Rapid chemical profiling of saponins in the flower buds of Panax notoginseng by integrating MCI gel column chromatography and liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry analysis

Production and pharmaceutical research of minor saponins in Panax notoginseng (Sanqi): Current status and future prospects

Panax notoginseng (Burk.) F.H. Chen is a traditional medicinal herb known as Sanqi or Tianqi in Asia and is commonly used worldwide. It is one of the main raw ingredients of Yunnan Baiyao, Fu fang dan shen di wan, and San qi shang yao pian. It is also a source of cardiotonic pill used to treat cardiovascular diseases in China, Korea, and Russia. Approximately 270 Panax notoginseng saponins have been isolated and identified as the major active components. Although the absorption and bioavailability of saponins are predominantly dependent on the gastrointestinal biotransformation capacity of an individual, minor saponins are better absorbed into the bloodstream and act as active substances than major saponins. Notably, minor saponins are absent or are present in minimal quantities under natural conditions. In this review, we focus on the strategies for the enrichment and production of minor saponins in P. notoginseng using physical, chemical, enzyme catalytic, and microbial methods. Moreover, pharmacological studies on minor saponins derived from P. notoginseng over the last decade are discussed. This review serves as a meaningful resource and guide, offering scholarly references for delving deeper into the exploration of the minor saponins in P. notoginseng.

Suspension cell cultures of Panax vietnamensis as a biotechnological source of ginsenosides: growth, cytology, and ginsenoside profile assessment

Introduction

Panax vietnamensis is a valuable medicinal plant and a source of a broad spectrum of biologically active ginsenosides of different structural groups. Overexploitation and low adaptability to planation cultivation have made this species vulnerable to human pressure and prompted the development of cell cultivation in vitro as a sustainable alternative to harvesting wild plants for their bioactive components. Despite high interest in biotechnological production, little is known about the main factors affecting cell growth and ginsenoside biosynthesis of this species under in vitro conditions. In this study, the potential of cell cultures of P. vietnamensis as a biotechnological source of ginsenosides was was assessed.

Methods

Six suspension cell lines that were developed from different sections of a single rhizome through a multi-step culture optimization process and maintained for over 3 years on media with different mineral salt base and varying contents of auxins and cytokinins. These cell lines were evaluated for productivity parameters and cytological characteristics. Ginsenoside profiles were assessed using a combination of the reversed-phase ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-Orbitrap-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Orbitrap-MS/MS) and ultra-performance liquid chromatography-time of flight-mass spectrometry (UPLC-TOF-MS).

Results

All lines demonstrated good growth with a specific growth rate of 0.1-0.2 day-1, economic coefficient of 0.31-0.70, productivity on dry weight (DW) of 0.30-0.83 gDW (L·day)-1, and maximum biomass accumulation varying from 10 to 22 gDW L-1. Ginsenosides of the protopanaxadiol (Rb1, Rb2/Rb3, malonyl-Rb1, and malonyl-Rb2/Rb3), oleanolic acid (R0 and chikusetsusaponin IV), and ocotillol (vinaginsenoside R1) groups and their isomers were identified in cell biomass extracts. Chikusetsusaponin IV was identified in P. vietnamensis cell culture for the first time.

Discussion

These results suggest that suspension cell cultures of Vietnamese ginseng have a high potential for the biotechnological production of biomass containing ginsenosides, particularly of the oleanolic acid and ocotillol groups.

Comparative Analysis of Volatile Compounds in the Flower Buds of Three Panax Species Using Fast Gas Chromatography Electronic Nose, Headspace-Gas Chromatography-Ion Mobility Spectrometry, and Headspace Solid Phase Microextraction-Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry Coupled with Multivariate Statistical Analysis

The flower buds of three Panax species (PGF: P. ginseng; PQF: P. quinquefolius; PNF: P. notoginseng) widely consumed as health tea are easily confused in market circulation. We aimed to develop a green, fast, and easy analysis strategy to distinguish PGF, PQF, and PNF. In this work, fast gas chromatography electronic nose (fast GC e-nose), headspace-gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry (HS-GC-IMS), and headspace solid phase microextraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-MS) were utilized to comprehensively analyze the volatile organic components (VOCs) of three flowers. Meanwhile, a principal component analysis (PCA) and heatmap were applied to distinguish the VOCs identified in PGF, PQF, and PNF. A random forest (RF) analysis was used to screen key factors affecting the discrimination. As a result, 39, 68, and 78 VOCs were identified in three flowers using fast GC e-nose, HS-GC-IMS, and HS-SPME-GC-MS. Nine VOCs were selected as potential chemical markers based on a model of RF for distinguishing these three species. Conclusively, a complete VOC analysis strategy was created to provide a methodological reference for the rapid, simple, and environmentally friendly detection and identification of food products (tea, oil, honey, etc.) and herbs with flavor characteristics and to provide a basis for further specification of their quality and base sources.

Enhanced profiling and quantification of ginsenosides from mountain-cultivated ginseng and comparison with garden-cultivated ginseng

Panax ginseng can be generally divided into mountain-cultivated ginseng (MCG) and garden-cultivated ginseng (GCG). The market price of MCG is significantly higher than that of GCG. However, the chemical compositions of MCG and the differences from GCG remained unclear. In this study, an integrated strategy combing an offline two-dimensional liquid chromatography separation, LTQ-orbitrap dual mode acquisition, and Q-trap full quantification/quasi-quantification was proposed to explore and compare the chemical compositions of MCG. Consequently, 559 ginsenosides were characterized, among which 437 ginsenosides were in-depth characterized with α-chain and β-chain annotated. Subsequently, enhanced quantification of 213 ginsenosides was conducted in 57 batches of MCG and GCG. Ginsenosides were found more abundant in MCG than GCG. In addition, 25-year-old MCG could be distinctly differentiated from 15/20-year-old MCG. This strategy facilitated the enhanced profiling and comparison of ginsenosides, improved the quality control tactics of MCG and provided a reference approach for other ginseng related products.

Effect of Flowering Stages on the Content of Active Ingredients and Antioxidant Capability of Bletilla striata Flowers

Bletilla striata (Thunb.) Reichb.f. is a perennial herb with abundant active ingredients. Previous research mainly focused on its tubers, however, the study on flowers, especially the variation of active ingredient contents at different flowering stages, was rarely seen. This study analyzed the total phenols, flavonoids, polysaccharides, anthocyanins, and cyanidin-3-O-glucoside content of B. striata flowers which were in cultivated in Herb Garden of Zhejiang A&F University and collected in May, 2019, in order to investigate the changes in active ingredients and antioxidant capacity among different flowering stages (bud, initial, and full bloom). Changes in radical scavenging capability of DPPH (1,1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical), ABTS (2,2'-azinobis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonate)), and hydroxy were analyzed. Significant differences in active ingredient content of flowers were detected among different flowering stages. The total phenolic content increased continuously during the entire flowering stage. The contents of total flavonoid, total polysaccharide, and cyanidin-3-O-glucoside reached peaks at the initial blooming stage and then fell as the flowering process continued. The antioxidant activity in initial stage was the highest than in any other flowering stages. Therefore, we conclude that the initial blooming stage is the best harvesting stage of B. striata flowers. This study provides a robust basis for the harvest and utilization of B. striata flowers in food, medical, and cosmetic industries.

Advances and challenges in ginseng research from 2011 to 2020: the phytochemistry, quality control, metabolism, and biosynthesis

Covering: 2011 to the end of 2020Panax species (Araliaceae), particularly P. ginseng, P. quinquefolius, and P. notoginseng, have a long history of medicinal use because of their remarkable tonifying effects, and currently serve as crucial sources for various healthcare products, functional foods, and cosmetics, aside from their vast clinical preparations. The huge market demand on a global scale prompts the continuous prosperity in ginseng research concerning the discovery of new compounds, precise quality control, ADME (absorption/disposition/metabolism/excretion), and biosynthesis pathways. Benefitting from the ongoing rapid development of analytical technologies, e.g. multi-dimensional chromatography (MDC), personalized mass spectrometry (MS) scan strategies, and multi-omics, highly recognized progress has been made in driving ginseng analysis towards "systematicness, integrity, personalization, and intelligentization". Herein, we review the advances in the phytochemistry, quality control, metabolism, and biosynthesis pathway of ginseng over the past decade (2011-2020), with 410 citations. Emphasis is placed on the introduction of new compounds isolated (saponins and polysaccharides), and the emerging novel analytical technologies and analytical strategies that favor ginseng's authentic use and global consumption. Perspectives on the challenges and future trends in ginseng analysis are also presented.

Chemical Variations among Shengmaisan-Based TCM Patent Drugs by Ultra-High Performance Liquid Chromatography Coupled with Hybrid Quadrupole Orbitrap Mass Spectrometry

Shengmaisan (SMS) is a famous traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula to treat coronary heart diseases. It has been developed into several TCM patent drugs to meet the demands of different patients. In this study, a research strategy was proposed to reveal the chemical variations among four SMS-based patent drugs, including Shengmai Oral Solution (Shengmaiyin, SMY), Shengmai Capsule (Shengmai Jiaonang, SMJN), Yiqi Fumai Injection (YQFMI), and Yiqi Fumai Capsule (Yiqi Fumai Jiaonang, YQJN). Firstly, 227 compounds were tentatively identified using an Orbitrap-MS in the full scan/dd-MS2 mode. Secondly, untargeted metabolomics analysis suggested that ginsenosides, steroidal saponins, and lignans were the main types of differential compounds for the four patent drugs. Finally, the contents of 25 compounds were simultaneously determined in 30 batches of samples in the parallel reaction monitoring (PRM) mode. Partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) revealed the contents of ginsenosides Re, Rg1, Rb1, Ro, and Rg3, and schisandrin showed the highest intergroup variations. These compounds were chemical markers to differentiate the SMS-based patent drugs.

Characteristic Malonyl Ginsenosides from the Leaves of Panax notoginseng as Potential Quality Markers for Adulteration Detection

Due to the high price and limited supply of Panax notoginseng, a large number of samples adulterated with the leaves appear in the market. A group of new malonyl ginsenosides were exclusively detected in the P. notoginseng leaves (PNL). Targeted isolation of the malonyl ginsenosides was guided by UPLC-QDa MS. HRMS, 1D/2D NMR, and chemical methods were used for structural identification. A selected ion monitoring method was developed based on UPLC-QDa MS to detect the adulterations. In addition, the anti-inflammatory activities and the collision-induced dissociation features of the isolated saponins were studied. As a result, eight new 3-OH malonylated dammarane-type triterpene oligoglycosides (notoginsenosides L3-L10) were obtained from PNL. Adulteration with PNL can be easily detected with limit of detection as low as 0.06%. To sum up, the isolated ginsenosides can be used as quality markers for fraud detection, which will promote the quality control of the notoginseng products.

A novel chromatographic separation method for rapid enrichment and isolation of novel flavonoid glycosides from Sphaerophysa salsula

Flavonoid glycosides exist widely in medicine herbs and often used as nutraceuticals because of their excellent bioactivity and low toxicity. For accurate quality control and bioactivity assessment of Sphaerophysa salsula, a rapid and productive method to isolate flavonoid glycosides is needed. Therefore, this work reports the development of a novel comprehensive strategy based on an online middle-pressure chromatography and preparative high-performance liquid chromatography for rapid enrichment and separation of flavonoid glycosides from S. salsula. First, the flavonoid glycosides were enriched using an online middle-pressure chromatographic column containing stationary middle chromatogram isolated phase. During this process, the high-volume injection of the extracting solution was realized by an empty precolumn positioned before the main chromatographic tower. Then, the compounds were separated through preparative high-performance liquid chromatography with Megress C18. As a result, one new flavonol 3-O-glycoside (2) and two known flavonol 3-O-glycosides (1, 3) were targetedly isolated from S. salsula. The content of compounds 1-3 in S. salsula was 0.09, 0.11, and 0.18 wt%, respectively. Comparing to traditional enrichment and separation methods, our technique offers significantly shorter sample pretreatment time as well as high reproducibility. We believe that our separation method has a strong potential to be used for the processing of other medicinal plants.

Isolation and Purification of Kudinosides from Kuding Tea by Semi-Preparative HPLC Combined with MCI-GEL Resin

Background:

Kuding tea, a Traditional Chinese drink, has a history of thousands of years in China. Triterpenoid saponins in Kuding tea are regarded as one of the major functional ingredients.

Objective:

The aim of this paper was to establish separation progress for the isolation and purification of five triterpenoid saponins (kudinoside A, C, D, F, G) from Kuding tea.

Methods:

Nine types of resins, including seven macroporous resins and two MCI-GEL resins, were firstly used for purifying triterpenoid saponins by the adsorption and desorption tests. Further dynamic adsorption/desorption experiments were carried out to obtain the optimal parameters for the five targeted saponins. Then the purification of five triterpenoid saponins (kudinoside A, C, D, F, G) was completed by semi-preparative high-performance liquid chromatography (semi-pHPLC).

Results:

As of optimized results, the HP20SS MCI-GEL was selected as the optimal one. The data also showed that 65.24 mg of refined extract including 7.04 mg kudinoside A, 3.52 mg kudinoside C, 4.04 mg kudinoside D, 4.13 mg kudinoside F, and 34.45 mg kudinoside G, could be isolated and purified from 645.90 mg of crude extract in which the content of five saponins was 81.51% and the average recovery reached 69.76%. The final contents of five saponins increased 6.91-fold as compared to the crude extract.

Conclusion:

The established separation progress was highly efficient, making it a potential approach for the large-scale production in the laboratory and providing several markers of triterpenoid saponins for quality control of Kuding tea or its processing products.

Enzymatic hydrolysis and extraction of ginsenoside recovered from deep eutectic solvent-salt aqueous two-phase system

Rare ginsenoside CK was recognized as a popular functional food because of superior pharmacological activity, but it is restricted by further applications by the difficulty in preparation. In this study, deep eutectic solvent (DES)-based aqueous two-phase system (ATPS) was established to transform and extract ginsenoside CK in situ for the first time. The phase formation conditions for preparing ATPS using choline chloride-based DES were studied, and the optimal conditions for extractive bioconversion were explored using conventional single-factor experiments. The conditions for ATPS establishment were as follows: 31.9% (w/w) DES (ChCl-ethylene glycol)/24.5% (w/w) K₂HPO₄, 55 °C, pH 5.0. Under the optimal conditions, 75.79% product and 61.14% β-glucosidase were recovered from the top and bottom phase, respectively. In addition, DES and β-glucosidase can be recovered and recycled again for the next extractive bioconversion of CK. These results indicated that this green and efficient method exhibited considerable value in integrated production and extraction processes, and demonstrated the potential for obtaining highly recycled functional foods and similar products.

Quantitative Characterization of Ginsenoside Biotransformation in Panax notoginseng Inflorescences and Leaves by Online Two-Dimensional Liquid Chromatography Coupled to Mass Spectrometry

Panax notoginseng inflorescences (PNI) and leaves (PNL) are commonly used as folk medicine and food supplements. In this study, an online two-dimensional hydrophilic interaction × reversed-phase liquid chromatography coupled to linear trap quadropole mass spectrometry method was developed to determine 24 ginsenosides, including two novel compounds, in PNI and PNL extracted by water and methanol. Our data demonstrated that ginsenosides Rd, Rc, Rb2, Rb3, Rb1, Ra2, Ra1, and Ra3 in both PNI and PNL extracted by water rather than methanol can be transformed to ginsenoside F2, notoginsenoside Fe, ginsenoside Rd2, notoginsenoside Fd, gypenoside XVII, PN02, PN01, and PN03, respectively, by selectively cleaving the β-(1→2)-glucosidic linkage at the C-3 position. Ginsenoside transformation was further verified to be mediated by the proteins isolated from samples. Additionally, the two newly discovered transformed products, namely, PN02 and PN03, were prepared and identified as novel compounds by nuclear magnetic resonance. Our findings provide new insight into the importance of extraction solvents on the component profile of natural products.

Phytochemical analysis of Panax species: a review

Panax species have gained numerous attentions because of their various biological effects on cardiovascular, kidney, reproductive diseases known for a long time. Recently, advanced analytical methods including thin layer chromatography, high-performance thin layer chromatography, gas chromatography, high-performance liquid chromatography, ultra-high performance liquid chromatography with tandem ultraviolet, diode array detector, evaporative light scattering detector, and mass detector, two-dimensional high-performance liquid chromatography, high speed counter-current chromatography, high speed centrifugal partition chromatography, micellar electrokinetic chromatography, high-performance anion-exchange chromatography, ambient ionization mass spectrometry, molecularly imprinted polymer, enzyme immunoassay, ¹H-NMR, and infrared spectroscopy have been used to identify and evaluate chemical constituents in Panax species. Moreover, Soxhlet extraction, heat reflux extraction, ultrasonic extraction, solid phase extraction, microwave-assisted extraction, pressurized liquid extraction, enzyme-assisted extraction, acceleration solvent extraction, matrix solid phase dispersion extraction, and pulsed electric field are discussed. In this review, a total of 219 articles published from 1980 to 2018 are investigated. Panax species including P. notoginseng, P. quinquefolius, sand P. ginseng in the raw and processed forms from different parts, geographical origins, and growing times are studied. Furthermore, the potential biomarkers are screened through the previous articles. It is expected that the review can provide a fundamental for further studies.

Data-Dependent Acquisition and Database-Driven Efficient Peak Annotation for the Comprehensive Profiling and Characterization of the Multicomponents from Compound Xueshuantong Capsule by UHPLC/IM-QTOF-MS

The state of the art ion mobility quadrupole time of flight (IM-QTOF) mass spectrometer coupled with ultra-high performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) can offer four-dimensional information supporting the comprehensive multicomponent characterization of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Compound Xueshuantong Capsule (CXC) is a four-component Chinese patent medicine prescribed to treat ophthalmic disease and angina. However, research systematically elucidating its chemical composition is not available. An approach was established by integrating reversed-phase UHPLC separation, IM-QTOF-MS operating in both the negative and positive electrospray ionization modes, and a “Component Knockout” strategy. An in-house ginsenoside library and the incorporated TCM library of UNIFI^TM drove automated peak annotation. With the aid of 85 reference compounds, we could separate and characterize 230 components from CXC, including 155 ginsenosides, six astragalosides, 16 phenolic acids, 16 tanshinones, 13 flavonoids, six iridoids, ten phenylpropanoid, and eight others. Major components of CXC were from the monarch drug, Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma. This study first clarifies the chemical complexity of CXC and the results obtained can assist to unveil the bioactive components and improve its quality control.

Anti-inflammatory and Cytotoxic Triterpenes from the Rot Roots of Panax notoginseng

Four new protopanaxatriol-type triterpenes (1-2) and glucosides (3-4), were isolated from the rot roots of Panax notoginseng (Burk.) Chen, along with four known ones (5-8). Their structures were elucidated on the basis of extensive spectroscopic analysis (HRESIMS, NMR, UV, IR, and OR) and acidic hydrolysis. The possible transformation pathway of these compounds were also speculated from ginsenoside Rg₁. Compound 1, with a unique α,β-unsaturated ketene in its side chain, showed significant inhibitory effects against NO production on Murine macrophage cells (IC₅₀ = 4.12 ± 0.20 μM) and comparable cytotoxicities against five human cancer cell lines (myeloid leukemia HL-60, lung cancer A-549 cells, hepatocellular carcinoma SMMC7721, breast cancer MCF-7, and colon cancer SW480) to positive control, cisplatin (DDP).

Integration of Data-Dependent Acquisition (DDA) and Data-Independent High-Definition MSE (HDMSE) for the Comprehensive Profiling and Characterization of Multicomponents from Panax japonicus by UHPLC/IM-QTOF-MS

The complexity of herbal matrix necessitates the development of powerful analytical strategies to enable comprehensive multicomponent characterization. In this work, targeting the multicomponents from Panax japonicus C.A. Meyer, both data dependent acquisition (DDA) and data-independent high-definition MSE (HDMSE) in the negative electrospray ionization mode were used to extend the coverage of untargeted metabolites characterization by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) coupled to a VionTM IM-QTOF (ion-mobility/quadrupole time-of-flight) high-resolution mass spectrometer. Efficient chromatographic separation was achieved by using a BEH Shield RP18 column. Optimized mass-dependent ramp collision energy of DDA enabled more balanced MS/MS fragmentation for mono- to penta-glycosidic ginsenosides. An in-house ginsenoside database containing 504 known ginsenosides and 60 reference compounds was established and incorporated into UNIFITM, by which efficient and automated peak annotation was accomplished. By streamlined data processing workflows, we could identify or tentatively characterize 178 saponins from P. japonicus, of which 75 may have not been isolated from the Panax genus. Amongst them, 168 ginsenosides were characterized based on the DDA data, while 10 ones were newly identified from the HDMSE data, which indicated their complementary role. Conclusively, the in-depth deconvolution and characterization of multicomponents from P. japonicus were achieved, and the approaches we developed can be an example for comprehensive chemical basis elucidation of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).

Simultaneous Profiling and Holistic Comparison of the Metabolomes among the Flower Buds of Panax ginseng, Panax quinquefolius, and Panax notoginseng by UHPLC/IM-QTOF-HDMSE-Based Metabolomics Analysis

The flower buds of three Panax species (PGF: flower bud of P. ginseng; PQF: flower bud of P. quinquefolius; PNF: flower bud of P. notoginseng), widely consumed as healthcare products, are easily confused particularly in the extracts or traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formulae. We are aimed to develop an untargeted metabolomics approach, by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography/ion mobility-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC/IM-QTOF-MS) to unveil the chemical markers diagnostic for the differentiation of PGF, PQF, and PNF. Key parameters affecting chromatographic separation and MS detection were optimized in sequence. Forty-two batches of flower bud samples were analyzed in negative high-definition MS^E (HDMS^E; enabling three-dimensional separations). Efficient metabolomics data processing was performed by Progenesis QI (Waters, Milford, MA, USA), while pattern-recognition chemometrics was applied for species classification and potential markers discovery. Reference compounds comparison, analysis of both HDMS^E and targeted MS/MS data, and retrieval of an in-house ginsenoside library, were simultaneously utilized for the identification of discovered potential markers. Satisfactory conditions for metabolite profiling were achieved on a BEH Shield RP18 column and Vion™ IMS-QTOF instrument (Waters; by setting the capillary voltage of 1.0 kV and the cone of voltage 20 V) within 37 min. A total of 32 components were identified as the potential markers, of which Rb3, Ra1, isomer of m-Rc/m-Rb2/m-Rb3, isomer of Ra1/Ra2, Rb1, and isomer of Ra3, were the most important for differentiating among PGF, PQF, and PNF. Conclusively, UHPLC/IM-QTOF-MS-based metabolomics is a powerful tool for the authentication of TCM at the metabolome level.

Profiling and identification of chemical components of Shenshao Tablet and its absorbed components in rats by comprehensive HPLC/DAD/ESI-MSn analysis

Shenshao Tablet (SST), prepared from Paeoniae Radix Alba (PRA) and total ginsenoside of Ginseng Stems and Leaves (GSL), is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) preparation prescribed to treat coronary heart disease. However, its chemical composition and the components that can migrate into blood potentially exerting the therapeutic effects have rarely been elucidated. We developed an HPLC/DAD/ESI-MSⁿ approach aiming to comprehensively profile and identify both the chemical components of SST and its absorbed ingredients (and metabolites) in rat plasma and urine. Chromatographic separation was performed on an Agilent Eclipse XDB C₁₈ column using acetonitrile/0.1% formic acid as the mobile phase. MS detection was conducted in both negative and positive ESI modes to yield more structure information. Comparison with reference compounds (t_R, MSⁿ), interpretation of the fragmentation pathways, and searching of in-house database, were utilized for more reliable structure elucidation. A total of 82 components, including 21 monoterpene glycosides, four galloyl glucoses, two phenols from PRA, and 55 ginsenosides from GSL, were identified or tentatively characterized from the 70% ethanolic extract of SST. Amongst them, seven and 24 prototype compounds could be detectable in the plasma and urine samples, respectively, after oral administration of an SST extract (4 g·kg^-1) in rats. No metabolites were observed in the rat samples. The findings of this work first unveiled the chemical complexity of SST and its absorbed components, which would be beneficial to understanding the therapeutic basis and quality control of SST.

An Integrated LC-MS-Based Strategy for the Quality Assessment and Discrimination of Three Panax Species

The quality assessment and discrimination of Panax herbs are very challenging to perform due to the complexity and variability of their chemical compositions. An integrated strategy was established using UHPLC-Q-Exactive/HRMS and HPLC-ESI-MS/MS to achieve an accurate, rapid, and comprehensive qualitative and quantitative analysis of Panax japonicas (PJ), Panax japonicus var. major (PM), and Panax zingiberensis (PZ). Additionally, discrimination among the three species was explored with partial least squares–discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) and orthogonal partial least squares–discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) score plots. A total of 101 compounds were plausibly or unambiguously identified, including 82 from PJ, 78 from PM, and 67 from PZ. Among them, 16 representative ginsenosides were further quantified in three herbs. A clear discrimination between the three species was observed through a multivariate statistical analysis on the quantitative data. Nine compounds that allowed for discrimination between PJ, PM, and PZ were discovered. Notably, ginsenoside Rf (G-Rf), ginsenoside F3 (G-F3), and chikusetsu saponin IV (CS-IV) were the three most important differential compounds. The research indicated that the integrated LC-MS-based strategy can be applied for the quality assessment and discrimination of the three Panax herbs.

Isolation of high-purity peptide Val-Val-Tyr-Pro from Globin Peptide using MCI gel column combined with high-speed counter-current chromatography

Peptides have gained increased interest over the past several decades because of their therapeutics. In this research, a strategy combining MCI gel column chromatography and high-speed countercurrent chromatography was developed for the separation of high-purity peptide Val-Val-Tyr-Pro from Globin Peptide. First, the fraction of Val-Val-Tyr-Pro mixtures with a purity of 15.8% was obtained by using MCI gel column with a mixture of ethanol/water (20:80, v/v/v). Then, the high-purity Val-Val-Tyr-Pro was separated by high-speed countercurrent chromatography with a aqueous two phase systems of ethanol/acetonitrile/iso-propyl alcohol/(NH₄ )₂ SO_{4 Saturated solution} /H₂ O (0.5:0.5:0.25:1.5:0.7,v/v). The ammonium sulfate from high-speed countercurrent chromatography fractions was removed from target compound by MCI gel column chromatography using ethanol/water in stepwise elution mode. A 78 mg of Val-Val-Tyr-Pro was successfully purified with the purities of 98.80% from 30 g crude Globin Peptide. The amino acid sequence of the Val-Val-Tyr-Pro was determined by electrospray ionization high resolution tandem mass spectrometry. The method presents a practical strategy for the large-scale separation of pure peptide Val-Val-Tyr-Pro from Globin Peptide, and provides a reference method for obtaining high-purity peptide from other polypeptide mixtures.

Phytochemistry, pharmacology, and clinical use of Panax notoginseng flowers buds

Panax notoginseng is a well-known traditional Chinese medicine, and dried flower buds of P. notoginseng (FBP) have also been used as a medicine or tea for a long time. The pharmacological effects of FBP include antihypertensive, anticancer, hepatoprotective, and cardiovascular protective effects. The compounds in FBP include saponins, flavonoids, volatile oils, and polysaccharides. The total saponins are the principal bioactive components. In modern applications, FBP is used to treat hypertension and tinnitus. There have been many studies on FBP and its effects in recent years, and it has attracted much attention in the medical field. This review summarizes the chemical components, pharmacological action, and clinical uses of FBP comprehensively to provide the references of deeper studies.

Stereoisomers of Saponins in Panax notoginseng (Sanqi): A Review

Panax notoginseng (Sanqi), a traditional Chinese medical drug which has been applied to medical use for over four centuries, contains high content of dammarane-type tetracyclic triterpenoid saponins. A number of stereoisomeric dammarane-type saponins exist in this precious herb, and some are particularly regarded as “biomarkers” in processed notoginseng. Contemporary researches have indicated that some saponin stereoisomers may show stereospecific pharmacological activities, such as anti-tumor, antioxidative, anti-photoaging, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and neuro-protective activities, as well as stereoselective effects on ion channel current regulation, cardiovascular system, and immune system. The current review provides a comprehensive overview of chemical compositions of raw and processed P. notoginseng with a particular emphasis on saponin stereoisomers. Besides, the pharmacological and pharmacokinetic researches, as well as determination and biotechnological preparation methods of stereoisomeric saponins in notoginseng are discussed extensively.

Malonylginsenosides with Potential Antidiabetic Activities from the Flower Buds of Panax ginseng

LC-MS-guided phytochemical isolation of malonylginsenosides, featuring neutral elimination of CO₂ and C₃H₂O₃ by the negative mode collision-induced dissociation, from the flower buds of Panax ginseng led to the isolation of 19 malonyl-substituted triterpenoid saponins. They include 15 new malonylginsenosides, malonylfloralginsenosides-Re₁-Re₃ (1-3), -Rb₁ and -Rb₂ (4, 5), -Rd₁-Rd₆ (6-11), and -Rc₁-Rc₄ (12-15), and the known m-Rb₁, m-Rc, m-Rb₂, and m-Rd (16-19). Compound 11 represents the first dimalonyl saponin isolated from the Panax genus, while 2-4, 9, and 10 are five ginsenosides with single malonylation at the C-20 sugar chain. The antidiabetic activities of nine of these malonyl-substituted ginsenosides (1, 3, 4, 8, 13, and 16-19) and five of the corresponding non-malonyl ginsenosides (Re, Rb₁, Rb₂, Rc, and Rd) were evaluated by L6 myotubes' glucose consumption and AMPKα2β1γ1 activation. Ginsenoside Rb₂, 1, and 18 promoted glucose consumption of differentiated L6 myotubes, while ginsenosides Rb₁, Rb₂, and Rd and the malonylginsenosides 4, 8, 13, 16, 17, and 19 activated AMPKα2β1γ1 (EC₅₀: 0.0168-2.8 μM, fold: 1.7-4.7).

Sodiation-based in-source collision for profiling of pyranocoumarins in Radix Peucedani (Qianhu): utility of sodium adducts' stability with in-source collision

Full scan mode of liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry equipped with an electrospray ionization source offers a chance on global detection of complicated components; however, the scan mode carries significant challenges in rapidly capturing information of analysts. Sodiation-based in-source collision was proposed here, as a technique for rapid detecting untargeted analytes in full scan analysis, which was based on the stability of sodium adducts and the nonselectivity of in-source collision. Then the technique was applied to profile of angular-type pyranocoumarins (APs) in Radix Peucedani, with full scan analysis performed at two specific in-source collision energy: a high energy 50 V that is tolerated by the sodium adducts of APs, and a low energy 10 V, at which abundant adducts were offered. The spectra list of two average mass spectra was exported, and stable ions were selected based on the intensity ratio of standards at the two collision energy. Then 27 plausible [M + Na]⁺ m/z values of APs were acquired after filtering the fragment ion and isotope ions and validating with [M + NH₄ ]⁺ . Eighty-two APs finally were tentatively identified based on their accurate spectral data of MSⁿ , fragmentation rules, and elution order regardless of their absolute configuration, which included 25 reported APs from Peucedanum praeruptorum Dunn. The technique provided a novel application of sodium adduct in qualitative analysis. And it was valuable for rapidly capturing information of analytes in full scan analysis, not only for APs but also for other compounds that could form sodium adducts. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

An enhanced targeted identification strategy for the selective identification of flavonoid O-glycosides from Carthamus tinctorius by integrating offline two-dimensional liquid chromatography/linear ion-trap-Orbitrap mass spectrometry, high-resolution diagnostic product ions/neutral loss filtering and liquid chromatography-solid phase extraction-nuclear magnetic resonance

Targeted identification of potentially bioactive molecules from herbal medicines is often stymied by the insufficient chromatographic separation, ubiquitous matrix interference, and pervasive isomerism. An enhanced targeted identification strategy is presented and validated by the selective identification of flavonoid O-glycosides (FOGs) from Carthamus tinctorius. It consists of four steps: (i) enhanced separation and detection by offline two-dimensional liquid chromatography/LTQ-Orbitrap MS (offline 2D-LC/LTQ-Orbitrap MS) using collision-induced dissociation (CID) and high-energy C-trap dissociation (HCD); (ii) improved identification of the major aglycones by acid hydrolysis and LC-SPE-NMR; (iii) simplified spectral elucidation by high-resolution diagnostic product ions/neutral loss filtering; and (iv) more convincing structural identification by matching an in-house library. An offline 2D-LC system configuring an Acchrom XAmide column and a BEH Shield RP-18 UPLC^® column enabled much better separation of the easily co-eluting components. Combined use of CID and HCD could produce complementary fragmentation information. The intensity ratios of the aglycone ion species ([Y₀-H]^-/Y₀^- and [Y₀-2H]^-/Y₀^-) in the HCD-MS² spectra were found diagnostic for discriminating the aglycone subtypes and characterizing the glycosylation patterns. Five aglycone structures (kaempferol, 6-hydroxykaempferol, 6-methoxykaempferol, carthamidin, and isocarthamidin) were identified based on the ¹H-NMR data recorded by LC-SPE-NMR. Of the 107 characterized flavonoids, 80 FOGs were first reported from C. tinctorius. Unknown aglycones, pentose, and novel acyl substituents were discovered. A new compound thereof was isolated and fully identified, which could partially validate the MS-oriented identification. This integral strategy can improve the potency, efficiency, and accuracy in the detection of new compounds from medicinal herbs and other natural sources.

Elucidation of the fragmentation pathways of a complex 3,7-O-glycosyl flavonol by CID, HCD, and PQD on an LTQ-Orbitrap Velos Pro hybrid mass spectrometer

The present study was designed to systematically investigate the ESI-MS(n) behavior of a complex 3, 7-O-glycosyl flavonol, kaempferol 3-O-α-L-[2,3-di-O-β-D-(6-E-p-coumaroyl)glucopyranosyl]-rhamnopyranosyl-7-O-α-L-rhamnopyranoside (KO) isolated from Epimedium wushanense, and to address the elimination priority among different glycosylation sites and different sugars/substituents. The direct-infusion ESI-MS(n) experiment of KO was performed on a hybrid LTQ-Orbitrap Velos Pro mass spectrometer in both negative and positive ion modes by three different fragmentation mechanisms (CID, HCD, and PQD). The CID, HCD, and PQD analyses of KO exhibited remarkable discrimination in respect of the scan range, richness, and distribution of product ions through the entire spectra. KO experienced different fragmentation pathways between two ionization modes: the negative mode CID of KO eliminated the glycosyl portions (priority: 7-sugar > 3-substituent and terminal substituents > inner sugar) and produced aglycone product ions at m/z 284.03/285.04; however, abundant sodium-adduct B(3)2 together with subsequent (i,j)X(3)0 cleavages were found characteristic for the positive mode CID-MS(n). The fragmentation pathways by CID for KO were proposed by analyzing the high accuracy ESI-MS(n) data. Complementary structural information of KO regarding the aglycone and glycosyl portions was obtained by analyzing the ESI-MS(n) data in both ionization modes. In conclusion, the LTQ-Orbitrap method facilitates highly reliable qualitative analysis of bioactive flavonoids with three alternative fragmentation modes.

Rapid discovery and identification of anti-inflammatory constituents from traditional Chinese medicine formula by activity index, LC-MS, and NMR

The traditional activity-guided approach has the shortcoming of low accuracy and efficiency in discovering active compounds from TCM. In this work, an approach was developed by integrating activity index (AI), liquid chromatography – mass spectrometry (LC-MS), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) to rapidly predict and identify the potential active constituents from TCM. This approach was used to discover and identify the anti-inflammatory constituents from a TCM formula, Gui-Zhi-Jia-Shao-Yao-Tang (GZJSYT). The AI results indicated that, among the 903 constituents detected in GZJSYT by LC-MS, 61 constituents with higher AI values were very likely to have anti-inflammatory activities. And eight potential active constituents of them were isolated and validated to have significant inhibitory effects against NO production on LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cell model. Among them, glycyrrhisoflavone (836), glisoflavanone (893) and isoangustone A (902) were reported to have anti-inflammatory effects for the first time. The proposed approach could be generally applicable for rapid and high efficient discovery of anti-inflammatory constituents from other TCM formulae or natural products.

Amelioration of acute myocardial infarction by saponins from flower buds of Panax notoginseng via pro-angiogenesis and anti-apoptosis

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The root of Panax notoginseng is traditionally used as an anti-hemorrhagic agent to promote blood circulation without causing "congealed" blood. Furthermore, the flower of P. notoginseng is a popular, traditional medicine taken daily for the preventing of hypertension and for reducing blood cholesterol profiles. Besides, the flower of P. notoginseng contains a higher level of saponins, particularly protopanaxadiol-type ginsenosides, as compared to the root. However, detailed pharmacological studies on this flower have rarely been conducted.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

In this study, the saponins extracted from the flower of P. notoginseng (FS) were examined on the endothelial cell migration assay, chemically induced vascular insufficiency model in zebrafish larvae and myocardial infraction (MI) model in rats, for determination of their pro-angiogenic and therapeutic effects on MI treatment.

RESULTS

Our results demonstrate that FS significantly promoted VEGF-induced migration of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and partially restored defective intersegmental vessels (ISV) in a chemically induced vascular insufficiency model of zebrafish larvae. When compared to MI group, two weeks post-treatment of FS (25-50mg/kg/day) induced approximately 3-fold upregulation of VEGF mRNA expression and a concomitant increase in blood vessel density in the peri-infarct area of the heart. Moreover, TUNEL analysis indicates a reduction in the mean apoptotic nuclei per field in peri-infarct myocardium upon FS treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

The pro-angiogenic effects of FS demonstrated in in vitro and in vivo experimental models suggest that the purified saponin preparation from flowers of P. notoginseng may potentially provide preventive and therapeutic agent for cardiovascular diseases.

A strategy for establishment of practical identification methods for Chinese patent medicine from systematic multi-component characterization to selective ion monitoring of chemical markers: Shuxiong tablet as a case study

A SMC-SIM strategy for establishment of practical identification methods for Chinese patent medicine.

Analysis of the Constituents in "Zhu She Yong Xue Shuan Tong" by Ultra High Performance Liquid Chromatography with Quadrupole Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry Combined with Preparative High Performance Liquid Chromatography

“Zhu She Yong Xue Shuan Tong” lyophilized powder (ZSYXST), consists of a series of saponins extracted from Panax notoginseng, which has been widely used in China for the treatment of strokes. In this study, an ultra-high performance liquid chromatography with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-TOF/MS) combined with preparative high performance liquid chromatography (PHPLC) method was developed to rapidly identify both major and minor saponins in ZSYXST. Some high content components were removed through PHPLC in order to increase the sensitivity of the trace saponins. Then, specific characteristic fragment ions in both positive and negative mode were utilized to determine the types of aglycone, saccharide, as well as the saccharide chain linkages. As a result, 94 saponins, including 20 pairs of isomers and ten new compounds, which could represent higher than 98% components in ZSYXST, were identified or tentatively identified in commercial ZSYXST samples.

Homolog-focused profiling of ginsenosides based on the integration of step-wise formate anion-to-deprotonated ion transition screening and scheduled multiple reaction monitoring

Homolog-focused profiling is a favored option to bridge targeted metabolomics toward non-targeted metabolomics. In current study, an attempt was made for the large-scale ginsenoside-specific analysis in ginseng (G) and American ginseng (AG). When formic acid (0.1%, v/v) was introduced as the mobile phase additive, formate anion-to-deprotonated ion transitions ([M+HCOO](-)>[M-H](-)) with an optimal collision energy (-32eV) could result in satisfactory responses for ginsenosides. Therefore, a step-wise multiple reaction monitoring (MRM)-based method employing [M+HCOO](-)>[M-H](-) ion pairs was constructed to screen ginsenosides among 501-1250u (for Q1) with a step-size of 2u, and MRM also served as a survey experiment to trigger enhanced product ion scans for MS(2) spectrum acquisition on a hybrid triple quadrupole-linear ion trap mass spectrometer; then, the identification of those observed ginsenosides was achieved on the basis of the well-defined mass cracking patterns for ginsenosides; afterwards, scheduled MRM was introduced for large-scale relatively quantitative analysis of all detected ginsenosides. Finally, comparative metabolomics were performed to differentiate G, AG, and their processed products. Method validation was carried out using thirteen authentic compounds. A total of 221 ginsenosides, among which 185 ones were annotated, were observed and relatively quantitated. All crude materials were obviously classified into groups I-III. Above all, the MRM-based homolog-focused profiling of ginsenosides could be used as a reliable tool to gain an in-depth view for ginsenoside-enriched herbal products.

An integrated high resolution mass spectrometric data acquisition method for rapid screening of saponins in Panax notoginseng (Sanqi)

The aim of this study was to develop a convenient method without pretreatments for nontarget discovery of interested compounds. The segment and exposure strategy, coupled with two mass spectrometer data acquisition methods was firstly proposed for screening the saponins in extract of Panax notoginseng (Sanqi) via high-performance liquid chromatography tandem quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (HPLC-QTOF/MS). By gradually removing certain major or moderate interference compounds, the developed segment and exposure strategy could significantly improve the detection efficiency for trace compounds. Moreover, the newly developed five-point screening approach based on a modified mass defect filter strategy and the visual isotopic ion technique was verified to be efficient and reliable in picking out the interested precursor ions. In total, 234 ginsenosides including 67 potential new ones were characterized or tentatively identified from the extract of Sanqi. Particularly, some unusual compounds containing the branched glycosyl group or new substituted acyl groups were firstly reported. The proposed integrated strategy held a strong promise for analyses of the complex mixtures.

On-line coupling of macroporous resin column chromatography with direct analysis in real time mass spectrometry utilizing a surface flowing mode sample holder

A surface flowing mode sample holder was designed as an alternative sampling strategy for direct analysis in real time mass spectrometry (DART-MS). With the sample holder, the on-line coupling of macroporous resin column chromatography with DART-MS was explored and the new system was employed to monitor the column chromatography elution process of Panax notoginseng. The effluent from macroporous resin column was first diluted and mixed with a derivatization reagent on-line, and the mixture was then directly transferred into the ionization region of DART-MS by the sample holder. Notoginsenosides were methylated and ionized in a metastable helium gas stream, and was introduced into MS for detection. The on-line system showed reasonable repeatability with a relative standard deviation of 12.3% for the peak area. Three notoginsenosides, i.e. notoginsenoside R1, ginsenoside Rb1 and ginsenoside Rg1, were simultaneously determined during the eluting process. The alteration of the chemical composition in the effluent was accurately identified in 9 min, agreeing well with the off-line analysis. The presented technique is more convenient compared to the traditional UPLC method. These results suggest that the surface flowing mode DART-MS has a good potential for the on-line process monitoring in the pharmaceutical industry.