Rapid and comprehensive identification of chemical constituents in Mai-Luo-Shu-Tong pill by UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS combined with a data mining strategy

Establishment of a multi-strategy platform for quality control and quality markers screen of Mailuoshutong pill

Thromboangiitis obliterans (TAO) is a non-atherosclerotic segmental inflammatory occlusive disease with a high recurrence rate, high disability rate, difficulty to cure, and poor prognosis. It has been clinically proven that Mailuoshutong pill (MLSTP) is an effective traditional Chinese medicine for treating TAO. As MLSTP contains hundreds of chemical components, the quality control of which is a challenge in the development of reliable quality evaluation metrics. This study aimed to evaluate the quality uniformity of MLSTP by establishing a multi-strategy platform. In the present study, the key targets and signaling pathways of MLSTP treating TAO were predicted by network pharmacology. It was further shown by in vivo validation experiments that MLSTP exerted therapeutic effects on TAO by modulating the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway, VEGF signaling pathway, and HIF-1 signaling pathway. In addition, UPLC fingerprints of MLSTP were established and screened for potential Q-markers of MLSTP in combination with network pharmacology results. Six components, including chlorogenic acid, liquiritin, paeoniflorin, calycosin-7-glucoside, berberine, and formononetin, were selected as potential quality markers (Q-markers) in MLSTP. Finally, the quantitative analysis of multi-components by single marker (QAMS) method was established to quantitatively analyze the six potential Q-markers, and the results were consistent with those obtained by the external standard method (ESM). Taken together, the multi-strategy platform established in this study would be conducive to the Q-markers screening and quality control of MLSTP, improving the quality standard of MLSTP and providing favorable assurance for the clinical management of TAO.

Rapid classification and identification of chemical compositions of Pu-zhi-hui-ling decoction by UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS

Pu-zhi-hui-ling decoction (PZHLD) is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD), but its chemical composition has not been reported. In this study, we aimed to establish a mass spectrometry (MS) analysis method for rapid classification and identification of the chemical constituents in PZHLD. The sample was analysed by ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography coupled to quadrupole Orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS). The chemical constituents of PZHLD were identified based on accurate MS data, fragmentation characteristics of MS/MS, and reference information described in the literature. A total of 123 chemical constituents were identified. In addition, we summarised the fragmentation pathways of the chemical constituents in PZHLD. Our finding might lay the foundation for the further pharmacodynamic study and clinical application of PZHLD.

Gain deeper insights into traditional Chinese medicines using multidimensional chromatography combined with chemometric approaches

Traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) possess a rich historical background, unique theoretical framework, remarkable therapeutic efficacy, and abundant resources. However, the modernization and internationalization of TCMs have faced significant obstacles due to their diverse ingredients and unknown mechanisms. To gain deeper insights into the phytochemicals and ensure the quality control of TCMs, there is an urgent need to enhance analytical techniques. Currently, two-dimensional (2D) chromatography, which incorporates two independent separation mechanisms, demonstrates superior separation capabilities compared to the traditional one-dimensional (1D) separation system when analyzing TCMs samples. Over the past decade, new techniques have been continuously developed to gain actionable insights from complex samples. This review presents the recent advancements in the application of multidimensional chromatography for the quality evaluation of TCMs, encompassing 2D-gas chromatography (GC), 2D-liquid chromatography (LC), as well as emerging three-dimensional (3D)-GC, 3D-LC, and their associated data-processing approaches. These studies highlight the promising potential of multidimensional chromatographic separation for future phytochemical analysis. Nevertheless, the increased separation capability has resulted in higher-order data sets and greater demands for data-processing tools. Considering that multidimensional chromatography is still a relatively nascent research field, further hardware enhancements and the implementation of chemometric methods are necessary to foster its robust development.