclear. This study aimed to systematically analyze the metabolic mechanisms and key pharmacodynamic components of SXD in CDI mice by combining non-targeted metabolomics of Chinese medicine and serum medicinal chemistry. We established a CDI mouse model to observe the therapeutic effect of SXD on CDI. We investigated the mechanism of action and active substance composition of SXD against CDI by analyzing 16S rDNA gut microbiota, untargeted serum metabolomics, and serum pharmacochemistry. We also constructed a multi-scale, multifactorial network for overall visualization and analysis. Our results showed that SXD significantly reduced fecal toxin levels and attenuated colonic injury in CDI model mice. Additionally, SXD partially restored CDI-induced gut microbiota composition. Non-targeted serum metabolomics studies showed that SXD not only regulated Taurine and hypotaurine metabolism but also metabolic energy and amino acid pathways such as Ascorbate and aldarate metabolism, Glycerolipid metabolism, Pentose and glucuronate interconversions, as well as body and other metabolite production in the host. Through the implementation of network analysis methodologies, we have discerned that Panaxadiol, Methoxylutcolin, Ginsenoside-Rf, Suffruticoside A, and 10 other components serve as critical potential pharmacodynamic substance bases of SXD for CDI. This study reveals the metabolic mechanism and active substance components of SXD for the treatment of CDI mice using phenotypic information, gut microbiome, herbal metabolomics, and serum pharmacochemistry. It provides a theoretical basis for SXD quality control studies.

Identification of Protein Quality Markers in Toad Venom from Bufo gargarizans

Toad venom is a traditional Chinese medicine with high medicinal value. The existing quality evaluation standards of toad venom have obvious limitations because of the lack of research on proteins. Thus, it is necessary to screen suitable quality markers and establish appropriate quality evaluation methods for toad venom proteins to guarantee their safety and efficacy in clinical applications. SDS-PAGE, HPLC, and cytotoxicity assays were used to analyze differences in protein components of toad venom from different areas. Functional proteins were screened as potential quality markers by proteomic and bioinformatic analyses. The protein components and small molecular components of toad venom were not correlated in content. Additionally, the protein component had strong cytotoxicity. Proteomics analysis showed that 13 antimicrobial proteins, four anti-inflammatory and analgesic proteins, and 20 antitumor proteins were differentially expressed extracellular proteins. A candidate list of functional proteins was coded as potential quality markers. Moreover, Lysozyme C-1, which has antimicrobial activity, and Neuropeptide B (NPB), which has anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity, were identified as potential quality markers for toad venom proteins. Quality markers can be used as the basis of quality studies of toad venom proteins and help to construct and improve safe, scientific, and comprehensive quality evaluation methods.

A mass defect filtering combined background subtraction strategy for rapid screening and identification of metabolites in rat plasma after oral administration of Yindan Xinnaotong soft capsule

The absorbed prototypes and metabolites of traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) serves an important part in pharmacological action and clinical effects. However, the comprehensive characterization of which is facing actual or possible rigorous challenges due to the lack of data mining methods and the complexity of metabolite samples. Yindan Xinnaotong soft capsule (YDXNT), a typical traditional Chinese medicine prescription consisting of extracts from 8 herbal medicines, is widely used for the treatment of angina pectoris and ischemic stroke in the clinic. This study established a systematic data mining strategy based on ultra-high performance liquid chromatography tandem quadrupole-time-of-fight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-TOF MS) for comprehensive metabolite profiling of YDXNT in rat plasma after oral administration. The multi-level feature ion filtration strategy was primarily conducted through the full scan MS data of plasma samples. All potential metabolites were rapidly fileted out from the endogenous background interference based on the background subtract and the chemical type specifically mass defect filter (MDF) windows including flavonoids, ginkgolides, phenolic acids, saponins, and tanshinones. As the MDF windows of certain types were overlapped, the screened-out potential metabolites were deeply characterized and identified according to their retention times (RT), integrating neutral loss filtering (NLF), diagnostic fragment ions filtering (DFIF), and further confirmed by reference standards. Thus, a total of 122 compounds, consisting of 29 prototype components (16 confirmed with reference standards) and 93 metabolites had been identified. This study provides a rapid and robust metabolite profiling method for researching complicated traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions.

Study on herb-herb interaction between active components of Plantago asiatica L. seed and Coptis chinensis Franch. rhizoma based on transporters using UHPLC-MS/MS

The combined efficacy in lowering serum lipid levels and increasing kidney protection of Plantago asiatica L. seed (Plantago) and Coptis chinensis Franch. rhizoma (Coptis) is far better than the effects of either herb alone. This finding suggests that there must be some degree of herb-herb interactions (HHI) affect potency. Here, we chose geniposidic acid (GPA), acteoside (ACT), and plantagoamidinic acid A (PLA) as active components in Plantago, and berberine (BBR) as the active component in Coptis, and, using transporter gene-transfected Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells in combination with specific substrates and inhibitors, investigated Plantago- Coptis HHIs. We also established a UPLC-MS/MS analytical method to determine substrate content. Results showed that PLA in Plantago was a substrate of rOCT1/2 and rMATE1, and had inhibitory effects on rOCT2 and rMATE1. We also found that ACT is a substrate of rMATE1, but GPA was not a substrate of any transporter that we investigated. When BBR was used as the substrate, the inhibition rate of 10 μM PLA was 53.6% on rOCT2 and 31.5% on rMATE1. The inhibition rates of 30 μM ACT and 30 μM GPA on rMATE1 were 47.0% and 31.0%, respectively. Thus, our findings suggest that GPA, ACT, PLA, and BBR have competitive interactions that are driven by the rOCT2 and rMATE1 transporters. These interactions affect the transport and excretion of compounds and result in efficacy changes after co-administration.

Mass spectrometry-based metabolomics for discovering active ingredients and exploring action mechanism of herbal medicine

Natural products derived from herbal medicine are a fruitful source of lead compounds because of their structural diversity and potent bioactivities. However, despite the success of active compounds derived from herbal medicine in drug discovery, some approaches cannot effectively elucidate the overall effect and action mechanism due to their multi-component complexity. Fortunately, mass spectrometry-based metabolomics has been recognized as an effective strategy for revealing the effect and discovering active components, detailed molecular mechanisms, and multiple targets of natural products. Rapid identification of lead compounds and isolation of active components from natural products would facilitate new drug development. In this context, mass spectrometry-based metabolomics has established an integrated pharmacology framework for the discovery of bioactivity-correlated constituents, target identification, and the action mechanism of herbal medicine and natural products. High-throughput functional metabolomics techniques could be used to identify natural product structure, biological activity, efficacy mechanisms, and their mode of action on biological processes, assisting bioactive lead discovery, quality control, and accelerating discovery of novel drugs. These techniques are increasingly being developed in the era of big data and use scientific language to clarify the detailed action mechanism of herbal medicine. In this paper, the analytical characteristics and application fields of several commonly used mass spectrometers are introduced, and the application of mass spectrometry in the metabolomics of traditional Chinese medicines in recent years and its active components as well as mechanism of action are also discussed.

Screening out Biomarkers of Tetrastigma hemsleyanum for Anti-Cancer and Anti-Inflammatory Based on Spectrum-Effect Relationship Coupled with UPLC-Q-TOF-MS

Tetrastigma hemsleyanum Diels et Gilg. (T. hemsleyanum) is an economically and medicinally valuable species within the genus Tetrastigma. However, the material basis of its pharmacological action and the biomarkers associated with its anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory effects are still unclear. Additionally, the T. hemsleyanum industry cannot grow because there is a lack of a scientific, universal, and measurable quality control system. This study aimed to explore the chemical basis quality markers related to the anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory effects of T. hemsleyanum to establish an effective quality evaluation method. UPLC-Q-TOF-MSE fingerprint profiles of T. hemsleyanum from different origins were established. Pharmacodynamic studies used HepG2 and HuH-7 cells and LPS-induced RAW264.7 to evaluate the anti-tumor and anti-inflammatory effects of the active ingredients. The spectrum-effect relationships between UPLC fingerprints and anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory activities were evaluated using PCA and PLSR statistical methods. Moreover, docking analysis was performed to identify specific active biomarkers with molecular targets associated with cancer and inflammation. Chlorogenic acid, quinic acid, catechin, kaempferol 3-rutinoside, apigenin-8-C-glucoside, and linolenic acid were associated with anticancer activity, while chlorogenic acid, quercetin, quinic acid, kaempferol 3-rutinoside, rutinum, apigenin-8-C-glucoside, and linolenic acid were associated with anti-inflammatory activity. The spectrum-effect relationship of T. hemsleyanum was successfully established, and the biomarkers for anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory effects were preliminary confirmed. These findings provide a theoretical basis for the elucidation of the substance basis of T. hemsleyanum and lay the foundation for its rapid identification, quality control, industrial research, and utilization.

Quality consistency evaluation of commercial Prunellae Spica by integrating determination of secondary metabolites and saccharides

INTRODUCTION

Prunellae Spica (PS) is a commonly used medicinal herb in China. Secondary metabolites and saccharides are major bioactive components of PS. However, holistic quality consistency of commercial PS is ambiguous due to lack of comprehensive evaluation methods and reliable quality control markers.

OBJECTIVES

Integrating multiple chromatographic and chemometric methods to comprehensively evaluate the holistic quality of PS.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography coupled with triple-quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-TQ-MS/MS) was applied to quantify 12 secondary metabolites of PS. High-performance liquid chromatography coupled with photodiode array/evaporative light scattering detection (HPLC-PDA/ELSD) and high-performance gel permeation chromatography (HPGPC) methods were used to characterise the saccharides. Multivariate statistical analysis was adopted to evaluate the quality consistency of commercial PS and explore the potential quality control markers.

RESULTS

The contents of secondary metabolites and saccharides were significantly different among commercial PS. All samples could be classified into three groups with ferulic acid, protocatechualdehyde, gallic acid, ursolic acid/oleanolic acid, sucrose, p-coumaric acid, chlorogenic acid as the major contributing components responsible for the difference. The content of rosmarinic acid was correlated with that of betulinic acid, hyperposide, chlorogenic acid, rutin, caffeic acid, p-coumaric acid and glucose, whereas polysaccharides, ferulic acid, protocatechualdehyde and ursolic acid/oleanolic acid, quercetin, sucrose and majority monosaccharides were not.

CONCLUSION

The holistic quality of commercial PS was inconsistent. Together with rosmarinic acid, ferulic acid, protocatechualdehyde, ursolic acid/oleanolic acid, polysaccharides and sucrose might be recommended as potential quality control markers for the holistic quality control of PS.

Isoliquiritigenin from licorice flavonoids attenuates NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis by SIRT6 in vascular endothelial cells

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGIC RELEVANCE

Licorice is a traditional Chinese medicine that has been used for cardiovascular diseases. Recent studies found that supplementation with licorice extracts attenuated the development of atherosclerosis (AS) in hypercholesterolemic patients. Many studies have shown that licorice flavonoids, the main active components of licorice, have a variety of pharmacological effects, including anti-inflammation, regulation of lipid metabolism, and antioxidation. However, the key active components against AS in licorice flavonoids are still unclear.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The aim of this paper is to investigate the active components of licorice flavonoids that exert anti-atherosclerotic effects and the underlying mechanisms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Network pharmacology was used to screen the active components of licorice flavonoids that have anti-atherosclerotic effects. Combining bioinformatics analysis and in vitro studies, the effects and underlying mechanisms of the active component isoliquiritigenin (ISL) on cell pyroptosis were further investigated in tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α-treated human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs).

RESULTS

We constructed a compound-target network and screened 3 active components, namely, ISL, glabridin, and naringenin in licorice flavonoids. The half maximal effective concentration values of these 3 components suggested that ISL was the key active component against TNF-α-induced endothelial cell injury. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis showed that ISL could potentially treat AS via the nucleotide-binding and oligomerization domain (NOD)-like receptor signaling pathway. An in vitro study verified that ISL suppressed TNF-α-induced NLRP3 activation and pyroptosis in HUVECs. The molecular docking and cellular thermal shift assay showed good compatibility between ISL and class III histone deacetylase sirtuin 6 (SIRT6). Moreover, we found that ISL upregulated the expression of SIRT6 in TNF-α-treated HUVECs. Further study found that SIRT6 knockdown reduced the inhibitory effect of ISL on pyroptosis, whereas the NLRP3 inhibitor reversed this process in TNF-α-treated HUVECs.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results demonstrate that ISL is a key active component of licorice flavonoids. ISL attenuates NLRP3-mediated vascular endothelial cell pyroptosis via SIRT6, and SIRT6 may be a potential target of ISL for the treatment of AS.

Qualitative and quantitative method for quality control of Itea ilicifolia based on antioxidant Q-markers

Itea ilicifolia Oliv is a folk medicine with antioxidant potential. In this study, the fingerprints of 14 batches of I. ilicifolia were established by HPLC with 17 common peaks. The similarities evaluated by Similarity Evaluation System for Chromatographic Fingerprint of Chinese Materia (version 2012) were >0.89. Ten compounds were identified with definite structures by comparing the retention time and characteristic UV spectral pattern with those of reference substances. The antioxidant capacities of 14 batches of I. ilicifolia were evaluated based on O₂ ^·- , DPPH and ABTS^·+ radical scavenging assays in combination with ferric reducing antioxidant power assay. Via multivariate statistical analyses of gray relation analysis, bivariate correlation analysis and partial least squares regression analysis, a study on the spectrum-effect relationship was then performed to screen eight peaks as the antioxidant Q-markers of I. ilicifolia. The contents of representative antioxidant Q-markers (isoorientin, orientin, vitexin, isovitexin and iteafuranal A) in samples were accurately determined to be 0.054-0.118%, 0.034-0.080%, 0.018-0.055%, 0.031-0.091% and 0.033-0.140%, respectively. The qualitative and quantitative analytical method based on Q-markers helps to control the antioxidant quality of I. ilicifolia, which will lay the foundation to promote the rational utilization of I. ilicifolia in curing diseases related to oxidative stress.

Development of a three-step-based novel strategy integrating DMPK with network pharmacology and bioactivity evaluation for the discovery of Q-markers of traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions: Danlou tablet as an example

BACKGROUND

Quality marker (Q-marker) serves an important role in promoting the standardization of the quality of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) prescriptions. However, discovering comprehensive and representative Q-markers from TCM prescriptions composed of multiple components remains difficult.

PURPOSE

A three-step-based novel strategy integrating drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics (DMPK) with network pharmacology and bioactivity evaluation was proposed to discover the Q-markers and applied to a research example of Danlou tablet (DLT), a famous TCM prescription with remarkable and reliable clinical effects for coronary heart disease (CHD).

METHODS

Firstly, the metabolic profile in vivo of DLT was systemically characterized, and the pharmacokinetic (PK) properties of PK markers were then investigated. Secondly, an integrated network of "PK markers - CHD targets - pathways - therapeutic effects" was established to screen out the crucial PK markers of DLT against CHD. Thirdly, the crucial PK markers that could exhibit strong myocardial protection activity in the H9c2 cardiomyocyte model were selected as the candidate Q-markers of DLT. According to the proportion of their C_max value in vivo, the candidate Q-markers were configured into a composition; the bioactivity was then evaluated to confirm their synergistic effect and justify their usage as Q-markers.

RESULTS

First of all, a total of 110 DLT-related xenobiotics (35 prototypes and 75 metabolites) were detected in bio-samples, and the pharmacokinetic properties of 13 PK markers of DLT were successfully characterized, revealing the quality transitivity and traceability from prescription to in vivo. Then, 6 crucial PK markers with three topological features (degree, betweenness, and closeness) greater than the average values in the pharmacology network were screened out as the key components of DLT against CHD. Furthermore, among these 6 crucial PK markers, 5 components (puerarin, alisol A, daidzein, paeoniflorin, and tanshinone IIA) with strong myocardial protection activity were chosen as the candidate Q-markers to constitute a new composition. The composition activated the expression of the PI3K/AKT pathway and exhibited strong myocardial protection activity, and the effective concentrations (nM level) of these components in the composition were significantly lower than their individually effective concentrations (μM level), indicating that there was a certain synergistic effect between them. Hence, the 5 components with multiple properties, including testability, quality transitivity and traceability from prescription to in vivo, effectiveness, and compatibility contribution, were defined as comprehensive and representative Q-markers of DLT.

CONCLUSION

This study not only presented a novel idea for the revelation of comprehensive and representative Q-markers in quality control research of TCM prescriptions, but also identified the reasonable Q-markers of DLT for the first time to improve the quality control level of DLT.

A review of traditional and current processing methods used to decrease the toxicity of the rhizome of Pinellia ternata in traditional Chinese medicine

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The rhizome of Pinellia ternata (Thunb.) Breit, called Pinelliae Rhizoma (PR) and Banxia in Chinese, is a well-known traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) with the functions of "removing dampness-phlegm" and "downbear counterflow and check vomiting". PR has potential toxic effects that can be detoxified by Fuzhi processing (repeated processing using one or multiple adjuvants) with specific adjuvants.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This paper aims to provide a summary of traditional and current processing methods used to detoxify PR.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The available references of the processing methods of PR from the classic books of Materia Medica, literature, online databases and masters or doctoral theses are collected and summarized. We also discussed the possible processing mechanisms of how we can achieve a safer and effective application of PR via these processing methods.

RESULTS

PR cannot be administered orally before processing. PR contains nucleoside alkaloids, cerebrosides, fatty acids, lectin, polysaccharides, and calcium oxalate crystals. To date, although the active substances of PR are still unclear, the toxic components are almost completely clarified as needle-like calcium oxalate crystals (NCOCs) and lectin proteins. Furthermore, the toxic effects of PR include causing death in animals, inflammation, conjunctival irritation, pregnancy toxicity, teratogenicity, visceral toxicity, aphonia and vomiting. From ancient times to now, Fuzhi methods have remained the predominant method for PR processing, and the main adjuvants used are ginger juice, alum, licorice and lime. In addition, detoxification mechanisms are related to removing or damaging the NCOC and lectin in PR based on processing with adjuvants. Currently, Fuzhi processing has been greatly improved, and novel processing technologies with novel adjuvants have been used for PR processing. However, there are still some flaws in PR processing, which should be urgently solved in the future, and clarifying the characteristic bioactive compounds in PR corresponding to its function or effects is the most important step for PR processing.

CONCLUSION

Our present paper reviewed the previous literature regarding all aspects of the processing of PR, and this paper will be helpful for achieving a safer and effective application of PR and its processed products and will also be beneficial for the further optimization of processing technology and clinical medication safety of PR.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi: Effects on secondary metabolite accumulation of traditional Chinese medicines

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has played a pivotal role in maintaining the health of people, and the intrinsic quality of TCM is directly related to the clinical efficacy. The medicinal ingredients of TCM are derived from the secondary metabolites of plant metabolism and are also the result of the coordination of various physiological activities in plants. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are among the most ubiquitous plant mutualists that enhance the growth and yield of plants by facilitating the uptake of nutrients and water. Symbiosis of AMF with higher plants promotes growth and helps in the accumulation of secondary metabolites. However, there is still no systematic analysis and summation of their roles in the application of TCM, biosynthesis and accumulation of active substances of herbs, as well as the mechanisms. AMF directly or indirectly affect the accumulation of secondary metabolites of TCM, which is the focus of this review. First, in this review, the effects of AMF symbiosis on the content of different secondary metabolites in TCM, such as phenolic acids, flavonoids, alkaloids and terpenoids, are summarized. Moreover, the mechanism of AMF regulating the synthesis of secondary metabolites was also considered, in combination with the establishment of mycorrhizal symbionts, response mechanisms of plant hormones, nutritional elements and expression of key enzyme their activities. Finally, combined with the current application prospects for AMF in TCM, future in-depth research is planned, thus providing a reference for improving the quality of TCM. In this manuscript, we review the research status of AMF in promoting the accumulation of secondary metabolites in TCM to provide new ideas and methods for improving the quality of TCM.

Combination of Medium- and High-Pressure Liquid Chromatography for Isolation of L-tryptophan (Q-marker) from Medicago sativa Extract

Medicago sativa (alfalfa) is a widely used animal feed. However, its quality has been difficult to control due to the lack of appropriate marker compounds. Therefore, it is very necessary to select an appropriate quality marker (Q-marker) to control its quality. In this study, medium-pressure liquid chromatography and high-pressure liquid chromatography were employed to effectively prepare the separation of the Q-marker (L-tryptophan) from Medicago sativa. Firstly, using MCI GEL® CHP20P as the stationary phase, 2.5 g of the target fraction Fr3 was enriched from crude Medicago sativa extract (2.9 kg) by medium-pressure liquid chromatography. Secondly, Sephadex LH-20 was used to further separate Fr3 fractions, and the Fr34 fraction (358.3 mg) was enriched after 14 repetitions. Lastly, using the ReproSil-Pur C18 AQ preparative column, 63.4 mg of L-tryptophan was obtained by high-pressure liquid chromatography, and the purity was above 95%. The results showed that medium-pressure liquid chromatography (MCI GEL® CHP20P and Sephadex LH-20) combined with high-pressure liquid chromatography (ReproSil-Pur C18 AQ) could be used to effectively prepare the Q-marker from natural products with satisfactory purity.

The Efficacy of Chinese Herbal Medicine in Animal Models of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) on ovarian mass, weight, sex hormone disorders, and insulin resistance in animal models of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Methods

This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted through a comprehensive search in three databases to find studies testing CHM in animal models of PCOS. Two researchers independently reviewed the retrieval, extraction, and quality assessment of the dataset. The pooled effects were calculated using random-effect models; heterogeneity was explored through subgroup analysis; and stability was assessed through sensitivity analysis. In addition, publication bias was assessed using the Egger's bias test.

Results

Fifteen studies with twelve mice and 463 rats published from 2016 to 2021 met the inclusion criteria. The results of primary outcomes revealed that CHM therapy was significantly different with control animals in ovarian mass and testosterone (SMD, -1.01 (95% CI, -1.58, -1.45); SMD, -1.62 (95% CI, -2.07, -1.16), respectively). The secondary outcomes as well showed an overall positive effect of CHM compared with control animals in weight (SMD, -1.02 (95% CI, -1.39, -0.65)), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) (SMD, 0.58 (95% CI, 0.19, 0.97)), luteinizing hormone (LH) (SMD, -0.94 [95% CI, -1.25, -0.64)), homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (SMD, -1.24 (95% CI, -1.57, -0.92)). Subgroup analyses indicated that PCOS induction drug, formula composition, random allocation, and assessment of model establishment were relevant factors that influenced the effects of interventions. The stability of the meta-analysis was showed robust through sensitivity analysis. The publication bias was substantial.

Conclusions

Administration with CHM revealed a statistically positive effect on ovarian mass, weight, sex hormone disorders, and insulin resistance. Moreover, these data call for further high-quality studies investigating the underlying mechanism in more depth.

Improved direct compression properties of Gardeniae Fructus water extract powders via fluid bed-mediated surface engineering

Direct compression (DC) attracts increasing attention for tablet manufacturing; however, its application in medicinal plant tablets is still extremely limited. In this work, eight kinds of the Gardeniae Fructus water extract powder (GF)-based composite particles (CPs) were prepared with different cohesive surface engineering materials, including dextran, inulin, hypromellose, and povidone, alone or in combination with mannitol and colloidal silica. Their physical properties and compacting parameters were characterized comprehensively. All the CPs showed marked improvement in tabletability, which is about 2-4 times higher than that of GF and physical mixtures (PMs). Specifically, the CPs showed a 7.45-26.48 times higher hardness value and a 1.26-2.74 times higher cohesiveness value than PMs. In addition, all the CPs (angle of repose being from 34.27° to 38.46°) showed better flowability than PMs (35.49° to 53.53°) and GF (51.86°). These results demonstrated that (i) fluid-bed coating was not a simple process of superposition and transmission of the physical properties of raw materials; and (ii) all the surface engineering materials studied could improve the DC properties of problematic GF to some degree. As a whole, through the design of fluid-bed coating CPs, qualified tablets with high GF loadings (up to 93%) were produced via DC.

Sequential grade evaluation method exploration of Exocarpium Citri Grandis (Huajuhong) decoction pieces based on "network prediction → grading quantization → efficacy validation"

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Exocarpium Citri Grandis (Huajuhong) is an authentic Chinese materia medica with excellent curative effects on relieving cough and reducing phlegm, which has been reputed as "Southern Ginseng" in China for a long history.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To establish a sequential grade evaluation method with strong operability and controllable quality for Huajuhong decoction pieces.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

(1) Indicators of ingredients and bio-effects were predicted by network pharmacology, and the potential pharmacodynamic ingredients and key targets were analyzed integrating screening results and literatures. (2) 45 batches of Huajuhong decoction pieces from different producing areas were collected and graded by original plant, planting place, and harvesting time. The chemical indicators determination of Huajuhong decoction pieces was conducted by Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography (UPLC). (3) 112 rats with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) model were used to evaluated the efficacy within graded groups.

RESULTS

(1) There are 22 key targets corresponding to 20 potential ingredients related to immunity and inflammation pathways for Huajuhong. Naringin and rhoifolin were chosen as the chemical indicators, and IL-6, IL-8, MCP-1, MIP-1α, TNF-α, TGF-β1 were selected as bio-indicators for different grades of Huajuhong decoction pieces. (2) The contents of the naringin and rhoifolin can reflect the quality of different grades of Huajuhong decoction pieces. (3) The efficacy of different grades of Huajuhong decoction pieces can delay the progression of IPF in varying degrees via the selected bio-indicators' pathways.

CONCLUSIONS

This sequential grading evaluation method is an attempt to apply systems pharmacology which integrates network pharmacology, quantitative chemical and experiments on animals to the classification of TCM decoction pieces. Combining the concepts of traditional theory and modern technology to explain the complex grading mechanism of TCM decoction pieces is worth popularizing and applying.

An Integrated Strategy to Identify and Quantify the Quality Markers of Xinkeshu Tablets Based on Spectrum-Effect Relationship, Network Pharmacology, Plasma Pharmacochemistry, and Pharmacodynamics of Zebrafish

Xinkeshu tablets (XKST), a traditional Chinese patent medicine (CPM), have served in the clinical treatment of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) for decades. However, its pharmacodyamic material basis was still unclear, and the holistic quality control has not been well established due to the lack of systematic research on the quality markers. In this experiment, the heart rate recovery rate of a zebrafish larva was used to evaluate the traditional pharmacological effect of XKST i.e., antiarrhythmic effect. The HPLC fingerprints of 16 batches of XKST samples were obtained, and antiarrhythmic components of XKST were identified by establishing the spectrum-effect relationship between HPLC fingerprints and heart rate recovery rate of zebrafish larva with orthogonal signal correction and partial least squares regression (OSC-PLSR) analysis. The anticardiovascular disease components of XKST were identified by mapping the targets related to CVDs in network pharmacology. The compounds of XKST absorbed and exposed in vivo were identified by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography Q-Exactive high-resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-Exactive HRMS). Based on the earlier studies, combined with five principles for identifying quality markers and verified by a zebrafish arrhythmia model, danshensu, salvianolic acid A, salvianolic acid B, daidzein, and puerarin were identified as quality markers of XKST. In total, 16 batches of XKST samples were further quantified with the method established in this study. Our study laid the foundation for the quality control of XKST. The integrated strategy used in the study of XKST could be applied for the identification and quantification of quality markers of other CPMs as well.