Hematopoietic effect of small molecular fraction of Polygoni multiflori Radix Praeparata in cyclophosphamide-induced anemia mice

Hydrophobic constituents of Polygonum multiflorum roots promote renal erythropoietin expression in healthy mice

The roots of Polygonum multiflorum Thunberg (Polygonaceae) are used as a crude drug Kashu that is considered to improve blood deficiency based on a Kampo concept. Kashu has been included in Kampo formulas, such as Tokiinshi, which is used to treat eczema and dermatitis with itchiness by inhibiting inflammation and facilitating blood circulation in the skin. However, the effects of P. multiflorum roots on erythropoiesis are unclear. Previously, we isolated six phenolic constituents from an ethyl acetate (EtOAc)-soluble fraction of P. multiflorum root extract and identified them as (E)-2,3,5,4'-tetrahydroxystilbene-2-O-β-D-glucopyranoside [(E)-THSG], emodin, emodin-8-O-β-D-glucopyranoside, physcion, physcion-8-O-β-D-glucopyranoside, and catechin. To examine whether P. multiflorum roots facilitate erythropoiesis, the EtOAc-soluble fraction was orally administered to healthy ICR mice. When compared with mice fed a standard diet alone (Controls), the mice fed a diet including the EtOAc-soluble fraction exhibited significantly higher serum erythropoietin (Epo) levels. The renal Epo mRNA levels in EtOAc-soluble fraction-administered mice were significantly higher than those in the control mice. Then, we administered roxadustat, which is a drug to treat the patient suffering with renal anemia by specifically inhibiting hypoxia-inducible factor prolyl hydroxylases. Roxadustat slightly increased renal Epo mRNA levels in healthy mice. Administration of (E)-THSG, a major constituent, significantly increased serum Epo levels. It is likely that (E)-THSG may facilitate the process to convert inactive renal Epo-producing cells to active Epo-producing cells. Collectively, it is implied that (E)-THSG in the EtOAc-soluble fraction of P. multiflorum roots may primarily improve blood deficiency of Kampo concept by promoting erythropoiesis.

Fingerprinting and Determination of Hepatotoxic Constituents in Polygoni Multiflori Radix Praeparata of Different Producing Places by HPLC

Polygoni Multiflori Radix Praeparata (PMRP) is used as Chinese herbal medicine with long history. However, reports about PMRP hepatotoxicity have increased recently, and producing area might be one reason. This article aims to figure out the relationship between producing area and hepatotoxic ingredients in PMRP. HPLC fingerprint for PMRP was established and the contents of gallic acid, trans-stilbene glycoside (TSG), emodin-8-O-β-D-glucoside (EG), emodin and physcion were determined. Clustering heatmap was implemented by TCMNPAS software，and principal component analysis was implemented by SPSS and SIMCA-P software. Hepatotoxic constituents' contents of PMRP from separate producing area were different. PMRP from Guangxi had the highest content of gallic acid, TSG, EG, emodin and physcion, followed by Hubei, Guangdong, Guizhou, Yunnan. PMRP from Henan had the lowest contents of hepatotoxic components. Hepatotoxic components' contents of PMRP in southern were higher than central China. This study carried out a preliminary qualitative and quantitative investigation on the PMRP from different producing places, which provided a basis for safe medication of PMRP.

Spectrum-effect relationship between fingerprints and hemopoietic effects of small molecular fraction of Polygoni Multiflori radix praeparata

Polygoni multiflori Radix Praeparata (PMRP) is a traditional medicine used for nourishing essence and blood in China. However, it is unclear which PMRP compounds are responsible for its hematopoietic effect. In this study, spectrum-effect relationship was used to discovery potential hematopoietic compounds. The fingerprints of 20 PMRP batches were established by HPLC and the hematopoietic effect was determined using red blood cell, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and platelet indexes in aplastic anemia model mice. The spectrum-effect relationship between common peaks and hematopoietic efficacy values was established using gray relational analysis and partial least squares analysis. Spectrum-effect relationship results showed that peaks 21 (emodin-8-O-(6´-O-acetyl)-β-D-glucoside), 15 (2, 3, 5, 4'-tetrahydroxystilbene-2-O-di-glucoside), 16 (cis-2,3,5,4'-tetrahydroxy-stilbene-2-O-β-D-glucoside), 11 (unknown), 20(unknown, 12 (epicatechin), 29 (carboxyl emodin), and 31 (emodin) in the fingerprints were closely related to the hematopoietic effect. This work successfully established the spectrum-effect relationship between PMRP hematopoietic effect and its fingerprints, which can be used to explain the material basis for the PMRP hematopoietic effect.