Comparative evaluation of different cultivars of Flos Chrysanthemi by an anti-inflammatory-based NF-κB reporter gene assay coupled to UPLC-Q/TOF MS with PCA and ANN

Strategies for the quality control of Chrysanthemi Flos: Rapid quantification and end-to-end fingerprint conversion based on FT-NIR spectroscopy

INTRODUCTION

Chrysanthemi Flos (CF) is widely used as a natural medicine or tea. Due to its diverse cultivation regions, CF exhibits varying quality. Therefore, the quality and swiftness in evaluation holds paramount significance for CF.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to construct a comprehensive evaluation strategy for assessing CF quality using HPLC, near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy, and chemometrics, which included the rapid quantification analyses of chemical components and the Fourier transform (FT)-NIR to HPLC conversion of fingerprints.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 145 CF samples were utilised for data collection via NIR spectroscopy and HPLC. The partial least squares regression (PLSR) models were optimised using various spectral preprocessing and variable selection methods to predict the chemical composition content in CF. Both direct standardisation (DS) and PLSR algorithms were employed to establish the fingerprint conversion model from the FT-NIR spectrum to HPLC, and the model's performance was assessed through similarity and cluster analysis.

RESULTS

The optimised PLSR quantitative models can effectively predict the content of eight chemical components in CF. Both DS and PLSR algorithms achieve the calibration conversion of CF fingerprints from FT-NIR to HPLC, and the predicted and measured HPLC fingerprints are highly similar. Notably, the best model relies on CF powder FT-NIR spectra and DS algorithm [root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP) = 2.7590, R2 = 0.8558]. A high average similarity (0.9184) prevails between predicted and measured fingerprints of test set samples, and the results of the clustering analysis exhibit a high level of consistency.

CONCLUSION

This comprehensive strategy provides a novel and dependable approach for the rapid quality evaluation of CF.

Chemical profile, in vitro pharmacological activity and Satureja cuneifolia Ten. evaluation of essential oil based on distillation time

The medicinal plant Satureja cuneifolia Ten. was widely utilized as spice, tea and traditional medicine. The objective of the current study was to examine the chemical composition and in vitro biological activities (LOX, MMP-1, and MMP-12 enzyme inhibition activity and cytotoxicity on A549 cell line) of Satureja cuneifolia extracts and essential oils. The essential oils of the flowering aerial parts were hydro-distilled at four different distillation times (5, 30, 60, and 180 min) using the Clevenger apparatus. The total essential oil and four fragments were compared in terms of the major component, yield, and distillation time. Volatile compounds of the infusion were extracted by using HS-SPME. Ethanolic extract had the strongest inhibition activity on the LOX enzyme (84.50%), while the essential oils exhibited more cytotoxic activity on the A549 cell line than the extracts. The oils and the infusion were analyzed using GC-MS and the primary chemicals identified by LC-MS/MS.

Identification of key phenolic compounds for alleviating gouty inflammation in edible chrysanthemums based on spectrum-effect relationship analyses

Edible chrysanthemum is a common food resource for tea and functional foods with potential benefits for human health. Studies have indicated that chrysanthemum has the potential effect on inflammatory diseases, while the effects on gouty inflammation remain underexplored. The present study aimed to investigate the anti-gout activity and characterize the active ingredients of chrysanthemums by using metabolite profiles, in vitro experiments, and spectrum-effect analysis. Results showed that 'Boju' (BJ), 'Hangbaiju' (HBJ), and 'Huaiju' (HJ) exhibited regulatory effects on monosodium urate (MSU)-induced inflammation. At the dose of 50 µg/mL, the inhibitory rates of IL-1β secretion were 24.53 %, 14.36 %, and 38.10 %, respectively. A total of 32 phenolic compounds were identified or preliminarily assigned in UPLC-Q/TOF-MS analysis. And seven phenolics related to anti-gout activity were identified by spectrum-effect relationships. According to ADME (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion) evaluation and experiments verification, luteolin, acacetin-7-O-glucoside, and apigenin-7-O-glucoside were critical constituents potentially associated with the reduction of inflammation in gout. Additionally, these phenolics might be suitable as quality control indicators. This study clarified the anti-gout properties of different cultivars of chrysanthemums and active compounds, providing a theoretical basis for its scientific utilization in functional foods.

The CmMYB3 transcription factors isolated from the Chrysanthemum morifolium regulate flavonol biosynthesis in Arabidopsis thaliana

Chrysanthemum morifolium MYB3 factors are transcriptional activators for the regulation of flavonol biosynthesis. Flavonol was not only the critical secondary metabolite participating in the growth and development of plants but also the main active ingredient in medicinal chrysanthemum. However, few pieces of research revealed the transcriptional regulation of flavonol biosynthesis in Chrysanthemum morifolium. Here, we isolated two CmMYB3 transcription factors (CmMYB3a and CmMYB3b) from the capitulum of Chrysanthemum morifolium cv 'Hangju'. According to the sequence characteristics, the CmMYB3a and CmMYB3b belonged to the R2R3-MYB subgroup 7, whose members were often reported to regulate flavonol biosynthesis positively. CmMYB3a and CmMYB3b factors were identified to localize in the nucleus by subcellular localization assay. Besides, both of them have obvious transcriptional self-activation activity in their C-terminal. After the overexpression of CmMYB3 genes in Nicotiana benthamiana and Arabidopsis thaliana, the flavonol contents in plants were increased, and the expression of AtCHS, AtCHI, AtF3H, and AtFLS genes in A. thaliana was also improved. Interestingly, the CmMYB3a factor had stronger functions in improving flavonol contents and related gene expression levels than CmMYB3b. The interaction analysis between transcription factors and promoters suggested that CmMYB3 could bind and activate the promoters of CmCHI and CmFLS genes in C. morifolium, and CmMYB3a also functioned more powerfully. Overall, these results indicated that CmMYB3a and CmMYB3b work as transcriptional activators in controlling flavonol biosynthesis.

Study on the Comprehensive Phytochemicals and the Anti-Ulcerative Colitis Effect of Saussurea pulchella

BACKGROUND

Saussurea pulchella (SP) is a traditional medicinal plant that is widely used in folk medicine because of its diverse biological activities, particularly its anti-inflammatory effects. However, the alleviation effect of SP on ulcerative colitis (UC) has not yet been realized.

PURPOSE

To investigate the chemical composition and therapeutic effect of SP extract against UC.

METHODS

First, qualitative and quantitative analysis of SP 75% ethanol extract was performed by UPLC-Q/TOF-MS. Second, a dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) model of UC mice was developed to study the effects of SP on the symptoms, inflammatory factors, oxidative stress indexes and colon histopathology. Third, an integration of network pharmacology with metabolomics was performed to investigate the key metabolites, biological targets and metabolisms closely related to the effect of SP.

RESULTS

From the SP ethanol extract, 149 compounds were identified qualitatively and 20 were determined quantitatively. The SP could dose-dependently decrease the DAI score, spleen coefficient and the levels of TNF-α, IL-6, iNOS, MPO and MDA; increase the colon length, GSH level and SOD activity; and protect the intestinal barrier in the UC mice. Moreover, 10 metabolite biomarkers,18 targets and 5 metabolisms were found to play crucial roles in the treatment of UC with SP.

CONCLUSIONS

SP 75% ethanol extract could effectively alleviate the progression of UC and, therefore, could be classified as a novel natural treatment for UC.

Discrimination of chrysanthemum varieties using lipidomics based on UHPLC-HR-AM/MS/MS

BACKGROUND

Chrysanthemum is one of the most important and popular ornamentals over the world. Chrysanthemum drink is a type of traditional healthy drink like Chinese tea. Owing to the differences in the chemical compositions, different chrysanthemum varieties have different medicinal effects on human health. Thus, the identification of different chrysanthemum varieties is very important and necessary. This study aims to distinguish seven chrysanthemum varieties that are widely used in China. First, total lipids were obtained from chrysanthemums. After that, lipid profiles were characterized using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography hyphenated with a Q Exactive™ high resolution-accurate-mass mass spectrometer.

RESULTS

A total of 163 lipid molecular species from 17 types of lipid classes in seven varieties of chrysanthemums were determined. Principal component analysis indicated that three lipid molecules, lysophosphatidylethanolamine(18:2) (LPE(18:2)), LPE(16:0), and phosphatidic acid(18:2/18:3) (variable importance in projection >3, P < 0.001), can be used as potential biomarkers to distinguish seven chrysanthemum varieties. Hierarchical cluster analysis showed that the lipid molecular profiles of 'Gongju' were most similar to 'Jinzijianju', followed by 'Huaibaiju', 'Boju', 'Hangbaiju', 'Chuju', and 'Fubaiju'.

CONCLUSION

This comprehensive analysis provided a new method to identify chrysanthemum varieties through the perspective of lipidomics combined with chemometrics. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Achillea moschata Wulfen: From Ethnobotany to Phytochemistry, Morphology, and Biological Activity

A multidisciplinary investigation on Achillea moschata Wulfen (Asteraceae) is outlined herein. This work, part of the European Interreg Italy-Switzerland B-ICE project, originated from an ethnobotanical survey performed in Chiesa in Valmalenco (Sondrio, Lombardy, Northern Italy) in 2019-2021 which highlighted this species' relevance of use in folk medicine to treat gastrointestinal diseases. In addition, this contribution included analyses of the: (a) phytochemical profile of the aqueous and methanolic extracts of the dried flower heads using LC-MS/MS; (b) morpho-anatomy and histochemistry of the vegetative and reproductive organs through Light, Fluorescence, and Scanning Electron Microscopy; (c) biological activity of the aqueous extract concerning the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential through cell-based in vitro models. A total of 31 compounds (5 phenolic acids, 13 flavonols, and 13 flavones) were detected, 28 of which included in both extracts. Covering and secreting trichomes were observed: the biseriate 10-celled glandular trichomes prevailing on the inflorescences represented the main sites of synthesis of the polyphenols and flavonoids detected in the extracts, along with volatile terpenoids. Finally, significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of the aqueous extract were documented, even at very low concentrations; for the first time, the in vitro tests allowed us to formulate hypotheses about the mechanism of action. This work brings an element of novelty due to the faithful reproduction of the traditional aqueous preparation and the combination of phytochemical and micromorphological research approaches.

Rhamnosyltransferases involved in the biosynthesis of flavone rutinosides in Chrysanthemum species

Linarin (acacetin-7-O-rutinoside), isorhoifolin (apigenin-7-O-rutinoside), and diosmin (diosmetin-7-O-rutinoside) are chemically and structurally similar flavone rutinoside (FR) compounds found in Chrysanthemum L. (Anthemideae, Asteraceae) plants. However, their biosynthetic pathways remain largely unknown. In this study, we cloned and compared FRs and genes encoding rhamnosyltransferases (RhaTs) among eight accessions of Chrysanthemum polyploids. We also biochemically characterized RhaTs of Chrysanthemum plants and Citrus (Citrus sinensis and Citrus maxima). RhaTs from these two genera are substrate-promiscuous enzymes catalyzing the rhamnosylation of flavones, flavanones, and flavonols. Substrate specificity analysis revealed that Chrysanthemum 1,6RhaTs preferred flavone glucosides (e.g. acacetin-7-O-glucoside), whereas Cs1,6RhaT preferred flavanone glucosides. The nonsynonymous substitutions of RhaTs found in some cytotypes of diploids resulted in the loss of catalytic function. Phylogenetic analysis and specialized pathways responsible for the biosynthesis of major flavonoids in Chrysanthemum and Citrus revealed that rhamnosylation activity might share a common evolutionary origin. Overexpression of RhaT in hairy roots resulted in 13-, 2-, and 5-fold increases in linarin, isorhoifolin, and diosmin contents, respectively, indicating that RhaT is mainly involved in the biosynthesis of linarin. Our findings not only suggest that the substrate promiscuity of RhaTs contributes to the diversity of FRs in Chrysanthemum species but also shed light on the evolution of flavone and flavanone rutinosides in distant taxa.

On-line screening of natural antioxidants and the antioxidant activity prediction for the extracts from flowers of Chrysanthemum morifolium ramat

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY RELEVANCE

Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat. (Flos Chrysanthemi, FC) the most economically significant "food and drug dual-use" plants, with positive effects on relieving eye fatigue, and reduce internal heat, shows significant activities, such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective, as well as alleviating diabetes effects.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study was undertaken to a screening of natural antioxidants in five kinds of medicinal FC and development of an integrated quality control method based on the antioxidant activity.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A novel quality control method for FC was established by combining the on-line HPLC-DPPH, ESI-MS, and NIR spectra analysis. Firstly, the on-line HPLC-DPPH-MS system was employed to identify the antioxidants in FC extracts. Then, the relationship between the NIR spectra and antioxidant activities of FC samples was calibrated to evaluate the total antioxidant capacity of FC rapidly.

RESULTS

The established antioxidant activity-fingerprints contain both chemical information and antioxidant activity characteristics of FC. A total of 16 antioxidants were identified by on-line HPLC-ESI-MS analysis. The results of heat map analysis and cluster analysis showed that the classification method based on antioxidants in FC can be used to identify different cultivars of FC. The optimal pretreatment of the NIR spectra was determined to be row center (RC) 1st der + multiple-scatter correction (MSC) with an optimal LV value of 11. The developed spectral-antioxidant activity model had the excellent predictive ability and was successfully used to evaluate new batches of FC samples, where R_cal = 0.9445 and R_val = 0.8821.

CONCLUSIONS

This comprehensive strategy may prove to be a powerful technique for the rapid screening, identification, and activity prediction of antioxidants, which could be used for the quality control of FC, and can serve as reference for design of quality control of other herbs and foods samples.

Study on the chemical profile of chrysanthemum and the evaluation of the similarities and differences between different cultivars

Chrysanthemum originates in China and has been cultivated for tea and food utilizations over 2 thousand years. According to differences in origin and processing methods, Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat. can be categorized into many cultivars. This study aims to investigate the chemical components of chrysanthemum and clarify the similarities and differences between different chrysanthemum varieties. A total of 55 non-volatile components and 66 volatile components in chrysanthemum were identified by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) methods, respectively. A rapid UPLC-MS/MS method was developed and validated for the simultaneous determination of 13 active components in 30 batches chrysanthemum samples of ten different cultivars. Multivariate statistical techniques were applied to analyze the samples. The result indicated that Boju, Huaiju and Chuju were more similar in terms of the ingredient content and Qiju, Jinsihuangju, Huangju, Hangju, Gongju, Fubaiju, Baiju have a high degree of similarity. Furthermore, isochlorogenic acid C, luteolin, apigenin-7-glucoside, chlorogenic acid, apigenin and cryptochlorogenic acid plays an important role in distinguishing different varieties of chrysanthemum. The established strategy explains the similarities and differences between different varieties of chrysanthemums to some extent, and provides certain reference value for the choice of chrysanthemums for eating or medicinal purposes in daily life.

Machine Learning Approaches in Traditional Chinese Medicine: A Systematic Review

Machine learning (ML), as a branch of artificial intelligence, acquires the potential and meaningful rules from the mass of data via diverse algorithms. Owing to all research of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) belonging to the digitalization of clinical records or experimental works, a massive and complex amount of data has become an inextricable part of the related studies. It is thus not surprising that ML approaches, as novel and efficient tools to mine the useful knowledge from data, have created inroads in a diversity of scopes of TCM over the past decade of years. However, by browsing lots of literature, we find that not all of the ML approaches perform well in the same field. Upon further consideration, we infer that the specificity may inhere between the ML approaches and their applied fields. This systematic review focuses its attention on the four categories of ML approaches and their eight application scopes in TCM. According to the function, ML approaches are classified into four categories, including classification, regression, clustering, and dimensionality reduction, and into 14 models as follows in more detail: support vector machine, least square-support vector machine, logistic regression, partial least squares regression, k-means clustering, hierarchical cluster analysis, artificial neural network, back propagation neural network, convolutional neural network, decision tree, random forest, principal component analysis, partial least squares-discriminant analysis, and orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis. The eight common applied fields are divided into two parts: one for TCM, such as the diagnosis of diseases, the determination of syndromes, and the analysis of prescription, and the other for the related researches of Chinese herbal medicine, such as the quality control, the identification of geographic origins, the pharmacodynamic material basis, the medicinal properties, and the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. Additionally, this paper discusses the function and feature difference among ML approaches when they are applied to the corresponding fields via comparing their principles. The specificity of each approach to its applied fields has also been affirmed, whereby laying a foundation for subsequent studies applying ML approaches to TCM.

Identification of Nutritional Ingredients and Medicinal Components of Pueraria lobata and Its Varieties Using UPLC-MS/MS-Based Metabolomics

Pueraria lobata and its variety P. lobata var. thomsonii are both traditional Chinese medicines that have high nutritional and medical value; whereas another variety, P. lobata var. montana has low nutritional and medicinal value and can cause ecological disasters. The material basis of different nutritional and medicinal values, which are caused by metabolite differences among these varieties, remains to be further clarified. Here, we performed ultra performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry based widely targeted metabolome analysis on Pueraria lobata, P. lobata var. thomsonii, and P. lobata var. montana. Among them, a total of 614 metabolites were identified, and distinguished from each other using orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis. Our results suggest that the nutritional differences between P. lobata and its varieties can be explained by variations in the abundance of amino acids, nucleotides, saccharides, and lipids; differences in flavonoids, isoflavones, phenolic acids, organic acids, and coumarins contents caused the differences in the medicinal quality of P. lobata and its varieties. Additionally, the key metabolites responsible for the classification of the three Pueraria varieties were identified. This study provides new insights into the underlying metabolic causes of nutritional and medicinal variation in P. lobata and its varieties.

Screening for the Active Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Polyphenols of Gaultheria procumbens and Their Application for Standardisation: From Identification through Cellular Studies to Quantitative Determination

Aerial parts, leaves, and stems of Gaultheria procumbens are polyphenol-rich herbal medicines with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. The present study focused on identifying active markers of the G. procumbens extracts in an integrated approach combining phytochemical and biological capacity tests. The target compounds, representing all classes of Gaultheria polyphenols, were pre-selected by LC-ESI-PDA-MS/MS. For unambiguous identification, the key analytes, including a rare procyanidin trimer (cinnamtannin B-1), miquelianin potassium salt, and two new natural products: quercetin and kaempferol 3-O-β-d-xylopyranosyl-(1→2)-β-d-glucuronopyranosides, were isolated by preparative HPLC and investigated by spectroscopy (HR-ESI-MS, UV-vis, CD, 1D- and 2D-NMR), thiolysis, flame photometry, optical rotation experiments, and absolute configuration studies. The significant contribution of the pre-selected compounds to the biological effects of the extracts was confirmed in vitro: the analytes significantly and in a dose-dependent manner down-regulated the pro-oxidant and pro-inflammatory functions of human neutrophils ex vivo (inhibited the release of reactive oxygen species, IL-1β, TNF-α, and neutrophils elastase, ELA-2), inhibited two key pro-inflammatory enzymes (cyclooxygenase, COX-2, and hyaluronidase), and most of them, except gaultherin, exerted potent direct antioxidant activity (ferric reducing antioxidant power and superoxide anion scavenging capacity). Moreover, cellular safety was confirmed for all compounds by flow cytometry. Eventually, as these mechanisms have been connected to the health benefits of G. procumbens, 11 polyphenols were accepted as active markers, and a simple, accurate, reproducible, and fully validated RP-HPLC-PDA method for standardisation of the target extracts was proposed.

Discovery of Quality Markers of Nucleobases, Nucleosides, Nucleotides and Amino Acids for Chrysanthemi Flos From Different Geographical Origins Using UPLC-MS/MS Combined With Multivariate Statistical Analysis

Nucleobases, nucleosides, nucleotides and amino acids, as crucial nutrient compositions, play essential roles in determining the flavor, function and quality of Chrysanthemi Flos. The quality of Chrysanthemi Flos from different geographical origins is uneven, but there have been no reports about the screening of their quality markers based on nutritional ingredients. Here, we developed a comprehensive strategy integrating ultra performance liquid chromatography coupled with triple-quadrupole linear ion-trap tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) and multivariate statistical analysis to explore quality markers of Chrysanthemi Flos from different geographical origins and conduct quality evaluation and discrimination of them. Firstly, a fast, sensitive, and reliable UPLC-MS/MS method was established for simultaneous quantification 28 nucleobases, nucleosides, nucleotides and amino acids of Chrysanthemi Flos from nine different regions in China. The results demonstrated that Chrysanthemi Flos from nine different cultivation regions were rich in the above 28 nutritional contents and their contents were obvious different; however, correlation analysis showed that altitude was not the main factor for these differences, which required further investigation. Subsequently, eight crucial quality markers for nine different geographical origins of Chrysanthemi Flos, namely, 2'-deoxyadenosine, guanosine, adenosine 3',5'-cyclic phosphate (cAMP), guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cGMP), arginine, proline, glutamate and tryptophan, were screened for the first time using partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) and the plot of variable importance for projection (VIP). Moreover, a hierarchical clustering analysis heat map was employed to intuitively clarify the distribution of eight quality markers in the nine different regions of Chrysanthemi Flos. Finally, based on the contents of selected eight quality markers, support vector machines (SVM) model was established to predict the geographical origins of Chrysanthemi Flos, which yielded excellent prediction performance with an average prediction accuracy of 100%. Taken together, the proposed strategy was suitable to discover the quality markers of Chrysanthemi Flos and could be used to discriminate its geographical origin.

Comparison of Chemical Constituents and Pharmacological Effects of Different Varieties of Chrysanthemum Flos in China

Chrysanthemum Flos is the prestigious traditional Chinese medicinal material and the popular health drink. This article comprehensively evaluated the chemical constituents, antioxidant activity, and hepatoprotective effects of 25 common chrysanthemum varieties in China. Firstly, we analyzed the chemical compositions of water extracts of chrysanthemum using UPLC/Q-TOF-MS, and identified 29 chemical components. The results displayed that chrysanthemum was rich in chemical constituents, but there were significant differences in the contents of four phenolic acids and five flavonoids among different varieties, and the coefficient of variation (CVs) ranged from 35.96 % to 114.62 %. Then, the antioxidant activities of different chrysanthemums were investigated, respectively via 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2'-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS), and Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) assays. The spectrum-effect relationships between nine main components and antioxidant activities were investigated to identify the antioxidant constitutes in chrysanthemums. Meanwhile, H₂ O₂ -induced hepatocyte injury testing showed wide variation in cultivar antioxidant capacity, with Tongchengju (TCJ) producing the best effect (90.32 %), followed by Chuju (CJ; 85.78 %). In addition, the hepatoprotective effects of 8 mainstream varieties were determined by the model of acute alcoholic liver injury. They protected liver from injury by affecting relevant liver function and antioxidant indexes. Huangshangongju (HSG) could decrease aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activity by 39.27 % in liver tissue; Hangju-Fubaiju (HJ-FBJ), Jinsihuangju (JSH), and Chuju (CJ) significantly decreased the malondialdehyde (MDA) content of liver tissue, which reduced by more than 40 %; Jinsihuangju (JSH) of used for tea could double the content of glutathione (GSH) and had the similar effect on superoxide dismutase (SOD) as the positive group, showing significant antioxidant capacity. Therefore, this study confirmed that chrysanthemums are potential resources as antioxidants, functional foods, and medicinal materials. Importantly, it may provide a scientific support for further development and utilization of chrysanthemum, and screen excellent varieties for different demands.

Comprehensive characterization of the chemical constituents in Yiganmingmu oral liquid and the absorbed prototypes in cynomolgus monkey plasma after oral administration by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS based on the self built components database

BACKGROUND

Yiganmingmu oral liquid (YGMM), a well known over-the-counter (OTC) drug in China, is composed of 12 types of valuable herbal medicines and has been widely used in clinical for the treatment of soreness and weakness of waist and knees, dizziness, memory loss, and fatigue. However, the chemical compositions of YGMM and its absorbed compounds in plasma remain unclear.

METHODS

Since chemical investigation is the first important step to reveal effects and action mechanisms of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), in this study, based on the self built components database, systematic characterization of the chemical profile of YGMM in vitro was carried out by using a reliable UPLC-Q-TOF-MS method. Moreover, to obtain better understanding of the absorbed prototypes in plasma, serum pharmacochemistry analysis of YGMM after oral administration was conducted by using cynomolgus monkeys as animal model.

RESULTS

A total of 667 constituents from the 12 single herbal medicines were collected in the self built components database by searching the reported literatures, and 415 of them were initially screened as candidate compounds in YGMM by comparison of their experimental accurate mass measurements with those theoretical values. After that, 117 compounds including 17 phenolic acids, 25 flavonoids, 4 alkaloids, 10 phthalides, 5 monoterpenes, 8 triterpenoid saponins, 9 anthraquinones, and 39 other compounds, were unambiguously identified or tentatively characterized by analysing their MS/MS fragmentation patterns, and also by comparison with reference standards and those data reported in the literatures. 61 prototypes absorbed in plasma of cynomolgus monkey, including 13 phenolic acids, 21 flavonoids, 8 phthalides, 3 monoterpenes, 4 triterpenoid saponins, and 12 other compounds were tentatively assigned by serum pharmacochemistry analysis after oral administration.

CONCLUSION

It was the first comprehensive analysis of chemical constituents of YGMM and prototypes in plasma, and the data analysis strategy developed in this study showed high efficiency in the structural elucidations. The results might provide scientific evidence for further research on material basis of YGMM.

An Effective Workflow for Differentiating the Same Genus Herbs of Chrysanthemum morifolium Flower and Chrysanthemum Indicum Flower

C. morifolium flower and C. indicum flower are two closely related herbal species with similar morphological and microscopic characteristics but are discriminated in edible and medicinal purpose. However, there is no effective approach to distinguish the two herbs. A novel workflow for quickly differentiating C. morifolium flower and C. indicum flower was developed. Firstly, the difference in anti-inflammatory effects for C. morifolium flower and C. indicum flower was characterized using lipopolysaccharide-treated rats. Then HPLC fingerprint analysis for 53 batches of C. morifolium flowers and 33 batches of C. indicum flower was carried out to deep profile the chemical components. The preliminary markers were screened out by OPLS-DA, identified by HPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS, and quantified by the improved SSDMC (single reference standard to determine multiple compounds) approach. Finally, multiple statistical data mining was performed to confirm the markers and a binary logistic regression equation was built to differentiate C. morifolium flower and C. indicum flower successfully. In general, the established workflow was rapid, effective and highly feasible, which would provide a powerful tool for herb identification.

Comparisons of Chemical Profiles and Gastroprotective Effects of Citri Sarcodactylis Fructus Pre- and Poststeam Processing

Background

Citri Sarcodactylis Fructus (CSF) is widely used as folk medicine in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). The dried and steam-processed CSF (SCSF) has been employed for harmonizing the stomach over thousands of years under the guidelines of TCM theory. However, little is known about the differences in chemical compositions between CSF and SCSF. Moreover, the gastroprotective effects of CSF and SCSF on ethanol-induced gastric mucosal injuries in rats have yet to be investigated. Consequently, the present study aimed to investigate the chemical differences and gastroprotective effects of CSF and SCSF, providing some experimental framework for the development of CSF and SCSF.

Methods

The chemical compositions of CSF and SCSF extracts were determined using an ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometer (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS), and their gastroprotective effects of different doses were assessed in rats with ethanol-induced gastric injuries on the levels of oxidative stress and inflammatory cytokines.

Results

A total of 42 components were identified in CSF and SCSF, and most of them were flavonoids, limonoids, coumarins, and glycosides. There were no differences in the compositions between CSF and SCSF, but the relative contents of the components were different. Among them, nine screened compounds were considered as potential discriminating markers responsible for the differences between CSF and SCSF. Besides, pretreatments with CSF and SCSF markedly improved the gastric mucosal injuries in rats for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. And SCSF exhibited a better gastroprotective effect than CSF.

Conclusion

The compositions of CSF were unchanged after steam-processing, while the relative contents of their components were changed. These changes may be the major reasons for the differentiation of their efficacies. In addition, CSF and SCSF could alleviate ethanol-induced gastric mucosal injury through the enhancement of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. SCSF exhibited a better gastroprotective effect than CSF, which emphasized the necessity of steam processing.

A Preferable Approach for the Quality Control of Xiaoer Chiqiao Qingre Granules Based on the Combination of Chromatographic Fingerprints and Chemometrics

A preferable approach of a combination of a multiwavelength fusion HPLC fingerprint and chemometrics for the quality control of Xiaoer Chiqiao Qingre granules (XCQG) was established in this study. A single-wavelength HPLC fingerprint was performed to identify 18 peaks as common peaks in the beginning, and 12 of them were recognized by HPLC-Q/TOF-MS. To overcome the limitation of the single-wavelength HPLC fingerprint, a three-wavelength (230 nm, 250 nm, and 330 nm) fusion fingerprint was established for a more thorough quality assessment. Six main active ingredients (geniposide, paeoniflorin, forsythin, forsythoside A, baicalin, and wogonoside) were selected as chemical markers for simultaneous quantitative analysis, while the results indicated that the content of other five ingredients except forsythoside A presented comparatively stable. Chemometrics including hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) were performed to evaluate the homogeneity and heterogeneity of sixteen batches of XCQG. The results of the multiwavelength fingerprint were clearly classified into two clusters by HCA, whereas the single-wavelength fingerprint showed no distinct difference between them. OPLS-DA was further employed to prove that the above six main active ingredients made great contributions to clustering. In summary, this integrated analysis provided a better promoted and more comprehensive method to control the quality of XCQG.

Pharmacokinetic Study of Thirteen Ingredients after the Oral Administration of Flos Chrysanthemi Extract in Rats by UPLC-MS/MS

A rapid and reliable UPLC-MS/MS method was developed and validated for the simultaneous quantification of thirteen bioactive compounds (luteolin, cynaroside, luteolin 7-O-glucuronide, isochlorogenic acid C, chlorogenic acid, cryptochlorogenic acid, apigenin, apigenin 7-glucoside, acacetin, hyperoside, isoquercitrin, tilianin, and hesperidin) in rat plasma. The compounds were separated on an ACQUITY UPLC BEH C₁₈ column (2.1 × 100 mm, 1.7 μm) with a gradient mobile phase system of acetonitrile and 0.1% (v/v) formic acid aqueous solution at a flow rate of 0.3 mL/min. All compounds were quantitated using Agilent Jet Stream electrospray ionization (AJS ESI) in a negative ion mode. The lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) for all compounds was below 5 ng/mL. The intra- and interday accuracy ranged from -13.0% to 14.0%, and precisions were less than 12.2%. The extraction recoveries of the compounds were in the range of 56.9% to 95.0%, and the matrix effect ranged between 71.6% and 109.3%. Stability studies proved that the thirteen compounds were stable under tested conditions, with a relative standard deviation (RSD) of less than 11.4%. This developed method was successfully applied to the pharmacokinetic study of the 13 bioactive compounds after oral administration of Flos Chrysanthemi extract in rat by UPLC-MS/MS. Pharmacokinetic parameters of 8 out of the 13 compounds investigated are presented in this paper.

Chemical constituent from the peel of Trichosanthes kirilowii Maxim and their NF-κB inhibitory activity

The peel of Trichosanthes kirilowii Maxim is clinically used to treat cardiovascular diseases in China. In this study, the NF-κB inhibitory activity of the peel of T. kirilowii Maxim extracts was determined by Dual-Luciferase Reporter Assay System, and the results showed 70% ethanol extract could significantly inhibit the activation of NF-κB (p < 0.001). Further, 21 compounds were isolated from 70% ethanol extract. One new compound, namely (2 R)-(2-amino-2-hydroxymethyl-3-[(4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzoyl)-O-]-propanoic acid (1), and 20 known compounds were elucidated by comprehensive spectroscopic analyses. The isolated compounds were tested in the anti-inflammatory assay, and the results indicated compounds 5, 8, 11, 14, 15, 17 and 21 could inhibit the activation of NF-κB (p <0 .05, p < 0.001) at concentration of 1 μM.

HPLC–MS/MS profiling of wild-growing scentless chamomile

Scentless chamomile (Tripleurospermum inodorum = M. inodora) is a plant belonging to Anthemideae tribe of Asteraceae family, with phenotype similar to the common chamomile, a plant used in human consumption in the form of herbal tea infusion. In order to be able to understand possible health-promoting properties and adverse effects of the scentless chamomile's consumption, it is of essence to examine its chemical composition. The aim of the study was to perform phenolic profiling using high-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectroscopy (HPLC–MS/MS), in comparison to the common chamomile. In the investigated extracts, qualitative and quantitative analyses enabled the identification of 66 compounds based on their retention times, mass (MS/MS) spectra, and analysis of their characteristic fragmentation patterns in MS/MS Product Ion Scan experiments. A new HPLC–MS/MS method for quantitation of common plant metabolites was hereby developed, enabling quantitation of 47 compounds. All examined M. inodora samples have relatively high combined phenolic and flavonoid contents (25.2–51.9 mg/g). Apigenin, apigenin-7-O-glucoside, luteolin, luteolin-7-O-glucoside, quinic acid, and 5-O-caffeoyl quinic acid were the compounds with highest concentration in both inodorous and common chamomile. The results obtained hereby represent the first and most detailed chemical profile of scentless chamomile so far.

An integration of UPLC-DAD/ESI-Q-TOF MS, GC-MS, and PCA analysis for quality evaluation and identification of cultivars of Chrysanthemi Flos (Juhua)

BACKGROUND

Chrysanthemi Flos (CF), as a popular traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), has five main cultivars in China, namely "Chuju", "Boju", "Gongju", "Huaiju" and "Hangju". Due to their habitats and processing methods, great quality variations occur yet no systematical study has ever been carried out to evaluate such variations.

PURPOSE

In this study, we aim to establish a new approach that can serve both as a quality control method and as an identification method for cultivars of CF.

METHOD

The components in CF samples were identified by a combination of UPLC-ESI-Q-TOF/MS and GC/MS. Furthermore, a multimodal quantitative method was established by UPLC-UV coupled with principal component analysis (PCA) and the similarity evaluation system (SES), which was used to control and identify four cultivars of CF.

RESULTS

18 compounds of flavonoids and caffeoylquinic acids were identified and ten of them were quantified using UPLC-ESI-Q-TOF/MS. Different cultivars of CF could be clearly distinguished with the fingerprints evaluation and principal component analysis (PCA). A total of 74 volatile compounds were detected by GC/MS. The distinctness of volatile components was observed. By the combination of UPLC-ESI-Q-TOF/MS and GC/MS, an identification and quality control method for CF was successfully established.

CONCLUSION

The combination of UPLC-ESI-Q-TOF/MS and GC/MS could act as a comprehensive multimodal method for both identification and quality control of herbal medicines. This study provided new insights into the overall evaluation method for herbal medicines possessing different cultivars.

Traditional oriental medicine for sensorineural hearing loss: Can ethnopharmacology contribute to potential drug discovery?

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

In Traditional Oriental Medicine (TOM), the development of hearing pathologies is related to an inadequate nourishment of the ears by the kidney and other organs involved in regulation of bodily fluids and nutrients. Several herbal species have historically been prescribed for promoting the production of bodily fluids or as antiaging agents to treat deficiencies in hearing.

AIM OF REVIEW

The prevalence of hearing loss has been increasing in the last decade and is projected to grow considerably in the coming years. Recently, several herbal-derived products prescribed in TOM have demonstrated a therapeutic potential for acquired sensorineural hearing loss and tinnitus. Therefore, the aims of this review are to provide a comprehensive overview of the current known efficacy of the herbs used in TOM for preventing different forms of acquired sensorineural hearing loss and tinnitus, and associate the traditional principle with the demonstrated pharmacological mechanisms to establish a solid foundation for directing future research.

METHODS

The present review collected the literature related to herbs used in TOM or related compounds on hearing from Chinese, Korean, and Japanese herbal classics; library catalogs; and scientific databases (PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar; and Science Direct).

RESULTS

This review shows that approximately 25 herbal species and 40 active compounds prescribed in TOM for hearing loss and tinnitus have shown in vitro or in vivo beneficial effects for acquired sensorineural hearing loss produced by noise, aging, ototoxic drugs or diabetes. The inner ear is highly vulnerable to ischemia and oxidative damage, where several TOM agents have revealed a direct effect on the auditory system by normalizing the blood supply to the cochlea and increasing the antioxidant defense in sensory hair cells. These strategies have shown a positive impact on maintaining the inner ear potential, sustaining the production of endolymph, reducing the accumulation of toxic and inflammatory substances, preventing sensory cell death and preserving sensory transmission. There are still several herbal species with demonstrated therapeutic efficacy whose mechanisms have not been deeply studied and others that have been traditionally used in hearing loss but have not been tested experimentally. In clinical studies, Ginkgo biloba, Panax ginseng, and Astragalus propinquus have demonstrated to improve hearing thresholds in patients with sensorineural hearing loss and alleviated the symptoms of tinnitus. However, some of these clinical studies have been limited by small sample sizes, lack of an adequate control group or contradictory results.

CONCLUSIONS

Current therapeutic strategies have proven that the goal of the traditional oriental medicine principle of increasing bodily fluids is a relevant approach for reducing the development of hearing loss by improving microcirculation in the blood-labyrinth barrier and increasing cochlear blood flow. The potential benefits of TOM agents expand to a multi-target approach on different auditory structures of the inner ear related to increased cochlear blood flow, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic and neuroprotective activities. However, more research is required, given the evidence is very limited in terms of the mechanism of action at the preclinical in vivo level and the scarce number of clinical studies published.

Effect of Weakly Basic Conditions on the Separation and Purification of Flavonoids and Glycosides from Chrysanthemum morifolium Tea

Tea brewed from chrysanthemum flowers has been widely used in Chinese medicine. The possibly medicinal compounds in Chrysanthemum morifolium tea can be purified by preparative high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), but this is usually done with acidic conditions, which leads to the hydrolysis of glycosides. In hopes of avoiding this hydrolysis, we explored the effect of weakly basic conditions on the separation and purification of flavonoids and glycosides from Chrysanthemum morifolium. We also explored the effects of weakly basic conditions on chlorogenic acid (3-CQA) and apigenin-7-O-glucoside (A7G). Our results show that the concentration of the weakly basic ammonium hydrogen carbonate and time had no significant effect on A7G, p < 0.01, but it had a significant effect on 3-CQA, p < 0.01. HPLC and ultraviolet (UV) analysis showed that the structure of 3-CQA is destroyed in weakly basic conditions. Caffeic acid, quinic acid, and 3,4-dihydroxymandelic acid, which is a hydrolysate of 3-CQA, were identified by ultra-performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS). The results showed that weakly basic conditions could be used for the purification of flavonoids and glycosides but not for caffeoylquinic acids. Moreover, our work clarified the hydrolysis behaviour of caffeoylquinic acids, which can be helpful for research into their functional aspects.

Extraction, Purification, and Hydrolysis Behavior of Apigenin-7-O-Glucoside from Chrysanthemum Morifolium Tea

Apigenin-7-O-glucoside is an active phenolic compound in Asteraceae flowers and possesses remarkable therapeutic applications. However, its high price and low abundance in plants limit its use, meanwhile it would hydrolyze in the purification process. In this study, apigenin-7-O-glucoside extracted with ultrasound and purified with preparative HPLC from Chrysanthemum morifolium ‘Huangju’ was investigated, as well as its hydrolysis behavior and bioactivities. The optimized extraction conditions were: solid/liquid ratio: 1:20, extraction time: 35 min, temperature: 50 °C, and ultrasound power: 350 W. The content of apigenin-7-O-glucoside was up to 16.04 mg/g. Apigenin-7-O-glucoside was then purified with preparative HPLC from the extract, and confirmed by Q-TOF/MS. Apigenin-7-O-glucoside was partially hydrolyzed in acidic condition, and the hydrolysis rate depended on the pH value and temperature. The antioxidant activity increased as a result of the hydrolysis process. This study provided a green and effective way to obtain apigenin-7-O-glucoside and would be beneficial for further investigations into nutritional and functional aspects apigenin-7-O-glucoside and other glycosides.

Investigation of constituents from Cinnamomum camphora (L.) J. Presl and evaluation of their anti-inflammatory properties in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY RELEVANCE

Cinnamomum camphora (L.) J. Presl has been used for the traditional medicine as a therapeutic agent of inflammation-related diseases, including sprains, rheumatic arthritis, abdominal pain, cough and bronchitis, for a long history. The aim of the present study was to illustrate anti-inflammatory substances of C. camphora and their mechanism of action, and to establish the correlations between chemical constituents and traditional uses of this plant.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Chemical constituents were purified by chromatographic methods, and their structures were established based on spectroscopic analysis. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages was adopted for evaluating the anti-inflammatory activity in vitro. The nitric oxide (NO) production assay and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) dual luciferase reporter assay were used to screen anti-inflammatory constituents. The mRNA and protein levels of inflammation-related cytokines and enzymes were determined by real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), immunoblot analysis, and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), respectively.

RESULTS

Twenty-five constituents were isolated from the EtOH extract of C. camphora. Eight constituents, covering phenylpropanoid (7), lignans (10 and 22), flavonoids (16-18), coumarin (21), and terpenoid (24) significantly inhibited LPS-stimulated NO production with maximum inhibition rates (MIRs) of ≥ 80%, and thus were verified to be the anti-inflammatory substances of this ethnomedical plant. (+)-Episesaminone (SMO, 22) and 3S-(+)-9-oxonerolidol (NLD, 24) blocked NF-κB activation via inducing IκBα expression. Moreover, SMO and NLD inhibited productions of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), and alleviated increased mRNA and protein levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase (COX-2), and matrix metallopeptidase-9 (MMP-9) in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages.

CONCLUSIONS

The ethnomedical use of C. camphora for the treatment of inflammation-related diseases was attributed to the combined in vitro anti-inflammatory activities of phenylpropanoid, lignan, flavonoid, coumarin, and terpenoid. SMO and NLD were found to be new molecules with in vitro anti-inflammatory activities, which are achieved by inhibiting NF-κB regulated inflammatory response.

From quality markers to data mining and intelligence assessment: A smart quality-evaluation strategy for traditional Chinese medicine based on quality markers

BACKGROUND

The quality of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) forms the foundation of its clinical efficacy. The standardization of TCM is the most important task of TCM modernization. In recent years, there has been great progress in the quality control of TCM. However, there are still many issues related to the current quality standards, and it is difficult to objectively evaluate and effectively control the quality of TCM.

PURPOSE

To face these challenge, we summarized the current quality marker (Q-marker) research based on its characteristics and benefits, and proposed a reasonable and intelligentized quality evaluation strategy for the development and application of Q-markers.

METHODS

Ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole/time-of-flight with partial least squares-discriminant analysis was suggested to screen the chemical markers from Chinese medicinal materials (CMM), and a bioactive-guided evaluation method was used to select the Q-markers. Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), based on the distinctive wavenumber zones or points from the Q-markers, was developed for its determination. Then, artificial intelligence algorithms were used to clarify the complex relationship between the Q-markers and their integral functions. Internet and mobile communication technology helped us to perform remote analysis and determine the information feedback of test samples.

CHAPTERS

The quality control research, evaluation, standard establishment and quality control of TCM must be based on the systematic analysis of Q-markers to study and describe the material basis of TCM efficacy, define the chemical markers in the plant body, and understand the process of herb drug acquisition, change and transmission laws affecting metabolism and exposure. Based on the advantages of chemometrics, new sensor technologies, including infrared spectroscopy, hyperspectral imaging, chemical imaging, electronic nose and electronic tongue, have become increasingly important in the quality evaluation of CMM. Inspired by the concept of Q-marker, the quantitation can be achieved with the help of artificial intelligence, and these subtle differences can be discovered, allowing the quantitative analysis by NIRS and providing a quick and easy detection method for CMM quality evaluations.

CONCLUSION

The concept of Q-markers focused on unique CMM differences, dynamic changes and their transmission and traceability to establish an overall quality control and traceability system. Based on the basic attributes, an integration model and artificial intelligence research path was proposed, with the hope of providing new ideas and perspectives for the TCM quality management.

The method of quality marker research and quality evaluation of traditional Chinese medicine based on drug properties and effect characteristics

BACKGROUND

Quality of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) plays a critical role in industry of TCM. Rapid development of TCM pharmaceutical areas is, however, greatly limited, since there are many issues not been resolved, concerning the quality study of TCM.

HYPOTHESIS/PURPOSE

Core concept of TCM quality as well as the characteristics of TCM was discussed, in order to guide the quality research and evaluation of TCM, further improve the level of TCM quality control.

STUDY DESIGN/METHODS

In this review, on the basis of systematic analysis of fundamental property and features of TCM in clinical application, the approaches and methods of quality marker (Q-marker) study were proposed through combination of transitivity and traceability of essentials of quality, correlation between chemical ingredients and drug property/efficacy, as well as analysis of endemicity of ingredients sharing similar pharmacophylogenetic and biosynthetic approaches.

RESULTS

The approaches and methods of Q-marker study were proposed and the novel integrated pattern for quality assessment and control of TCM was established.

CONCLUSION

The core concept of Q-marker has helped to break through the bottleneck of the current fragmented quality research of TCM and improved the scientificity, integrity and systematicness of quality control.

The hydro-alcoholic extracts of Sardinian wild thistles (Onopordum spp.) inhibit TNFα-induced IL-8 secretion and NF-κB pathway in human gastric epithelial AGS cells

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Thistles species (Family: Compositae) are traditionally used in the Mediterranean area, particularly in Sardinia. They are usually gathered from the wild and used for both food and therapeutic purposes, including gastrointestinal disorders.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This work aims to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity of eight wild thistles from Sardinia, in an in vitro model of gastric inflammation, and to identify the major active compounds in the extracts.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The hydro-alcoholic extract of the aerial part of each species was prepared. After the induction of inflammation by the addition of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα) (10ng/mL), AGS cells were treated with extracts/pure compounds under study. The inhibition of interleukin-8 (IL-8) release, IL-8 and NF-κB promoter activities and NF-κB nuclear translocation were evaluated. Extracts main components were identified by HPLC-PDA-MS/MS.

RESULTS

Only Onopordum horridum Viv. and Onopordum illyricum L. hydro-alcoholic extracts reduced, in a concentration-dependent fashion, the IL-8 release and promoter activity in human gastric epithelial cells AGS. The effect was partially due to the NF-κB pathway impairment. Onopordum hydro-alcoholic extracts were also chemically profiled, and caffeoylquinic acid derivatives were the main compounds identified in the extract. Further investigations showed that 3,5 dicaffeoylquinic acid highly inhibited IL-8 secretion in AGS cells (IC₅₀ 0.65μM), thus suggesting that this compound contributed, at least in part, to the anti-inflammatory activity elicited by O. illyricum extracts.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that Onopordum species may exert beneficial effects against gastric inflammatory diseases. Thus, these wild plants deserve further investigations as preventive or co-adjuvant agents in gastric diseases.

A metabolomic strategy based on integrating headspace gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry to differentiate the five cultivars of Chrysanthemum flower

The extreme complexity of the chemical composition of plant extracts requires an unbiased and comprehensive detection methodology to improve the potential of metabolomic study. The present work, taking five closely related cultivars of Chrysanthemum flowers as a typical case, attempts to develop a metabolomic strategy to find more markers of metabolites for precise differentiation based on headspace gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HSGC-MS) and ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QTOF/MS). In detail, 53 batches of Chrysanthemum flower samples were collected and analyzed. The fusion of datasets from HSGC-MS and UHPLC-QTOF/MS was done in two different ways. After comparison, the fusion of the total peak area normalized metabolomic data was performed for multivariate statistical analysis. A total of 21 marker compounds (including 14 volatile and 7 nonvolatile metabolites) were identified, and a heatmap was employed for clarifying the distribution of the identified metabolites among the five cultivars. The results indicated that the integrated platform benefited the metabolomic study of medicinal and edible herbs by providing complementary information through fully monitoring functional constituents.

A metabolomic strategy based on HSGC-MS and UPLC-QTOF/MS provided complementary information through fully monitoring functional constituents.

Characteristics of traditional Chinese medicine usage in children with precocious puberty: A nationwide population-based study

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Precocious puberty (PP) occurs in children with the early onset of pubertal development leading to physical and psychological problems. Current medical treatment is expensive and has its side effects. However, little is known about the utilization of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) among patients with PP. To characterize the application of TCM among these patients, we conducted a nationwide population-based study.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We used the Taiwanese National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD), to perform a nationwide population-based study. The NHIRD has a derived dataset with the information for a randomly selected half of all insured children from 1997 to 2008 in Taiwan. We identified children <18 years of age with newly diagnosed sexual precocity (ICD-9 CM code: 259.1). The subjects were categorized based on the inclusion of TCM in their treatment plan.

RESULTS

Overall, 3495 newly diagnosed subjects with sexual precocity were included. Among these children, 1.86% (N=65) had used TCM. There were significantly more subjects with no treatment, 87.32% (N=3052), than those with treatment of TCM, western medicine, or both. Most of the TCM users received Chinese herbal remedies (98.25%), and only 1.75% received acupuncture or manipulative therapies. Zhi-Bai-Di-Huang-Wan was the most frequently prescribed TCM formulation (23.73%), while Mai-Ya (Fructus Hordei Germinatus) was the most commonly prescribed single herb (10.87%).

CONCLUSION

Our study identified the characteristics and prescription patterns of TCM for children with PP in Taiwan. Further basic mechanistic studies and clinical trials are needed to confirm the efficacy and mechanism.

From chemical markers to quality markers: an integrated approach of UPLC/Q-TOF, NIRS, and chemometrics for the quality assessment of honeysuckle buds

We built a set of integrated strategies to improve the chemical markers for Q-markers in Chinese herbal medicines quality management.

Comparison and evaluation of antimuscarinic and anti-inflammatory effects of five Bulbus fritillariae species based on UPLC-Q/TOF integrated dual-luciferase reporter assay, PCA and ANN analysis

Many species of Bulbus fritillariae are used as traditional medicines for thousands of years; however, their application is not standardized. To clarify the differences and homologies, the antimuscarinic and anti-inflammatory effects of five BM species were firstly tested and compared at cellular level. With an integrated strategy combining UPLC-Q/TOF MS, PCA and ANN analysis, the active ingredients among 28 different chemical markers were predicted and identified. SB and QB extracts showed the best antimuscarinic effects and several steroidal alkaloids, such as solanidine, contributed to this effects. However, ZB was superior to reduce the inflammatory response. Another five components were responsible by decreasing the expression of NF-κB, including puqiedine, zhepeiresinol, 2-monopalmitin, N-demethylpuqietinone, and isoverticine. More novelty, a new cluster of five BM species based on active ingredients as potential quality markers was depicted to illustrate their functions. These results of the study could make a reference for the medicinal application of BM species in clinic; and the integrated strategy provided an effective method to obtain the quality markers from medical herbs, which was helpful for the quality control of traditional medicinal products.

A rapid integrated bioactivity evaluation system based on near-infrared spectroscopy for quality control of Flos Chrysanthemi

For quality control of herbal medicines or functional foods, integral activity evaluation has become more popular in recent studies. The majority of researchers focus on the relationship between chromatography/mass spectroscopy and bioactivity, but the connection with spectrum-activity is easily ignored. In this paper, the near infrared reflection spectra (NIRS) of Flos Chrysanthemi samples were collected as a representative spectrum technology, and corresponding anti-inflammation activities were utilized to illustrate the spectrum-activity study. HPLC/Q-TOF-MS identification and heat map clustering were used to select the quality markers (Q-marker) from five cultivars of Flos Chrysanthemi. Using boxplot analysis and the interval limits of detection (LODs) theory, six crucial markers, namely, chlorogenic acid, 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid, 1,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid, luteoloside, apigenin-7-O-β-d-glucoside, and luteolin-7-O-6-malonylglucoside were screened out. Then partial least squares regression (PLSR) calibration models combined with synergy interval partial least squares (siPLS) and 12 different spectral pretreatment methods were developed for the parameters optimization of these Q-markers in Flos Chrysanthemi powder. After comparing the relationship between Q-marker contents and anti-inflammation activity via three machine learning approaches and PLSR, back-propagation neural network (BP-ANN) displayed a more excellent non-linear fitting effect, as its R for new batches reached 0.89. These results indicated that the integrated NIRS and bioactive strategy was suitable for fast quality management in Flos Chrysanthemi, and also applied to other botanical food quality control.