Pharmacokinetics of aconitine as the targeted marker of Fuzi (Aconitum carmichaeli) following single and multiple oral administrations of Fuzi extracts in rat by UPLC/MS/MS

Aconitine and its derivatives: bioactivities, structure-activity relationships and preliminary molecular mechanisms

Aconitine (AC), which is the primary bioactive diterpene alkaloid derived from Aconitum L plants, have attracted considerable interest due to its unique structural feature. Additionally, AC demonstrates a range of biological activities, such as its ability to enhance cardiac function, inhibit tumor growth, reduce inflammation, and provide analgesic effects. However, the structure-activity relationships of AC are remain unclear. A clear understanding of these relationships is indeed critical in developing effective biomedical applications with AC. In line with these challenges, this paper summarized the structural characteristics of AC and relevant functional and bioactive properties and the structure-activity relationships presented in biomedical applications. The primary temporal scope of this review was established as the period spanning from 2010 to 2023. Subsequently, the objective of this review was to provide a comprehensive understanding of the specific action mechanism of AC, while also exploring potential novel applications of AC derivatives in the biomedical field, drawing upon their structural characteristics. In conclusion, this review has provided a comprehensive analysis of the challenges and prospects associated with AC in the elucidation of structure-bioactivity relationships. Furthermore, the importance of exploring modern biotechnology approaches to enhance the potential biomedical applications of AC has been emphasized.

The known, unknown, and the intriguing about members of a critically endangered traditional medicinal plant genus Aconitum

Humanity will always be indebted to plants. In the ongoing scientific era, the 'Herbal Revolution' has helped discover several valuable medicinal plants and associated novel secondary metabolites from the diverse unexplored ecosystems, treating several diseases via phytotherapy. The Aconitum genus comprises several economically-important poisonous mountainous medicinal plant species whose unique biodiversity is on the verge of extinction due to illegal human intervention triggered habitat loss, over-harvesting, and unrestricted trading. Owing to its vast diversity of diterpene alkaloids, most species are extensively used to treat several ailments in rural parts of the world. Irrespective of this, many unexplored and intriguing prospects exist to understand and utilize this critical plant for human benefit. This systematic review tries to fill this gap by compiling information from the sporadically available literature known for ~300 Aconitum spp. regarding its nomenclature and classification, endangerment, plant morphology, ploidy, secondary metabolites, drug pharmacokinetics, conservation, and omics-based computational studies. We also depicted the disparity in the studied model organisms for this diverse genus. The absence of genomic/metagenomic data is becoming a limiting factor in understanding its plant physiology, metabolic pathways, and plant-microbes interactions, and therefore must be promoted. Additionally, government support and public participation are crucial in establishing conservation protocols to save this plant from endangerment.

Ameliorative effect of Aconite aqueous extract on diarrhea is associated with modulation of the gut microbiota and bile acid metabolism

Introduction: Aconite is a form of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) that has been widely used to treat diarrhea for thousands of years. However, it is not clear whether the anti-diarrhea role of aconite aqueous extract (AA) is associated with regulation of the gut microbiota or with bile acid (BA) metabolism. This study aimed to confirm whether AA exerts its anti-diarrhea effects by regulating the gut microbiota and BA metabolism. Methods: The therapeutic effect of AA in a mouse model of diarrhea was measured based on analysis of body weight, fecal water content, diarrhea scores, intestinal propulsion rate, colonic pathology, and colonic immunohistochemistry. In addition, 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing was conducted to analyze the effect of AA on the gut microbiota, and targeted metabolomics was employed to analyze the effect of AA on metabolism of BAs. Results: The results showed that treatment with AA reduced fecal water content and diarrhea scores, inhibited intestinal propulsion rate and pathological changes in the colon, and increased AQP3 and AQP4 content in the colon. In addition, AA was found to be capable of regulating the gut microbiota. Effects included increasing its richness (according to the ACE and Chao1 indices); altering the gut microbiota community structure (PCA, PCoA, and NMDS); increasing the relative abundance of norank_f_Muribaculaceae, Ruminococcus, Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group, Prevotellaceae_UCG-001, and norank_f_norank_o_Clostridia_UCG-014; and decreasing the relative abundance of Escherichia-Shigella, unclassified_f_Ruminococcaceae, Ruminococcus_torques_group, and Parasutterella. More importantly, AA significantly increased fecal TCA (a primary BA) and DCA, LCA, GDCA, dehydro-LCA, and 12-keto-LCA (secondary BAs), thus restoring BA homeostasis. Moreover, AA increased the ratios of DCA/CA, DCA/TCA, and LCA/CDCA and decreased the ratios of TLCA/LCA, GLCA/LCA, and TUDCA/UDCA. Conclusion: The anti-diarrhea effect of AA was associated with restoration of the gut microbiota and BA metabolism-related homeostasis. The results of this study provide insights into the application of AA and the treatment of diarrhea.

Metabolic Behaviors of Aconitum Alkaloids in Different Concentrations of Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata and Effects of Aconitine in Healthy Human and Long QT Syndrome Cardiomyocytes

Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata (Fu Zi) is the processed lateral root of Aconitum carmichaelii Debx, which is widely used in emergency clinics. Poisoning incidents and adverse reactions occur with the improper intake of Fu Zi. Metabolic characteristics of aconitum alkaloids of Fu Zi may vary, and the effects of Fu Zi in healthy and Long QT syndrome (LQTS) patients is unknown. In this experiment, 24 Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups: 2.0, 1.0, and 0.5 g/kg dose groups, and blood samples were collected after the oral administration of Fu Zi extract. We used an ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry system to detect the concentrations of six aconitum alkaloids. Cell toxicity, calcium imaging, and patch-clamp recordings of human induced pluripotent stem cells-cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) of aconitine in healthy and LQTS were observed. We found that the AUC(0–48h), Cmax, and t1/2 of the six compounds increased with the multiplicative dosages; those in the high group were significantly higher than those in the low group. Aconitine concentration-dependently decreased the amplitude, which has no significant effect on the cell index of normal hiPSC-CMs. Aconitine at 5.0 μM decreased the cell index between 5–30 min for LQTS hiPSC-CMs. Meanwhile, aconitine significantly increased the frequency of calcium transients in LQTS at 5 μM. Aconitine significantly shortened the action potential duration of human cardiomyocytes in both normal and LQTS groups. These results show metabolic behaviors of aconitum alkaloids in different concentrations of Fu Zi and effects of aconitine in healthy and LQTS patients.

Ginsenoside Rg1 Reduces Cardiotoxicity While Increases Cardiotonic Effect of Aconitine in vitro

OBJECTIVE

To explore the synergic mechanism of ginsenoside Rg₁ (Rg₁) and aconitine (AC) by acting on normal neonatal rat cardiomyocytes (NRCMs) and pentobarbital sodium (PS)-induced damaged NRCMs.

METHODS

The toxic, non-toxic, and effective doses of AC and the most suitable compatibility concentration of Rg₁ for both normal and damaged NRCMs exposed for 1 h were filtered out by 3- (4,5)-dimethylthiahiazo (-z-y1)-3,5-diphenytetrazoliumromide, respectively. Then, normal NRCMs or impaired NRCMs were treated with chosen concentrations of AC alone or in combination with Rg₁ for 1 h, and the cellular activity, cellular ultrastructure, apoptosis, leakage of acid phosphatase (ACP) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), intracellular sodium ions [Na⁺], potassium ions [K⁺] and calcium ions [Ca²⁺] levels, and Nav1.5, Kv4.2, and RyR₂ genes expressions in each group were examined.

RESULTS

For normal NRCMs, 3000 µ mol/L AC significantly inhibited cell viability (P<0.01), promoted cell apoptosis, and damaged cell structures (P<0.05), while other doses of AC lower than 3000 µ mol/L and the combinations of AC and Rg₁ had little toxicity on NRCMs. Compared with AC acting on NRCMs alone, the co-treatment of 3000 and 10 µ mol/L AC with 1 µ mol/L Rg₁ significantly decreased the level of intracellular Ca²⁺ (P<0.01 or P<0.05), and the co-treatment of 3000 µ mol/L AC with 1 µ mol/L Rg₁ significantly decreased the level of intracellular Ca²⁺ via regulating Nav1.5, RyR₂ expression (P<0.01). For damaged NRCMs, 1500 µ mol/L AC aggravated cell damage (P<0.01), and 0.1 and 0.001 µ mol/L AC showed moderate protective effect. Compared with AC used alone, the co-treatment of Rg₁ with AC reduced the cell damage, 0.1 µ mol/L AC with 1 µ mol/L Rg₁ significantly inhibited the level of intracellular Na⁺ (P<0.05), 1500 µ mol/L AC with 1 µ mol/L Rg₁ significantly inhibited the level of intracellular K⁺ (P<0.01) via regulating Nav1.5, Kv4.2, RyR₂ expressions in impaired NRCMs.

CONCLUSION

Rg₁ inhibited the cardiotoxicity and enhanced the cardiotonic effect of AC via regulating the ion channels pathway of [Na⁺], [K⁺], and [Ca²⁺].

Compatibility of Fuzi and Ginseng Significantly Increase the Exposure of Aconitines

The herb-pair ginseng-Fuzi (the root of Aconitum carmichaelii) is the material basis of Shenfu prescriptions and is popular in traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of heart failure, and even shock with severe-stage of COVID-19. A narrow therapeutic window of Fuzi may cause significant regional loss of property and life in clinics. Therefore, systemic elucidation of active components is crucial to improve the safety dose window of Shenfu oral prescriptions. A high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry method was developed for quantification of 10 aconitines in SD rat plasma within 9 min. The limit of detection and the limit of quantification were below 0.032 ng/ml and 0.095 ng/ml, respectively. Furthermore, a systemic comparison with their pharmacokinetic characteristics after oral administration of a safe dosage of 2 g/kg of Fuzi and ginseng-Fuzi decoction for 24 h was conducted. Eight representative diester, monoester, and non-ester aconitines and two new active components (i.e., songorine and indaconitine) were all adopted to elucidating the differences of the pharmacokinetic parameters in vivo. The compatibility of Fuzi and ginseng could significantly increase the in vivo exposure of active components. The terminal elimination half-life and the area under the concentration-time curve of mesaconitine, benzoylaconitine, benzoylmesaconitine, benzoylhypaconitine, and songorine were all increased significantly. The hypaconitine, benzoylmesaconitine, and songorine were regarded as the main active components in vivo, which gave an effective clue for the development of new Shenfu oral prescriptions.

Management of a patient with polymorphic ventricular tachycardia from aconitum poisoning

An 81-year-old man presented to the Emergency Department with shortness of breath, generalised weakness, numbness, giddiness, nausea and vomiting after consuming an inadequately prepared Traditional Chinese Medicine preparation that contained herbal aconitum (Chuanwu and Caowu). His electrocardiogram (ECG) and rhythm strips showed multiple runs of non-sustained ventricular tachycardia monomorphic ventricular tachycardia and slowed polymorphic ventricular tachycardia. He was treated with intravenous (IV) amiodarone, magnesium and lignocaine, and was started on IV noradrenaline after developing haemodynamic compromise. There was no digoxin detected in the blood and urine. At 12 h, aconitine was not detected in the blood (cut off at <1 ng/mL) but aconitine and hypaconitine was detected in the urine qualitatively. He underwent a coronary angiogram at 12 h post-admission which showed minor coronary artery disease. A formal echocardiogram showed left ventricular ejection fraction 50–55% with no regional wall motion abnormalities of the left ventricle. He made an uneventful recovery and reverted to normal sinus rhythm at 29 h of admission. He was discharged well on Day 4 of admission with a diagnosis of polymorphic ventricular tachycardia secondary to Aconitum poisoning.

Aconitine Induces TRPV2-Mediated Ca2+ Influx through the p38 MAPK Signal and Promotes Cardiomyocyte Apoptosis

Aconitine is the main effective component of traditional Chinese medicine Aconitum, which has been proved to have severe cardiovascular toxicity. The toxic effect of aconitine on cardiomyocytes is related to intracellular calcium overload, but the mechanism remains unclear. The aim of this study was to explore the mechanism of aconitine inducing intracellular Ca²⁺ overload and promoting H9c2 cardiomyocyte apoptosis through transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 2 (TRPV2). After treated with different concentrations of aconitine, the level of cell apoptosis, intracellular Ca²⁺, and expression of p-p38 MAPK and TRPV2 of H9c2 cardiomyocytes were detected. The results showed that aconitine induced Ca²⁺ influx and H9c2 cardiomyocyte apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner and promoted p38 MAPK activation as well as TRPV2 expression and plasma membrane (PM) metastasis. siTRPV2, tranilast, and SB202190 reversed intracellular Ca²⁺ overload and H9c2 cardiomyocyte apoptosis induced by aconitine. These results suggested that aconitine promoted TRPV2 expression and PM metastasis through p38 MAPK signaling, thus inducing intracellular Ca²⁺ overload and cardiomyocyte apoptosis. Furthermore, TRPV2 is a potential molecular target for the treatment of aconitine poisoning.

Structural diversity, bioactivities, and biosynthesis of natural diterpenoid alkaloids

Covering: 2009 to 2018. Diterpenoid alkaloids, originating from the amination of natural tetracyclic diterpenes, are a diverse class of compounds having complex structural features with many stereocenters. The important pharmacological activities and structural complexity of the diterpenoid alkaloids have long interested scientists due to their medicinal uses, infamous toxicity, and unique biosynthesis. Since 2009, 373 diterpenoid alkaloids, assigned to 46 skeletons, have been isolated and identified from plants mostly in the Ranunculaceae family. The names, classes, molecular weight, molecular formula, NMR data, and plant sources of these diterpene alkaloids are collated here. This review will be a detailed update of the naturally occurring diterpene alkaloids reported from the plant kingdom from 2009-2018, providing an in-depth discussion of their diversity, biological activities, pharmacokinetics, toxicity, application, evolution, and biosynthesis.

A systematic review of pharmacological activities, toxicological mechanisms and pharmacokinetic studies on Aconitum alkaloids

The tubers and roots of Aconitum (Ranunculaceae) are widely used as heart medicine or analgesic agents for the treatment of coronary heart disease, chronic heart failure, rheumatoid arthritis and neuropathic pain since ancient times. As a type of natural products mainly extracted from Aconitum plants, Aconitum alkaloids have complex chemical structures and exert remarkable biological activity, which are mainly responsible for significant effects of Aconitum plants. The present review is to summarize the progress of the pharmacological, toxicological, and pharmacokinetic studies of Aconitum alkaloids, so as to provide evidence for better clinical application. Research data concerning pharmacological, toxicological and pharmacokinetic studies of Aconitum alkaloids were collected from different scientific databases (PubMed, CNKI, Google Scholar, Baidu Scholar, and Web of Science) using the phrase Aconitum alkaloids, as well as generic synonyms. Aconitum alkaloids are both bioactive compounds and toxic ingredients in Aconitum plants. They produce a wide range of pharmacological activities, including protecting the cardiovascular system, nervous system, and immune system and anti-cancer effects. Notably, Aconitum alkaloids also exert strong cardiac toxicity, neurotoxicity and liver toxicity, which are supported by clinical studies. Finally, pharmacokinetic studies indicated that cytochrome P450 proteins (CYPs) and efflux transporters (ETs) are closely related to the low bioavailability of Aconitum alkaloids and play an important role in their metabolism and detoxification in vivo.

Involvement of Nrf2-HO-1/JNK-Erk Signaling Pathways in Aconitine-Induced Developmental Toxicity, Oxidative Stress, and ROS-Mitochondrial Apoptosis in Zebrafish Embryos

Aconitine (AC), one of the bioactive diterpenoid alkaloids extracted from Aconitum plants, is widely used in traditional herbal medicine to treat various diseases. Emerging evidence indicates that AC has attracted great interest for its wide cardiotoxicity and neurotoxicity. However, the toxic effects of AC on embryonic development and its underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Here, a developmental toxicity assay of AC was performed on zebrafish embryos from 4 to 96 h post fertilization (hpf), and its underlying mechanisms were discussed. AC exposure impaired the cardiac, liver, and neurodevelopment. Especially, a high dose of AC (7.27 and 8.23 μM) exposure resulted in malformations at 72 and 96 hpf, including reduced body length, curved body shape, pericardial edema, yolk retention, swim bladder and brain developmental deficiency, and degeneration of dopaminergic neurons. High-concentration AC exposure caused a deficient cardiovascular system with cardiac dysfunctions, increased heart rates at 72 and 96 hpf, and reduced locomotor behavior at 120 hpf. AC treatment significantly increased the ROS level and triggered cell apoptosis in the heart and brain regions of embryos at 96 hpf in 7.27 and 8.23 μM AC treatment zebrafish. Oxidative stress was confirmed by reduced levels of T-SOD activity associated with accumulation of lipid peroxidation in larvae. The expression levels of oxidative stress-related genes (Nrf2, HO-1, Cat, and Sod-1) Erk1/2 and Bcl-2 were significantly downregulated at 96 hpf. The expression pattern of JNK and mitochondrial apoptosis-related genes (Bad, Bax, Cyto C, Casp-9, and Casp-3) was significantly upregulated. Taken together, all these parameters collectively provide the first evidence of AC-induced developmental toxicity in zebrafish embryo/larvae through ROS-medicated mitochondrial apoptosis involving Nrf2/HO-1 and JNK/Erk pathways.

Pharmacokinetics-based chronoefficacy of Fuzi against chronic kidney disease

OBJECTIVES

Identifying drugs with time-varying efficacy or toxicity, and understanding the underlying mechanisms would help to improve treatment efficacy and reduce adverse effects. In this study, we uncovered that the therapeutic effect of Fuzi (the lateral root of Aconitum carmichaelii Debeaux) depended on the dosing time in mice with adenine-induced chronic kidney disease (CKD).

METHODS

The Fuzi efficacy was determined by biomarker measurements [i.e. plasma creatinine (CRE), blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and urinary N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase (NAG)], as well as inflammation, fibrosis and histological analyses. Circadian regulation of Fuzi pharmacokinetics and efficacy was evaluated using brain and muscle Arnt-like protein-1 (Bmal1)-deficient (Bmal1-/-) mice.

KEY FINDINGS

The Fuzi efficacy was higher when the drug was dosed at ZT10 and was lower when the drug was dosed at other times (ZT2, ZT6, ZT14, ZT18 and ZT22) according to measurements of plasma CRE, BUN and urinary NAG. Consistently, ZT10 (5 PM) dosing showed a stronger protective effect on the kidney (i.e. less extensive tubular injury) as compared to ZT22 (5 AM) dosing. This was supported by lower levels of inflammatory and fibrotic factors (IL-1β, IL-6, Tnf-α, Ccl2, Tgfb1 and Col1a1) at ZT10 than at ZT22. Pharmacokinetic analyses showed that the area under the curve (AUC) values (reflective of systemic exposure) and renal distribution of aconitine, hypaconitine and mesaconitine (three putative active constituents) for Fuzi dosing at ZT10 were significantly higher than those for herb dosing at ZT22, suggesting a role of circadian pharmacokinetics in Fuzi chronoefficacy. Drug efficacy studies confirmed that aconitine, hypaconitine and mesaconitine possessed a kidney-protecting effect. In addition, genetic knockout of Bmal1 in mice abolished the time-dependency of Fuzi pharmacokinetics and efficacy. This reinforced the existence of chronoefficacy for Fuzi and supported the role of circadian pharmacokinetics in Fuzi chronoefficacy.

CONCLUSIONS

The efficacy of Fuzi against CKD depends on the dosing time in mice, which is associated with circadian pharmacokinetics of the three main active constituents (i.e. aconitine, hypaconitine and mesaconitine). These findings highlight the relevance of dosing time in the therapeutic outcomes of herbal medicines.

A Song of Ice and Fire: Cold and Hot Properties of Traditional Chinese Medicines

The theory of cold and hot properties is the basic theory of traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) and has been successfully applied to combat human diseases for thousands of years. Although the theory of cold and hot is very important to guide the clinical application of TCMs, this ancient theory remains an enigma for a long time. In recent years, more and more researchers have tried to uncover this ancient theory with the help of modern techniques, and the cold and hot properties of a myriad of TCMs have been studied. However, there is no review of cold and hot properties. In this review, we first briefly introduced the basic theories about cold and hot properties, including how to distinguish between the cold and hot properties of TCMs and the classification and treatment of cold and hot syndromes. Then, focusing on the application of cold and hot properties, we take several important TCMs with cold or hot property as examples to summarize their traditional usage, phytochemistry, and pharmacology. In addition, the mechanisms of thermogenesis and antipyretic effect of these important TCMs, which are related to the cold and hot properties, were summarized. At the end of this review, the perspectives on research strategies and research directions of hot and cold properties were also offered.

Simultaneous Determination of Three Alkaloids in Wutou Decoction in Rat Plasma Via the UPLC–MS/MS Method and its Application in Pharmacokinetic Study

Introduction:

Wutou decoction has been wildly applied for the treatment of RA in China for several thousand years.

Methods:

This study aims to develop a highly sensitive and specific ultra performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry and electrospray ionization (UPLC-ESI-MS/MS) method to explore the pharmacokinetic properties of three representative bioactive alkaloids after intragastric administration of Wutou decoction in rats. Chromatographic separation was performed on a C18 column under the Multiple Reaction Monitoring (MRM) in the positive electrospray ionization (ESI) mode. The pharmacokinetic parameters were evaluated by software DAS 3. 0.

Results:

The validation of the method was achieved in accordance with the FDA guidelines. The results of pharmacokinetic study showed that the in vivo concentrations of benzoylmesaconine and benzoylhypaconine were significantly higher than benzoylaconine. Our PK results showed that these three compounds were quickly absorbed after the administration of Wutou decoction, and Tmax ranged from 30 min to 45 min.

Conclusion:

The results of pharmacokinetic study showed that the in vivo concentrations of benzoylmesaconine and benzoylhypaconine were significantly higher than benzoylaconine. There were also similar pharmacokinetic behaviors observed among BAC, BHA, and BMA after oral administration of WTD.

Real-time toxicity prediction of Aconitum stewing system using extractive electrospray ionization mass spectrometry

Due to numerous obstacles such as complex matrices, real-time monitoring of complex reaction systems (e.g., medicinal herb stewing system) has always been a challenge though great values for safe and rational use of drugs. Herein, facilitated by the potential ability on the tolerance of complex matrices of extractive electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, a device was established to realize continuous sampling and real-time quantitative analysis of herb stewing system for the first time. A complete analytical strategy, including data acquisition, data mining, and data evaluation was proposed and implemented with overcoming the usual difficulties in real-time mass spectrometry quantification. The complex Fuzi (the lateral root of Aconitum)–meat stewing systems were real-timely monitored in 150 min by qualitative and quantitative analysis of the nine key alkaloids accurately. The results showed that the strategy worked perfectly and the toxicity of the systems were evaluated and predicated accordingly. Stewing with trotters effectively accelerated the detoxification of Fuzi soup and reduced the overall toxicity to 68%, which was recommended to be used practically for treating rheumatic arthritis and enhancing immunity. The established strategy was versatile, simple, and accurate, which would have a wide application prospect in real-time analysis and evaluation of various complex reaction systems.

Circadian clock regulates metabolism and toxicity of Fuzi(lateral root of Aconitum carmichaeli Debx) in mice

BACKGROUND

Therapeutic applications of Fuzi (lateral root of Aconitum carmichaeli Debx) are seriously concerned with its toxic effects. Strategies and approaches to reducing toxicity are of great interest.

PURPOSE

We aimed to characterize the diurnal rhythm of Fuzi toxicity, and to determine the role of metabolism and pharmacokinetics in generating toxicity rhythmicity.

METHODS

Toxicity was determined based on assessment of heart injury and animal survival after dosing mice with Fuzi decoction at different circadian time points. Circadian clock control of pharmacokinetics and toxicity was investigated using Bmal1-deficient (Bmal1-/-) mice.

RESULTS

Fuzi exhibited a diurnal rhythmicity in cardiotoxicity (reflected by plasma CK-MB and LDH levels). The highest level of toxicity was observed at ZT10 (5 PM), while the lowest level of toxicity occurred at ZT22 (5 AM). Also, a higher mortality rate was observed at ZT10 and lower mortality rates at other times of the day. ZT10 dosing of Fuzi generated higher systemic exposures of three toxic alkaloid ingredients aconitine (AC), hypaconitine (HA) and mesaconitine (MA) compared to ZT22. This was accompanied by reduced the formation of the metabolites (N-deethyl-AC, didemethyl-HA and 2‑hydroxyl‑MA) at ZT10. Bmal1 ablation resulted in an increased level of Fuzi toxicity at ZT22, while having no influences when drug was dosed at ZT10. As a consequence, circadian time-dependent toxicity of Fuzi was lost in Bmal1-deficient mice. In addition, Bmal1 ablation increased the plasma concentrations of AC, HA and MA in mice after oral gavage of Fuzi, and reduced formation of their metabolites (N-deethyl-AC, didemethyl-HA and 2‑hydroxyl‑MA). Moreover, Fuzi metabolism in wild-type liver microsomes was more extensive at ZT22 than at ZT10. Bmal1 ablation abrogated circadian time-dependency of hepatic Fuzi metabolism.

CONCLUSIONS

Fuzi chronotoxicity in mice was attributed to time-varying hepatic metabolism and systemic exposure regulated by circadian clock. The findings may have implications in reducing Fuzi toxicity with a chronotherapeutic approach.

Antibacterial activity of cyadox against Clostridium perfringens in broilers and a dosage regimen design based on pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic modeling

Necrotic enteritis is an intestinal disease caused by Clostridium perfringens (C. perfringens) that results in high economic losses to the poultry industry. The purpose of this study was to investigate the antibacterial activity of cyadox against C. perfringens and to formulate its dosage regimen based on pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics (PK/PD) modeling in broilers. The PK parameters of cyadox in ileum of healthy and infected broilers following oral administration at 30 mg/kg body weight (BW) were investigated and PD study the MIC, MBC, MPC, and PAE were determined. The time-killing curves were established in vitro and ex vivo to evaluate the antibacterial activity of cyadox against C. perfringens. The results revealed that the MIC of cyadox against C. perfringens was 1-16 μg/mL. After oral administration of cyadox, the peak concentration (C_max), maximum concentration time (T_max), and area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) in ileum content of broilers were 143.55-161.48 μg/mL, 1.08-1.25 h, and 359.51-405.69 μg h/mL respectively. After Integrating the in vivo PK and ex vivo PD data the AUC_24h/MIC values needed for bacteriostatic, bactericidal and bacterial eradication were 27.71 h, 78.93 h, and 165.14 h, respectively. By model validation, the cure rate was 85.71%. In conclusion, a dosage regimen of 14.02 mg/kg repeated after every 12 h for 3-5days was expected to be therapeutically effective in broilers against C. perfringens with MIC ≤2 μg/mL.

Aconitine induces cardiomyocyte damage by mitigating BNIP3-dependent mitophagy and the TNFα-NLRP3 signalling axis

Objectives

Aconitine, the natural product extracted from Aconitum species, is widely used for the treatment of various diseases, including rheumatism, arthritis, bruises, fractures and pains. However, many studies have reported cardiotoxicity and neurotoxicity caused by aconitine, but the detailed mechanism underlying aconitine's effect on these processes remains unclear.

Materials and methods

The effects of aconitine on the inflammation, apoptosis and viability of H9c2 rat cardiomyocytes were evaluated by flow cytometry, Western blot, RNA sequencing and bioinformatics analysis.

Results

Aconitine suppressed cardiomyocyte proliferation and induced inflammation and apoptosis in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner. These inflammatory damages could be reversed by a TNFα inhibitor and BNIP3‐mediated mitophagy. Consistent with the in vitro results, overexpression of BNIP3 in heart tissue partially suppressed the cardiotoxicity of aconitine by inhibiting apoptosis and the NLRP3 inflammasome.

Conclusions

Our findings lay a foundation for the application of a TNFα inhibitor and BNIP3 to aconitine‐induced cardiac toxicity prevention and therapy, thereby demonstrating potential for further investigation.

Optimization of the traditional processing method for precision detoxification of CaoWu through biomimetic linking kinetics and human toxicokinetics of aconitine as toxic target marker

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

CaoWu (Aconiti Kusnezoffii Radix), well known for its high toxicity leading to fatal ventricular arrhythmias, is detoxified by HeZi (Terminalia Chebula Retz) decoction to prepare ZhiCaoWu (Aconiti Kusnezoffii Radix Preparata) as one part of ingredients of NaRu-3 pill which is used for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Aconitine (AC) is a highly toxic alkaloid of CaoWu and it is used as toxic target marker for the quality control (QC) of ZhiCaoWu. In the traditional processing method, the vanish of astringent or spicy feeling in tongue is the important detoxification indicator of ZhiCaoWu. However, how CaoWu is detoxified to ZhiCaoWu and whether the appropriate content of AC in ZhiCaoWu can be efficiently perceived after the empirical detoxification still lack factual basis.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The present study aimed to optimize the traditional processing method for precision detoxification of CaoWu through biomimetic linking kinetics and human toxicokinetics (TK) of AC, with a view of providing insights into the changes of toxic target marker.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

CaoWu medicinal slices (Mes) and coarse powder (Cop) were processed by blank HeZi decoction through the soaking method for 7 days. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used for the analysis of the samples. The acidity of blank HeZi decoction and HeZi processing decoction was directly determined by pH meter. The non-compartment analysis (NCA) was used to have an intuitive appreciation for AC and pH changes in HeZi processing decoction while the compartment model method was used to build the biomimetic linking kinetics model with the covariate. The inter-species scaling of animal TK parameters was conducted to predict human AC TK profiles. The possible uptake ways of AC (rapid-release or extended-release) for humans were attempted to assess the poisoning risk of AC in NaRu-3 pill. Based on the target content of AC in ZhiCaoWu, the biomimetic linking kinetics model was explored to optimize the traditional processing detoxification method of CaoWu. The assays of determining inflammatory cytokines in lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-induced RAW264.7 cells were performed to investigate the inflammatory modulation effects of AC in vitro.

RESULTS

ZhiCaoWu was prepared by eliminating redundant AC in CaoWu through the repeatable replacement of HeZi processing decoction in which its acidity (pH) was affected. AC-pH changes in HeZi processing decoction were adequately depicted by a biomimetic linking kinetics model whose predictive power was determined by comparing the predictions of AC in ZhiCaoWu with the reported data. Rapid-release AC at the converted dose of 111.1 and 417.6 μg (0.011 and 0.042% of AC in NaRu-3 pill) reached maximum blood concentrations of 26.1 and 98.1 ng/mL at 0.3 h, in comparison with minimum human lethal concentration (100 ng/mL). Achieving the target content of AC (0.04%) in ZhiCaoWu or AC (0.011%) in NaRu-3 pill to precisely control the poisoning risk, the potential optimized protocols were that the processing time at 0.2-0.8% of AC in CaoWu was 2.0-4.4 days for Cop and 2.7-6.2 days for Mes. Correspondingly, pH values in HeZi processing decoction were 3.95 and 3.77 for Cop and Mes, respectively. Meanwhile, Lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-induced RAW264.7 cells were exposed to 0, 20, and 200 μM of AC for 12 h and AC at 20 μM enhanced the levels of IL-6, IL-10 and TNF-α.

CONCLUSIONS

Thus, for the first time, a biomimetic linking kinetics model was built to optimize the traditional detoxification method. Moreover, pH changes could be developed as surrogate endpoint for guiding the processing detoxification of CaoWu. Notably, setting the content limit of AC (0.011%) was very rational to control the poisoning risk of NaRu-3 pill. In addition, it was possible that there existed the more complex mechanisms of AC for inflammatory modulation in vitro.

Anti-Myocardial Infarction Effects of Radix Aconiti Lateralis Preparata Extracts and Their Influence on Small Molecules in the Heart Using Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization-Mass Spectrometry Imaging

Radix Aconiti Lateralis Preparata (fuzi) is the processed product of Aconitum carmichaelii Debeaux tuber, and has great potential anti-myocardial infarction effects, including improving myocardial damage and energy metabolism in rats. However, the effects of Radix Aconiti Lateralis Preparata extracts in a rat model of myocardial infarction have not yet been fully illustrated. Herein, Radix Aconiti Lateral Preparata was used to prepare Radix Aconiti Lateralis Preparata extract (RAE), fuzi polysaccharides (FPS), and fuzi total alkaloid (FTA). Then, we aimed to compare the effects of RAE, FPS, and FTA in MI rats and further explore their influence on small molecules in the heart. We reported that Radix Aconiti Lateralis Preparata extract (RAE) and fuzi total alkaloid (FTA) significantly improved left ventricular function and structure, and reduced myocardial damage and infarct size in rats with myocardial infarction by the left anterior descending artery ligation. In contrast, fuzi polysaccharides (FPS) was less effective than RAE and FTA, indicating that alkaloids might play a major role in the treatment of myocardial infarction. Moreover, via matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization–mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI–MSI), we further showed that RAE and FTA containing alkaloids as the main common components regulated myocardial energy metabolism-related molecules and phospholipids levels and distribution patterns against myocardial infarction. In particular, it was FTA, not RAE, that could also regulate potassium ions and glutamine to play a cardioprotective role in myocardial infarction, which revealed that an appropriate dose of alkaloids generated more obvious cardiotonic effects. These findings together suggested that Radix Aconiti Lateralis Preparata extracts containing an appropriate dose of alkaloids as its main pharmacological active components exerted protective effects against myocardial infarction by improving myocardial energy metabolism abnormalities and changing phospholipids levels and distribution patterns to stabilize the cardiomyocyte membrane structure. Thus, RAE and FTA extracted from Radix Aconiti Lateralis Preparata are potential candidates for the treatment of myocardial infarction.

Potential synergic mechanism of Wutou-Gancao herb-pair by inhibiting efflux transporter P-glycoprotein

Wutou-Gancao herb-pair is extensively used to attenuate the toxicity and enhance the efficacy of aconite. In this study, potential synergic mechanism of the herb pair was investigated by utilizing multiple approaches. In silico and in vitro Caco-2 cell models were applied to study the potential binding mode of bioactive ingredients existing in liquorice with P-glycoprotein (P-gp), as well as the inhibition effects on P-gp. Additionally, anti-inflammatory activity of aconitine (AC) combined with active ingredients of liquorice, as well as pharmacokinetic patterns of AC after co-administration was investigated. Anti-inflammatory effect of AC (1 mg/kg) in rats was enhanced in combination with bioactive ingredients of liquorice (10 mg/kg). In the meanwhile, the exposure of AC in vivo was altered, in terms of Cmax and AUC. For instance, the Cmax and AUC were increased to 1.9 and 1.3 folds, respectively, when used in combination with liquiritigenin. The in silico study revealed the potential binding mode with outward facing conformation of P-gp. The resulting data obtained from transport of rhodamine-123 (Rh-123) across Caco-2 cell monolayer further indicated that the function of P-gp was inhibited by chemicals in liquorice. The synergic effect was therefore proposed to be attributed to inhibition of P-gp by liquorice since AC has been demonstrated to be the substrate of P-gp. The resuls revealed that potential synergic mechanism of Wutou-Gancao herb-pair by inhibiting function of key efflux transporter P-gp to enhance the exposure of AC in systematic circulation, and further the anti-inflammatory effect, which helps clarify the compatibility rationale of these two herbs.

Tissue Accumulations of Toxic Aconitum Alkaloids after Short-Term and Long-Term Oral Administrations of Clinically Used Radix Aconiti Lateralis Preparations in Rats

Although Radix Aconiti Lateralis (Fuzi) is an extensively used traditional Chinese medicine with promising therapeutic effects and relatively well-reported toxicities, the related toxic aconitum alkaloid concentrations in major organs after its short-term and long-term intake during clinical practice are still not known. To give a comprehensive understanding of Fuzi-induced toxicities, current study is proposed aiming to investigate the biodistribution of the six toxic alkaloids in Fuzi, namely Aconitine (AC), Hypaconitine (HA), Mesaconitine (MA), Benzoylaconine (BAC), Benzoylhypaconine (BHA) and Benzoylmesaconine (BMA), after its oral administrations at clinically relevant dosing regimen. A ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC–MS/MS) method was developed and validated for simultaneous quantification of six toxic alkaloids in plasma, urine and major organs of Sprague Dawley rats after oral administrations of two commonly used Fuzi preparations, namely Heishunpian and Paofupian, at their clinically relevant dose for single and 15-days. Among the studied toxic alkaloids and organs, BMA demonstrated the highest concentrations in all studied organs with liver containing the highest amount of the studied alkaloids, indicating their potential hepatotoxicity. Moreover, tissue accumulation of toxic alkaloids after multiple dose was observed, suggesting the needs for dose adjustment and more attention to the toxicities induced by chronic use of Fuzi in patients.

Aconitum alkaloids induce cardiotoxicity and apoptosis in embryonic zebrafish by influencing the expression of cardiovascular relative genes

Aconitine (AC) and mesaconitine (MA) are major bioactive diterpenoid alkaloids derived from herbal aconitum plants. Emerging evidence indicates that AC plays a pivotal role in the cardiotoxicity for aconite poisoning. However, the cardiotoxicity data of MA, especially those on the difference between AC and MA are quite limited. Zebrafish embryos were used in this study for toxicological screening, and the cardiac morphology and function were observed. Embryos were analyzed by means of high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) after exposure and pharmacokinetic behaviors were also investigated. Results showed that 1.5% of the aconitum alkaloids penetrated into the zebrafish embryos. 2.5 μg/L AC and 20 μg/L MA caused a deficient cardiovascular system with yolk sac hemorrhage and early cardiac dysfunctions were observed in 96 h post-fertilization. AC showed greater cardiotoxicity than MA by comparing the EC₅₀ of pericardium edema. Aconitum alkaloids exposure also resulted in a significant decrease in the expression of cardiac genes (Tbx5, Gata4, and Nkx2.5) from an early stage (12-24 hpf), which may partly explained that the death caused by aconitum is most likely to occur within the first 24 h. In addition, a high percentage of apoptotic cells was observed in the brain region, which identified another potential target of the DDA action in zebrafish embryos.

Relationships between the Toxicities of Radix Aconiti Lateralis Preparata (Fuzi) and the Toxicokinetics of Its Main Diester-Diterpenoid Alkaloids

The processed lateral root of Aconitum carmichaelii Deb (Aconiti Radix lateralis praeparata or Fuzi) is a potent traditional herbal medicine extensively used in treatment of cardiovascular diseases, rheumatism arthritis, and bronchitis in many Asian countries. Although Fuzi has promising therapeutic effects, its toxicities are frequently observed. Three main C₁₉-diester-diterpenoid alkaloids (DDAs) are believed to be the principal toxins of the herb. Although toxicokinetic profiles of the toxic DDAs have already been examined in several studies, they have seldom been correlated with the toxicities of Fuzi. The current article aimed to investigate the relationship between the up-to-date toxicokinetic data of the toxic DDAs and the existing evidence of the toxic effects of Fuzi. Relationships between the cardiac toxicity and the plasma and heart concentration of DDAs in mice and rats were established. Based on our findings, clinical monitoring of the plasma concentrations of DDAs of Fuzi is recommended to prevent potential cardiac toxicities. Additionally, caution with respect to potential hepatic and renal toxicity induced by Fuzi should be exercised. In addition, further analyses focusing on the preclinical tissue distribution profile of DDAs and on the long-term toxicokinetic-toxicity correlation of DDAs are warranted for a better understanding of the toxic mechanisms and safer use of Fuzi.

A Validated LC-MS/MS Method for Simultaneous Determination of Six Aconitum Alkaloids and Seven Ginsenosides in Rat Plasma and Application to Pharmacokinetics of Shen-Fu Prescription

A sensitive and reliable LC-MS/MS method has been developed and validated for simultaneous determination of six Aconitum alkaloids (aconitine, hypaconitine, mesaconitine, benzoylaconitine, benzoylhypacoitine, and benzoylmesaconine) and seven ginsenosides (Rb₁, Rb₂, Rc, Rd, Re, Rf, and Rg₁) in rat plasma after oral administration of Shen-Fu prescription. Psoralen was selected as internal standard (IS). Protein precipitation with methanol was used in sample preparation. The chromatographic separation was achieved on a CORTECS™ C18 column with 0.1% formic acid aqueous solution and acetonitrile as mobile phase. The flow rate was 0.3 mL/min. The detection was performed on a tandem mass system with an electrospray ionization (ESI) source in the positive ionization and multiple-reaction monitoring (MRM) mode. The calibration curves of six Aconitum alkaloids and seven ginsenosides were linear over the range of 0.1-50 and 1-500 ng/mL, respectively. The extraction recoveries of the analytes in plasma samples ranged from 64.2 to 94.1%. Meanwhile, the intra- and interday precision of the analytes were less than 14.3%, and the accuracy was in the range of -14.2% to 9.8%. The developed method was successfully applied to the pharmacokinetics of six Aconitum alkaloids and seven ginsenosides in rat plasma after oral administration of Shen-Fu prescription.

Research progress of aconitine toxicity and forensic analysis of aconitine poisoning

Chinese herbal medicines have been extensively used in China and other countries for centuries. Aconitine, a diterpenoid alkaloid extracted from Aconitum plants, has anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities, but can also induce severe arrhythmia and neurotoxicity. Aconitine poisoning accidents caused by misuse, suicide, or homicide have been reported in recent years. In China, fatal aconitine poisoning can occasionally happen on account of accidental ingestion of some wild plants or consumption of herbal decoction made from the roots of Aconitum plants. However, it is rather difficult for forensic experts to find the specific results in present forensic autopsy of aconitine-induced death. To further clarify its potential risk following the widespread application of aconitine, toxicological characteristics and pharmacokinetics of aconitine are reviewed. Moreover, gastrointestinal, neurological, and cardiovascular symptoms were observed frequently in aconitine poisoning cases. In addition, the review also aims at providing some convincing evidences for forensic experts to identify unexplained death with postmortem examination.

A review of traditional and current methods used to potentially reduce toxicity of Aconitum roots in Traditional Chinese Medicine

CONTEXT

Aconitum species are well-known for their medicinal value and high lethal toxicity in many Asian countries, notably China, India and Japan. The tubers are only used after processing in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). They can be used safely and effectively with the methods of decoction, rational compatibility, and correct processing based on traditional experiences and new technologies. However, high toxicological risks still remain due to improper preparation and usage in China and other countries. Therefore, there is a need to clarify the methods of processing and compatibility to ensure their effectiveness and minimize the potential risks.

OBJECT

The aim of this paper is to provide a review of traditional and current methods used to potentially reduce toxicity of Aconitum roots in TCM.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The use of Aconitum has been investigated and the methods of processing and compatibility throughout history, including recent research, have been reviewed.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

Using of the methods of rational preparation, reasonable compatibility, and proper processing based on traditional experiences and new technologies, can enable Aconitum to be used safely and effectively.

Mdr1a plays a crucial role in regulating the analgesic effect and toxicity of aconitine by altering its pharmacokinetic characteristics

Aconitine (AC) is the primary bioactive/toxic alkaloid in plants of the Aconitum species. Our previous study demonstrated that Mdr1 was involved in efflux of AC. However, the mechanism by which Mdr1 regulates the efficacy/toxicity of AC in vivo remains unclear. The present study aimed to determine the effects of Mdr1a on the efficacy/toxicity and pharmacokinetics of AC in wild-type and Mdr1a^-/- FVB mice. After oral administration of AC, significantly higher analgesic effect was observed in Mdr1a^-/- mice (49% to 105%) compared to wild-type mice (P<0.05). The levels of s100-β protein and creatine kinase, which indicate cerebral and myocardial damage, respectively, were also significantly increased (P<0.05) in Mdr1a^-/- mice. Histopathological examination revealed that the Mdr1a^-/- mice suffered from evident cerebral and myocardial damages, but the wild-type mice did not. These findings suggested that Mdr1a deficiency significantly promoted the analgesic effect of AC and exacerbated its toxicity. Pharmacokinetic experiments showed that T_1/2 of AC in the Mdr1a^-/- mice was significantly higher (from 87% to 300%) than that in wild-type mice (P<0.05). The distribution of AC in the brain of Mdr1a^-/- mice was 2- to 32-fold higher than that in the brains of wild-type mice (P<0.05). Toxic reactions were more severe in Mdr1a^-/- mice compared to wild-type mice. In conclusion, Mdr1a deficiency significantly enhanced the analgesic effect of AC and exacerbated its toxicity by upregulating its distribution to the brain and decreasing its plasma elimination rate. Thus, Mdr1a dysfunction may cause severe AC poisoning.

Pharmacokinetic evaluation of Shenfu Injection in beagle dogs after intravenous drip administration

Shenfu Injection (SFI) is a well-defined Chinese herbal formulation that is obtained from red ginseng and processed aconite root. The main active constituents in SFI are ginsenosides and aconitum alkaloids. In this work, ginsenosides (ginsenoside Rg1, ginsenoside Rb1 and ginsenoside Rc) and aconitum alkaloids (benzoylmesaconine and fuziline) were used as the index components to explore the pharmacokinetic behavior of SFI. A selective and sensitive HPLC–MS/MS method was developed for the quantification of ginsenosides and aconitum alkaloids in dog plasma and was used to characterize the pharmacokinetics of the five index components after intravenous drip of three different dosages of SFI in beagle dogs. The pharmacokinetic properties of the index components were linear over the dose range of 2–8 mL/kg.

Determination of bioavailability and identification of collagen peptide in blood after oral ingestion of gelatin

BACKGROUND

Gelatin has long been widely used in foods, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and other products. However, there are few reports on its bioavailability and bioavailable forms. In this study, the bioavailability of gelatin was indirectly evaluated by the determining the bioavailability of total hydroxyproline in gelatin using a pharmacokinetic method after oral administration to rats.

RESULTS

The relative and absolute bioavailability of gelatin were 74.12% and 85.97%, respectively. The amino acid profile of plasma indicated that 41.91% of the digested gelatin was absorbed from the intestine in the form of peptide, and there was a good linear correlation between the absorbed amount of an amino acid and its content in gelatin (R(2) = 0.9566). Moreover, 17 types of collagen peptide were purified by multi-step chromatography and identified with ultra-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionisation-mass spectrometry.

CONCLUSION

Gelatin had high oral bioavailability. Nearly half of digested gelatin was absorbed from the intestine in the form of various collagen peptides.

Panax ginseng inhibits intestinal absorption of toxic Aconitum carmichaeli alkaloids in Vitro

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the rationality and compatibility of Shenfu Formula (, SFF), a typical Chinese medicine (CM) comprised of Panax ginseng and Aconitum carmichaeli.

METHODS

Caco-2 cells were used to study the permeability of Aconitum carmichaeli marker compounds when the CM preparation was combined with Panax ginseng. P-glycoprotein (P-gp) activity and protein as well as multidrug resistance 1 (MDR1) mRNA were analyzed with rhodamine123 efflflux, western blot and real time quantitative polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS

Aconitine (AC), mesaconitine (MA), hypaconitine (HA) and fifive other active alkaloids in Aconitum carmichaeli were selected as marker compounds. Panax ginseng inhibited intestinal absorption of highly toxic AC, MA and HA from Aconitum carmichaeli in Caco-2 cells. P-gp and breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP) were observed to be involved in AC, MA and HA efflflux. Panax ginseng induced P-gp activity in Caco-2 cells via increased MDR1/P-gp expression. Thus, Panax ginseng facilitated P-gp-mediated efflflux of toxic Aconitum carmichaeli alkaloids and restricted their intestinal absorption without inflfluencing other active components.

CONCLUSION

Future studies to elucidate mechanism of reduced toxicity of Aconitum carmichaeli when combined with Panax ginseng will guide future formula optimization.

Serum Pharmacochemistry Analysis Using UPLC-Q-TOF/MS after Oral Administration to Rats of Shenfu Decoction

The purpose of this study was to study the serum pharmacochemistry of SFD as well as the material basis through analyzing the constituents absorbed in blood. The SFD was orally administrated to Wistar rats at 20 g·kg⁻¹, and Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography (UPLC) fingerprints of SFD were created. Serum samples were collected for analysis, and further data processing used MarkerLynx XS software. 19 ginsenosides and 16 alkaloids were detected in SFD. The absorption of alkaloids (mainly monoester diterpenoid alkaloids) increased when Aconitum carmichaeli Debx. was combined with Panax ginseng, while the ginsenosides remained stable. Diester diterpenoid alkaloids were not present in the serum samples. A suitable serum pharmacochemistry method was successfully established to study pharmacological effects and potential improvements in formulation. This may also be useful for toxicity reduction. We suspect that the increased absorption of the monoester diterpenoid alkaloids from the mixture of Panax and Radix, compared to the Panax only extract, may be the reason for the combination of the two herbs in popular medicine formulas in China.

Simultaneous determination of 2 aconitum alkaloids and 12 ginsenosides in Shenfu injection by ultraperformance liquid chromatography coupled with a photodiode array detector with few markers to determine multicomponents

A method with few markers to determine multicomponents was established and validated to evaluate the quality of Shenfu injection by ultraperformance liquid chromatography coupled with a photodiode array detector. The separations were performed on an ACQUITY UPLC BEH C₁₈ (2.1 × 50 mm², 1.7 μm) column. Methanol and 0.1% formic acid aqueous solution were used as the mobile phase. The flow rate was 0.3 mL/min. 2 aconitum alkaloids and 12 ginsenosides could be perfectly separated within 15 minutes. Ginsenoside Rg₁ and benzoylmesaconine, the easily available active components, were employed as the maker components to calculate the relative correction factors of other components in Shenfu injection, Panax ginseng and Aconitum carmichaeli. The external standard method was also established to validate the feasibility of the method with few markers to determine multicomponents. Parameter p and the principal component analysis method were employed to investigate the disparities among batches for the effective quality control of Shenfu injection. The results demonstrated that the ultraperformance liquid chromatography coupled with a photodiode array detector method with few markers to determine multicomponents could be used as a powerful tool for the quality evaluation of traditional Chinese medicines and their preparations.

Pharmacokinetics of aconitine-type alkaloids after oral administration of Fuzi (Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata) in rats with chronic heart failure by microdialysis and ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Fuzi [the lateral root of Aconitum carmichaeli Debx (Ranunculaceae)] is a well-known traditional medicinal herb used to treat chronic heart failure (CHF). Aconitine-type alkaloids are major alkaloids that are responsible for the pharmacological activity and toxicity of this herb.To investigate therapeutic effects and pharmacokinetic profiles of aconitine-type alkaloids in CHF rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The plasma pharmacokinetic profiles of aconitine, mesaconitine, and hypaconitine were investigated after once treatment of Fuzi extract (containing aconitine 0.086 mg/g, mesaconitine 0.84 mg/g, and hypaconitine 1.97 mg/g) using a rapid and sensitive combinative method of ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) and microdialysis (MD). The cardiac function and antioxidant enzyme activities were also evaluated.

RESULTS

Recoveries of MD sampling ranged from 35.06% to 45.74% with RSD below 6.05%. Fuzi extract improved the myocardial function and antioxidant enzymatic activities of rats with CHF. Aconitine, mesaconitine, and hypaconitine exhibited slower absorption into the bloodstream, and yielded 11-fold less values of area under concentration-time curve (AUC) in the CHF rats than those in normal rats. The plasma AUC showed that the maximum blood concentration (Cmax) was 5.561 ng/mL for aconitine, 17.30 ng/mL for mesaconitine, and 17.78 ng/mL for hypaconitine in normal rats, while these were 0.6059 ng/mL, 2.430, and 0.7461 ng/mL in CHF rats, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Aconitine-type alkaloids associated with Fuzi׳s efficacy have lower intake and slower elimination in the CHF rats, indicating a non-interdependent relationship between its efficacy and toxicity. It may contribute to the depth understanding of the toxicological and pharmacological profiles of Fuzi and further benefit the herbal drug development with safety and efficacy for CHF treatment.

Bioavailability and bioavailable forms of collagen after oral administration to rats

The bioavailability and bioavailable forms of collagen after oral administration to rats were investigated in this study. The relative and absolute bioavailability of collagen were 57.8% and 49.6%, respectively, which was indirectly evaluated by the bioavailability of Hyp in collagen using a pharmacokinetic method. The amino acid profile of plasma showed that more than 63.4% of the collagen was absorbed from the intestine in the form of peptide, and there was a good linear correlation between the absorbed amount of an amino acid and its content in collagen (R(2) = 0.9225). The collagen peptides in plasma were purified by Sephadex G10 and Eclipse XDB C18 chromatography and further indentified (Ala-Asn, Ala-Hyp-Gly, Asp-Glu, Glu-Asn, Glu-Asp, Glu-Met, Gly-Pro-Hyp, Leu-Hyp, Leu-Met, Phe-Gly-Asn, Pro-Gly-Leu, Pro-Leu, Ser-Gly-Met, Ser-Hyp, Ser-Pro-Gly, Tyr-Met) with UPLC-ESI-MS. These results may help to speculate about the molecular mechanism behind the physiological effects of collagen after oral administration.

Quantitative analysis of five toxic alkaloids in Aconitum pendulum using ultra-performance convergence chromatography (UPC2) coupled with mass spectrometry

An UPC²-MS method for simultaneous quantification of the five toxic alkaloids was developed for the quality evaluation of A. pendulum.

Pharmacokinetic comparisons of benzoylmesaconine in rats using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry after administration of pure benzoylmesaconine and Wutou decoction

Wutou decoction is widely used in China because of its therapeutic effect on rheumatoid arthritis. Benzoylmesaconine (BMA), the most abundant component of Wutou decoction, was used as the marker compound for the pharmacokinetic study of Wutou decoction. The aim of the present study was to compare the pharmacokinetics of BMA in rats after oral administration of pure BMA and Wutou decoction. Pure BMA (5 mg/kg) and Wutou decoction (0.54 g/kg, equivalent to 5 mg/kg BMA) were orally administered to rats with blood samples collected over 10 h. Quantification of BMA in rat plasma was achieved using sensitive and validated ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). Specifically, the half-life (T_1/2) and mean residence time values of pure BMA were 228.3 ± 117.0 min and 155.0 ± 33.2 min, respectively, whereas those of BMA in Wutou decoction were decreased to 61.8 ± 35.1 min and 55.8 ± 16.4 min, respectively. The area under the curve (AUC) of BMA after administration of Wutou decoction was significantly decreased (five-fold) compared with that of pure BMA. The results indicate that the elimination of BMA in rats after the administration of Wutou decoction was significantly faster compared with that of pure BMA.