A comparative analysis of Aconiti Lateralis Radix and processed products using UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS combined with multivariate chemometrics strategies

Research on the effects of processing Heishunpian from Aconiti lateralis radix praeparata on components and efficacy using the "step knockout" strategy

Heishunpian is obtained through complex processing of Aconiti lateralis radix praeparata. However, the impact of each processing step on chemical compositions and pharmacological activities is still unclear. The mechanism of the processing needs to be further studied. The samples were all prepared using the "step knockout" strategy for UPLC-QTOF-MS analysis, and analgesic and anti-inflammatory efficacy evaluation. Each sample was analyzed by UPLC-QTOF-MS to determine the component differences. The hot plate test and acetic acid writhing test were used to evaluate the analgesic effect. Anti-inflammatory efficacy was evaluated by xylene-induced ear edema test. The correlation between components and efficacies was studied to screen the effective components for further investigating the processing of Heishunpian. Mass spectrum analysis results showed that 49 components were identified, and it appeared that brine immersion and rinsing had a great influence on the components. In the hot plate test, ibuprofen and Heishunpian had the most significant effect, while ibuprofen and the sample without rinsing showed the best efficacy for the acetic acid writhing test. The sample without dyeing had the best effect on ear edema. The correlation analysis indicated that mesaconine, aconine, 3-deoxyaconine, delbruine, and asperglaucide were potentially considered effective analgesic components. It is not recommended to remove brine immersion and rinsing. Boiling and steaming are necessary processes that improve efficacy. Dyeing, which does not have a significant impact on components and efficacy, may be an unnecessary process. This research has been of great significance in identifying anti-inflammatory and analgesic components and optimizing processing for Heishunpian.

Unveiling Dynamic Changes of Chemical Constituents in Raw and Processed Fuzi With Different Steaming Time Points Using Desorption Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry Imaging Combined With Metabolomics

Fuzi is a famous toxic traditional herbal medicine, which has long been used for the treatment of various diseases in China and many other Asian countries because of its extraordinary pharmacological activities and high toxicity. Different processing methods to attenuate the toxicity of Fuzi are important for its safe clinical use. In this study, desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry imaging (DESI-MSI) with a metabolomics-combined multivariate statistical analysis approach was applied to investigate a series of Aconitum alkaloids and explore potential metabolic markers to understand the differences between raw and processed Fuzi with different steaming time points. Moreover, the selected metabolic markers were visualized by DESI-MSI, and six index alkaloids’ contents were determined through HPLC. The results indicated visible differences among raw and processed Fuzi with different steaming times, and 4.0 h is the proper time for toxicity attenuation and efficacy reservation. A total of 42 metabolic markers were identified to discriminate raw Fuzi and those steamed for 4.0 and 8.0 h, which were clearly visualized in DESI-MSI. The transformation from diester-diterpenoid alkaloids to monoester-diterpenoid alkaloids and then to non-esterified diterpene alkaloids through hydrolysis is the major toxicity attenuation process during steaming. DESI-MSI combined with metabolomics provides an efficient method to visualize the changeable rules and screen the metabolic markers of Aconitum alkaloids during steaming. The wide application of this technique could help identify markers and reveal the possible chemical transition mechanism in the “Paozhi” processes of Fuzi. It also provides an efficient and easy way to quality control and ensures the safety of Fuzi and other toxic traditional Chinese medicine.