Ultra-performance liquid chromatography and time-of-flight mass spectrometry analysis of ginsenoside metabolites in human plasma

Endophytic fungi of Panax sokpayensis produce bioactive ginsenoside Compound K in flask fermentation

Endophytes of Panax have the potential to produce their host plant secondary metabolites, ginsenosides. Panax sokpayensis, an endemic traditional medicinal plant of the Sikkim Himalayas was explored for the isolation of endophytic fungi. In the present study, we have isolated 35 endophytic fungal cultures from the rhizome of P. sokpayensis and screened for ginsenosides production by HPLC by comparing the peak retention time with that of standard ginsenosides. The HPLC analysis revealed that out of 35 isolates, the mycelial extracts of four fungal endophytes (PSRF52, PSRF53, PSRF49 and PSRF58) exhibited peaks with a similar retention time of the standard ginsenoside, Compound K (CK). LC-ESI-MS/MS analysis led to the confirmation of ginsenoside CK production by the four fungal endophytes which showed a compound with m/z 639.6278, similar to that of standard ginsenoside CK with yield in potato dextrose broth flask fermentation ranging from 0.0019 to 0.0386 mg/g of mycelial mass in dry weight basis. The four prospective fungal endophyte isolates were identified as Thermothielavioides terrestris PSRF52, Aspergillus sp. PSRF49, Rutstroemiaceae sp. strain PSRF53, and Phaeosphaeriaceae sp. strain PSRF58 based on ITS sequencing. The present finding highlights the need for further study on growth optimization and other culture parameters to exploit the endophytes as an alternative source for ginsenoside CK production.

Notoginsenoside-R1 ameliorates palmitic acid-induced insulin resistance and oxidative stress in HUVEC via Nrf2/ARE pathway

Panax notoginseng, a Chinese traditional food and herb medicine, possesses notable cardiovascular health-promoting properties, with notoginsenoside (NG)-R1 being a key active compound. Insulin resistance represents a global health concern associated with various metabolic disorders. This study investigated the effects of NG-R1 on palmitic acid (PA)-induced insulin resistance and oxidative stress in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Our findings demonstrate that NG-R1 significantly alleviated impaired glucose uptake, enhanced the phosphorylation of protein kinase B (PKB/Akt) at Ser473, and reduced the phosphorylation of insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS-1) at Ser307 in PA-treated HUVECs. Furthermore, NG-R1 treatment significantly lowered the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE), while increasing the ratio of reduced glutathione (GSH) to oxidized glutathione (GSSG). Additionally, NG-R1 activated the Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway, leading to a substantial increase in the expression of antioxidant enzymes. Notably, knockdown of Nrf2 attenuated the beneficial effects of NG-R1 on PA-induced insulin resistance and oxidative stress in HUVECs, suggesting that NG-R1 exerts its effects through the Nrf2/ARE pathway. In summary, our study reveals that NG-R1 ameliorated PA-induced insulin resistance in HUVECs via Nrf2/ARE pathway, providing novel insights into its potential for alleviating metabolic disorders and cardiovascular disease.

Multiplex quantitation of 17 drug-derived components in human plasma after administration of a fixed herbal preparation of Sailuotong using combined online SPE-LC-MS/MS methods

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Sailuotong (SLT) is a standardized herbal medicine formula made from extracts of ginseng (the dried root and rhizome of Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer), ginkgo (the leaves of Ginkgo biloba L.), and saffron (the stigma of Crocus sativus L.). It is prescribed compatibly for the treatment of vascular dementia (VaD) following the TCM principle of Qi-invigorating and Blood-activating. Ginseng is widely used as a tonic for the restoration of strength in China. Ginkgo and saffron have been traditionally used for a long time as medicines with the main effect of promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis.

AIM OF THE STUDY

SLT has been proven to be a promising medicine for VaD by existing pharmacological and clinical evidence. To understand how the formula herbs and their active ingredients cooperate to produce comprehensive effects, the present study aimed to establish a highly sensitive and accurate quantitative method to reveal the plasma exposure profile of SLT in humans.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Multiplex quantitation of a total of 17 SLT-derived components in human plasma was fulfilled by using online SPE for sample extractions followed by LC-MS/MS determinations. Among them, 8 ginsenoside (Rg1, Re, F1, Rf, Rb1, Rb2, Rc and Rd) were determined in ESI+ mode, and ginkgo flavonoids of quercetin, kaempferol, isorhamnetin were in ESI- mode. Improved sensitivity was achieved through optimizing the condition of sample extraction and LC separation, as well as mass parameters. 4 ginkgolides, including ginkgolide A, B, C and bilobalide, and 2 crocins of crocin-1 and its metabolite crocetin, were analyzed concurrently in negative ion mode, and their stability was ensured by a series of protective solutions.

RESULTS

The lower limit of quantitation was achieved to be extremely sensitive at 0.078 ng/mL for all ginsenosides, 0.033 ‒ 0.2 ng/mL for ginkgo flavonoids, 0.75 or 1.5 ng/mL for ginkgolides and 3 ng/mL for crocins. The methods were fully validated to be accurate and precise, and applicability was demonstrated by the analysis of clinical samples from 2 healthy volunteers.

CONCLUSION

The developed methods should be useful in further detailed clinical pharmacokinetic research for clarifying the effect mechanism of SLT and formulating its rational therapeutic regimens.

Natural Products for the Treatment of Drug Addiction: Narrative Review

Drug addiction is considered a chronic disorder affecting the individual's life, his/her family and society. Up till now the treatment of drug addiction is considered a problematic issue. Synthetic drugs available for the treatment of drug addiction are few, of limited efficacy and associated with serious side effects. Therefore, there is a continuous search for better therapeutic agents for drug addiction. Natural products represent a promising source for drug addiction treatment. This review summaries drug addiction definition, its mechanism of action, its types, its diagnosis, factors affecting its development and different available approaches for its treatment especially the use of natural products. Six plants were discussed thoroughly in this review, including, Tabernanthe iboga Baill., Mitragyna speciosa Korth., Pueraria montana var. lobata (Willd.) Sanjappa & Pradeep, Hypericum perforatum L., Panax ginseng C.A. Mey., and Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal.

Advances and challenges in ginseng research from 2011 to 2020: the phytochemistry, quality control, metabolism, and biosynthesis

Covering: 2011 to the end of 2020Panax species (Araliaceae), particularly P. ginseng, P. quinquefolius, and P. notoginseng, have a long history of medicinal use because of their remarkable tonifying effects, and currently serve as crucial sources for various healthcare products, functional foods, and cosmetics, aside from their vast clinical preparations. The huge market demand on a global scale prompts the continuous prosperity in ginseng research concerning the discovery of new compounds, precise quality control, ADME (absorption/disposition/metabolism/excretion), and biosynthesis pathways. Benefitting from the ongoing rapid development of analytical technologies, e.g. multi-dimensional chromatography (MDC), personalized mass spectrometry (MS) scan strategies, and multi-omics, highly recognized progress has been made in driving ginseng analysis towards "systematicness, integrity, personalization, and intelligentization". Herein, we review the advances in the phytochemistry, quality control, metabolism, and biosynthesis pathway of ginseng over the past decade (2011-2020), with 410 citations. Emphasis is placed on the introduction of new compounds isolated (saponins and polysaccharides), and the emerging novel analytical technologies and analytical strategies that favor ginseng's authentic use and global consumption. Perspectives on the challenges and future trends in ginseng analysis are also presented.

A randomized, placebo-controlled trial investigating the acute and chronic benefits of American Ginseng (Cereboost®) on mood and cognition in healthy young adults, including in vitro investigation of gut microbiota changes as a possible mechanism of action

Purpose

Cereboost®, an American ginseng extract, has shown improved short-term memory and attention/alertness in healthy young and middle-aged individuals, potentially via modulation of the gut microbiome and upregulation of neurotransmitters such as acetylcholine. Here, we explored the effects of Cereboost® on cognition and mood in the first 6 h post intervention (acute), after 2 weeks daily supplementation (chronic), and whether 2 weeks daily supplementation altered the response to a single acute dose (acute-on-chronic). A concurrent in vitro study evaluated effects of repeated Cereboost® administration on human gut microbiota.

Methods

Cognitive effects of Cereboost® were assessed using a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial, with 61 healthy young adults. Modulation of the gut microbiome was concurrently modelled using the Simulator of the Human Microbial Ecosystem (SHIME®), using a young adult donor.

Results

Consistent with previous findings, Cereboost® improved working memory and attention during the immediate postprandial period; effects that were amplified following two weeks’ treatment (acute-on-chronic) compared to acute testing alone. Chronic supplementation improved cognition on an acetylcholine-sensitive attention task and improved mental fatigue and self-assurance aspects of mood. The parallel in vitro study revealed significantly increased acetate, propionate, and butyrate levels in simulated proximal and distal colon regions, linked with observed increases in Akkermansia muciniphila and Lactobacillus.

Conclusion

This study confirmed the promising effects of Cereboost® on cognitive function and mood, while suggesting a possible link to alterations of the gut microbiome and modulation of acetylcholine. Further studies will be required to unravel the underlying mechanisms that are involved.

Registration

The study was pre-registered at ClinicalTrials.gov on 6th July 2018 (Identifier: NCT03579095).

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00394-021-02654-5.

Ginsenoside compound K- a potential drug for rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory and autoimmune disease, if prescription of effective delayed, the articular disturbances may lead to disability. Ginsenoside compound K (GCK) is the main degradation product of oral ginsenosides in the human intestine. Numerous researches in vitro and in vivo have recorded the anti-arthritic effect of GCK, we discuss the mechanisms from the following three aspects, including anti-inflammatory, immune-regulatory, and bone-protective, respectively, in this review, and the anti-arthritic mechanism of GCK may be related to the effect on TNF-α-TNFR2, glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and β-arrestin1/2. We also describe the anti-anemia effect of GCK to open the possibility that GCK can be used as an effective disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD).

Human intestinal microbiota derived metabolism signature from a North American native botanical Oplopanax horridus with UPLC/Q-TOF-MS analysis

Oplopanax horridus, widely distributed in North America, is an herbal medicine traditionally used by Pacific indigenous peoples for various medical conditions. After oral ingestion, constituents in O. horridus extract (OhE) could be converted to their metabolites by the enteric microbiome before absorption. In this study, in order to mimic gut environment, the OhE was biotransformed using the enteric microbiome of healthy human subjects. For accurate and reliable data collection with optimized approaches in sample preparation and analytical conditions, ultra-performance liquid chromatography and quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry were used to characterize parent constituents and their metabolites. In the extract, 20 parent compounds were identified including polyynes, sesquiterpenes, monoterpeondids, phenylpropanoids and phenolic acids. After the biotransformation, a total of 78 metabolites were identified, of which 37 belonged to polyynes metabolites. The common biotransformation pathways are hydroxylation, acetylization, methylation and demethylation. Based on the pathway distributions, the metabolism signature of OhE has been explored. The metabolism pathways of OhE compounds are dependent on their structural classifications and hydrophilic/hydrophobic properties. In summary, with comprehensive analysis, we systematically investigated human microbiome-derived OhE metabolites. The enteric microbial metabolism signature provides novel information for future effective use of O. horridus.

Efficacy of Panax ginseng supplementation on blood lipid profile. A meta-analysis and systematic review of clinical randomized trials

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Ginseng is a widely used ingredient in several traditional Chinese medicine formulation, mainly as a prophylactic and restorative agent. Ginseng's Chinese traditional formulations have shown protective effects against atherosclerosis, suggesting that ginseng may be useful for the treatment of metabolic disorders.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To evaluate whether the supplementation with Panax ginseng (PG) has an effect on blood lipid profile in humans.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A meta-analysis and a systematic review were conducted to evaluate the effects of PG on blood lipid profile.

RESULTS

A total of 18 studies met the inclusion criteria, from which 10 studies were performed in volunteers with at least one component of metabolic syndrome, 3 in postmenopausal women, 2 in healthy volunteers and 3 with other types of inclusion criteria. The doses employed ranged from 0.2 to 20 g/day (median 3 g/day, 95% CI 1.7, 5.8), while the treatment time ranged from 2 to 12 weeks (median 8 weeks, 95% CI 6, 9). Few studies reported the composition of the PG extract employed. The main ginsenosides reported were Rb1 and Rg1 (content ranging from Rb1 0.023-6.44 mg/g and Rg1 0.028-3.21 mg/g). Significant modification in blood profile was described in 7 studies, in which 5 studies observed a reduction in total cholesterol, 4 in LDL-cholesterol, and 2 in triacylglycerides. The meta-analysis of 10 studies in volunteers with parameters related with metabolic syndrome describes that PG may induce a mean difference compared to a placebo of -2.30 (95% CI -3.79,-0.80) and -1.47 (95% CI -1.90,-1.05) mg/dL per g/day of PG in the levels of total and LDL-cholesterol, with no significant effects in HDL-cholesterol and triacylglycerides.

CONCLUSIONS

PG extract may induce an improvement in blood lipid profile mainly by a reduction in total and LDL-cholesterol levels.

Detection of 13 Ginsenosides (Rb1, Rb2, Rc, Rd, Re, Rf, Rg1, Rg3, Rh2, F1, Compound K, 20(S)-Protopanaxadiol, and 20(S)-Protopanaxatriol) in Human Plasma and Application of the Analytical Method to Human Pharmacokinetic Studies Following Two Week-Repeated Administration of Red Ginseng Extract

We aimed to develop a sensitive method for detecting 13 ginsenosides using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and to apply this method to pharmacokinetic studies in human following repeated oral administration of red ginseng extract. The chromatograms of Rb1, Rb2, Rc, Rd, Re, Rf, Rg1, Rg3, Rh2, F1, compound K (CK), protopanaxadiol (PPD), and protopanaxatriol (PPT) in human plasma were well separated. The calibration curve range for 13 ginsenosides was 0.5-200 ng/mL and the lower limit of quantitation was 0.5 ng/mL for all ginsenosides. The inter- and intra-day accuracy, precision, and stability were less than 15%. Among the 13 ginsenosides tested, nine ginsenosides (Rb1, Rb2, Rc, Rd, Rg3, CK, Rh2, PPD, and PPT) were detected in the human plasma samples. The plasma concentrations of Rb1, Rb2, Rc, Rd, and Rg3 were correlated with the content in red ginseng extract; however, CK, Rh2, PPD, and PPT were detected although they are not present in red ginseng extract, suggesting the formation of these ginsenosides through the human metabolism. In conclusion, our analytical method could be effectively used to evaluate pharmacokinetic properties of ginsenosides, which would be useful for establishing the pharmacokinetic-pharmacodymic relationship of ginsenosides as well as ginsenoside metabolism in humans.

LC-MS/MS determination of ginsenoside compound K and its metabolite 20 (S)-protopanaxadiol in human plasma and urine: applications in a clinical study

AIM

Ginsenoside compound K (CK) is considered to be a potential therapeutic drug for rheumatoid arthritis because of its good anti-inflammatory activity. The purpose of this work was to establish a rapid, sensitive and specific method for determination of CK and its active metabolite 20(S)-protopanaxadiol (20(S)-PPD). Materials & methods: The analytes and internal standards were extracted by liquid-liquid extraction. Then, were separated by high performance liquid phase and determined by triple quadrupole mass spectrometry.

RESULTS

A LC-MS/MS using liquid-liquid extraction was developed for determining CK over the concentration range 1.00-1002.00 ng/ml and 0.15-54.30 ng/ml for 20(S)-PPD. The lower limits of quantification for CK and 20(S)-PPD were 1.00 and 0.15 ng/ml, respectively.

CONCLUSION

This method was successfully validated for detecting both CK and 20(S)-PPD in the human plasma and urine, and was proved to be suitable for the pharmacokinetic study of CK in healthy Chinese volunteers.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

ChiCTR-TRC-14004824.

Enzymatically Synthesized Ginsenoside Exhibits Antiproliferative Activity in Various Cancer Cell Lines

A glycoside derivative of compound K (CK) was synthesized by using a glycosyltransferase, and its biological activity was tested against various cancer-cell lines. A regiospecific, β-1,4-galactosyltransferase (LgtB) converted 100% of 0.5 mmol CK into a galactosylated product in 3 h. The structure of the synthesized derivative was revealed with high performance liquid chromatography, mass spectroscopy, as well as nuclear magnetic resonance analyses, and it was recognized as 20-O-β-D-lactopyranosyl-20(S)-protopanaxadiol (CKGal). Out of the four cancer-cell lines tested (gastric carcinoma (AGS), skin melanoma (B16F10), cervical carcinoma (HeLa), and brain carcinoma (U87MG)), CKGal showed the best cytotoxic ability against B16F10 and AGS when compared to other ginsenosides like compound K (20-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-20(S)-protopanaxadiol), Rh2 (3-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-20(S)-protopanaxadiol), and F12 (3-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-12-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-20(S)-protopanaxadiol). Thus, the synthesized derivative (CKGal) is a pharmacologically active ginsenoside.

Study of the Effects and Mechanisms of Ginsenoside Compound K on Myelosuppression

Ginsenoside compound K (CK) is not a ginsenoside that naturally exists in Panax ginseng Meyer. However, CK is a major metabolite of ginsenoside Rb₁, Rb₂, or Rc in the intestine under the effects of bacteria. In this study, we first investigated the effects of CK on myelosuppression in mice induced by cyclophosphamide (CTX). The respective quantities of white blood cells, blood platelets, and bone marrow nucleated cells (BMNCs) were determined to be 8.54 ± 0.91 (10⁹/L), 850.90 ± 44.11 (10⁹/L), and 1.45 ± 0.22 (10⁹/L) in the CK-H group by detecting peripheral blood cells and BMNCs. CK-H and CK-L both increased the thymus index by up to 0.62 ± 0.06 (mg/g) and 0.52 ± 0.09 (mg/g), respectively, and significantly increased the yields of colony formation units-granulocyte monocyte and colony formation units-megakaryocytic. According to our study, CK could control apoptosis and promote cells to enter the normal cell cycle by the bcl-2/bax signaling pathway and MEK/ERK signaling pathway. Therefore, the BMNCs could proliferate and differentiate normally after entering the normal cell cycle. So the peripheral blood cells could show a trend of returning to normal. The recovery of peripheral blood cells resulting in the level of cytokines tended to normal. This process may be the mechanisms of CK on myelosuppression. This study provides a reference for ginseng in the treatment of myelosuppression.

Gut microbiota: a new angle for traditional herbal medicine research

Traditional Herbal Medicine (THM) has been used for thousands of years, and is popular worldwide due to its effectiveness in a variety of diseases.

Fecal metabolomic dataset of American ginseng-treated DSS mice: Correlation between ginseng enteric inflammation inhibition and its biological signatures

Although anti-inflammatory effects of American ginseng metabolites have been investigated at systemic and cellular levels, the biological signatures of ginseng microbial metabolite-induced bioactivities are still unknown. To fill this knowledge gap and to support the findings published in the companion research article entitled “American ginseng microbial metabolites attenuated DSS-induced colitis and abdominal pain” (Wang et al., 2018), we are here to provide datasets of enteric microbiome biotransformation and fecal metabolomics. For the microbiome biotransformation study, data were obtained from C57BL6 mice treated with a broad-spectrum antibiotic metronidazole. After oral administration of ginseng extract, we observed that compound K (CK) was undetectable in metronidazole-treated mouse stools but was detected in stools from vehicle-treated mice, suggesting biotransformation of CK is gut microbial dependent. In the fecal metabolomic study, three small molecules which were associated with gut inflammation were identified. In the DSS mice, the levels of lactate, linoleic acid, and malic acid increased significantly in the model group. After ginseng treatment, the expressions of these metabolites reduced significantly. Thus, the selective fecal endogenous metabolites could be used as biological signatures reflecting severity of enteric inflammation and ginseng treatment outcomes. Our results showed the enteric microbiome plays a key role for CK conversion, and the effects of CK on enteric inflammation can be demonstrated by the metabolomics data.

Effects of compound K, an enteric microbiome metabolite of ginseng, in the treatment of inflammation associated colon cancer

Ginsenoside Rb1, a major component of different ginseng species, can be bioconverted into compound K by gut microbiota, and the latter possess much stronger cancer chemopreventive potential. However, while the initiation and progression of colorectal cancer is closely associated with gut inflammation, to date, the effects of compound K on inflammation-linked cancer chemoprevention have not been reported. In the present study, liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry analysis was applied to evaluate the biotransformation of Rb1 in American ginseng by human enteric microflora. The in vitro inhibitory effects of Rb1 and compound K were compared using the HCT-116 and HT-19 human colorectal cancer cell lines by a MTS assay. Cell cycle and cell apoptosis were assayed using flow cytometry. Using ELISA, the anti-inflammatory effects of Rb1 and compound K were compared for their inhibition of interleukin-8 secretion in HT-29 cells, induced by lipopolysaccharide. The results revealed that compound K is the major intestinal microbiome metabolite of Rb1. When compared with Rb1, compound K had significantly stronger anti-proliferative effects in HCT-116 and HT-29 cell lines (P<0.01). Compound K significantly arrested HCT-116 and HT-29 cells in the G1 phase, and induced cell apoptosis (P<0.01). By contrast, Rb1 did not markedly influence the cell cycle or apoptosis. Furthermore, compound K exerted significant anti-inflammatory effects even at low concentrations (P<0.05), while Rb1 did not have any distinct effects. The data obtained from the present study demonstrated that compound K, an intestinal microbiome metabolite of Rb1, may have a potential clinical value in the prevention of inflammatory-associated colorectal cancer.

Ginsenoside-Rb1 targets chemotherapy-resistant ovarian cancer stem cells via simultaneous inhibition of Wnt/β-catenin signaling and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition

Chemoresistance is a major clinical problem compromising the successful treatment of cancer. One exciting approach is the eradication of cancer stem/tumor-initiating cells (jointly CSCs), which account for tumor initiation, progression, and drug resistance. Here we show for the first time, with mechanism-based evidence, that ginsenoside-Rb1, a natural saponin isolated from the rhizome of Panax quinquefolius and notoginseng, exhibits potent cytotoxicity on CSCs. Rb1 and its metabolite compound K could effectively suppress CSC self-renewal without regrowth. Rb1 and compound K treatment also sensitized the CSCs to clinically relevant doses of cisplatin and paclitaxel. These effects were associated with the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway by downregulating β-catenin/T-cell factor-dependent transcription and expression of its target genes ATP-binding cassette G2 and P-glycoprotein. We also identified reversal of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition as a new player in the Rb1 and compound K-mediated inhibition of CSCs. Rb1 and compound K treatment also inhibited the self-renewal of CSCs derived from ovarian carcinoma patients as well as in xenograft tumor model. Moreover, we did not observe toxicity in response to doses of Rb1 and compound K that produced an anti-CSC effect. Therefore, Rb1 should be explored further as a promising nutraceutical prototype of treating refractory tumors.

Identification of the lipid biomarkers from plasma in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis by Lipidomics

Background

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is an irreversible interstitial pulmonary disease featured by high mortality, chronic and progressive course, and poor prognosis with unclear etiology. Currently, more studies have been focusing on identifying biomarkers to predict the progression of IPF, such as genes, proteins, and lipids. Lipids comprise diverse classes of molecules and play a critical role in cellular energy storage, structure, and signaling. The role of lipids in respiratory diseases, including cystic fibrosis, asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has been investigated intensely in the recent years. The human serum lipid profiles in IPF patients however, have not been thoroughly understood and it will be very helpful if there are available molecular biomarkers, which can be used to monitor the disease progression or provide prognostic information for IPF disease.

Methods

In this study, we performed the ultraperformance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-QTOF/MS) to detect the lipid variation and identify biomarker in plasma of IPF patients. The plasma were from 22 IPF patients before received treatment and 18 controls.

Results

A total of 507 individual blood lipid species were determined with lipidomics from the 40 plasma samples including 20 types of fatty acid, 159 types of glycerolipids, 221 types of glycerophospholipids, 47 types of sphingolipids, 46 types of sterol lipids, 7 types of prenol lipids, 3 types of saccharolipids, and 4 types of polyketides. By comparing the variations in the lipid metabolite levels in IPF patients, a total of 62 unique lipids were identified by statistical analysis including 24 kinds of glycerophoslipids, 30 kinds of glycerolipids, 3 kinds of sterol lipids, 4 kinds of sphingolipids and 1 kind of fatty acids. Finally, 6 out of 62 discriminating lipids were selected as the potential biomarkers, which are able to differentiate between IPF disease and controls with ROC analysis.

Conclusions

Our results provided vital information regarding lipid metabolism in IPF patients and more importantly, a few potentially promising biomarkers were firstly identified which may have a predictive role in monitoring and diagnosing IPF disease.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12890-017-0513-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Significant difference in active metabolite levels of ginseng in humans consuming Asian or Western diet: The link with enteric microbiota

After ingestion of ginseng, the bioavailability of its parent compounds is low and enteric microbiota plays an important role in parent compound biotransformation to their metabolites. Diet type can influence the enteric microbiota profile. When human subjects on different diets ingest ginseng, their different gut microbiota profiles may influence the metabolism of ginseng parent compounds. In this study, the effects of different diet type on gut microbiota metabolism of American ginseng saponins were investigated. We recruited six healthy adults who regularly consumed different diet types. These subjects received 7 days' oral American ginseng, and their biological samples were collected for LC-Q-TOF-MS analysis. We observed significant ginsenoside Rb1 (a major parent compound) and compound K (a major active metabolite) level differences in the samples from the subjects consuming different diets. Subjects on an Asian diet had much higher Rb1 levels but much lower compound K levels compared with those on a Western diet. Since compound K possesses much better cancer chemoprevention potential, our data suggested that consumers on a Western diet should obtain better cancer prevention effects with American ginseng intake compared with those on an Asian diet. Ginseng compound levels could be enhanced or reduced via gut microbiota manipulation for clinical utility.

Enhanced Absorption Study of Ginsenoside Compound K (20-O-β-(D-Glucopyranosyl)-20(S)-protopanaxadiol) after Oral Administration of Fermented Red Ginseng Extract (HYFRG™) in Healthy Korean Volunteers and Rats

To evaluate the pharmacokinetics of compound K after oral administration of HYFRG and RG in humans, an open-label, randomized, single-dose, fasting, and one-period pharmacokinetic study was conducted. After oral administration of a single 3 g dose of HYFRG and RG to 24 healthy Korean males, the mean (±SD) of AUC_0–t and C_max of compound K from HYFRG were 1466.83 ± 295.89 ng·h/mL and 254.45 ± 51.20 ng/mL, being 115.2- and 80-fold higher than those for RG (12.73 ± 7.83 ng·h/mL and 3.18 ± 1.70 ng/mL), respectively; in case of Sprague Dawley rats the mean (±SD) of AUC_0–t and C_max of compound K from HYFRG was 58.03 ± 32.53 ng·h/mL and 15.19 ± 10.69 ng/mL, being 6.3- and 6.0-fold higher than those from RG (9.21 ± 7.52 ng·h/mL and 2.55 ± 0.99 ng/mL), respectively. T_max of compound K in humans and rats was 2.54 ± 0.92 and 3.33 ± 0.50 h for HYFRG and 9.11 ± 1.45 and 6.75 ± 3.97 hours for RG, respectively. In conclusion, the administration of HYFRG resulted in a higher and faster absorption of compound K in both humans and rats compared to RG.

Identification of Human UDP-Glucuronosyltransferase 1A4 as the Major Isozyme Responsible for the Glucuronidation of 20(S)-Protopanaxadiol in Human Liver Microsomes

20(S)-protopanaxadiol (PPD), one of the representative aglycones of ginsenosides, has a broad spectrum of pharmacological activities. Although phase I metabolism has been investigated extensively, information regarding phase II metabolism of this compound remains to be elucidated. Here, a glucuronidated metabolite of PPD in human liver microsomes (HLMs) and rat liver microsomes (RLMs) was unambiguously identified as PPD-3-O-β-d-glucuronide by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and high resolution mass spectrometry. The chemical inhibition and recombinant human UDP-Glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) isoforms assay showed that the PPD glucuronidation was mainly catalyzed by UGT1A4 in HLM, whereas UGT1A3 showed weak catalytic activity. In conclusion, PPD-3-O-β-d-glucuronide was first identified as the principal glucuronidation metabolite of PPD in HLMs, which was catalyzed by UGT1A4.

Compound K attenuates stromal cell-derived growth factor 1 (SDF-1)-induced migration of C6 glioma cells

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Stromal cell-derived growth factor 1 (SDF-1), also known as chemokine ligand 12, and chemokine receptor type 4 are involved in cancer cell migration. Compound K (CK), a metabolite of protopanaxadiol-type ginsenoside by gut microbiota, is reported to have therapeutic potential in cancer therapy. However, the inhibitory effect of CK on SDF-1 pathway-induced migration of glioma has not yet been established.

MATERIALS/METHODS

Cytotoxicity of CK in C6 glioma cells was determined using an EZ-Cytox cell viability assay kit. Cell migration was tested using the wound healing and Boyden chamber assay. Phosphorylation levels of protein kinase C (PKC)α and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) were measured by western blot assay, and matrix metallopeptidases (MMP) were measured by gelatin-zymography analysis.

RESULTS

CK significantly reduced the phosphorylation of PKCα and ERK1/2, expression of MMP9 and MMP2, and inhibited the migration of C6 glioma cells under SDF-1-stimulated conditions.

CONCLUSIONS

CK is a cell migration inhibitor that inhibits C6 glioma cell migration by regulating its downstream signaling molecules including PKCα, ERK1/2, and MMPs.

Determination of American ginseng saponins and their metabolites in human plasma, urine and feces samples by liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry

American ginseng is a commonly consumed herbal medicine in the United States and other countries. Ginseng saponins are considered to be its active constituents. We have previously demonstrated in an in vitro experiment that human enteric microbiota metabolize ginseng parent compounds into their metabolites. In this study, we analyzed American ginseng saponins and their metabolites in human plasma, urine and feces samples by liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-Q-TOF-MS). Six healthy male volunteers ingested 1 g of American ginseng twice a day for 7 days. On day 7, biological samples were obtained and pretreated with solid phase extraction. The ginseng constituents and their metabolites were characterized, including 5 ginseng metabolites in plasma, 10 in urine, and 26 in feces. For the plasma, urine and feces samples, the levels of ginsenoside Rb1 (a major parent compound) were 8.6, 56.8 and 57.7 ng/mL, respectively, and the levels of compound K (a major metabolite) were 58.4 ng/mL, 109.8 ng/mL and 10.06 μg/mL, respectively. It suggested that compound K had a remarkably high level in all three samples. Moreover, in human feces, ginsenoside Rk1 and Rg5, Rk3 and Rh4, Rg6 and F4 were detected as the products of dehydration. Further studies are needed to evaluate the pharmacological activities of the identified ginseng metabolites.

Simultaneous determination of loganin, morroniside, catalpol and acteoside in normal and chronic kidney disease rat plasma by UPLC-MS for investigating the pharmacokinetics of Rehmannia glutinosa and Cornus officinalis Sieb drug pair extract

A sensitive and rapid method for determination of loganin, morroniside, catalpol and acteoside in rat plasma after oral administration of Rehmannia glutinosa Libosch and Cornus officinalis Sieb drug pair based on ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS). Chromatographic separation was achieved using an Acquity UPLC BEH C18 column (100mm×2.1mm, 1.7μm) at a flow rate of 0.4mL/min, using gradient mode containing 0.1% formic acid in water and acetonitrile were used as the mobile phase A and B. Loganin, morroniside, catalpol, acteoside and the internal standard (chloramphenicol) were detected by selected reaction monitoring in the negative ion mode with the mass transition of m/z 451.0→179.0 (morroniside), m/z 435.0→227.0 (loganin), m/z 407.1→199.1 (catalpol), m/z 623.2→161.0 (acteoside) and m/z 320.8→151.9 (chloramphenicol), respectively. All calibration curves showed good linearity (r>0.991). The precision was evaluated by intra-day and inter-day assays and the RSD% were all within 9.58%. The recovery ranged from 67.62 to 80.14%. The method was successfully applied to pharmacokinetic study of the analytes in normal and doxorubicin-induced chronic kidney disease rat plasma.

Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis of the Major Constituents in Shexiang Tongxin Dropping Pill by HPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS and UPLC-QqQ-MS/MS

Shexiang Tongxin dropping pill (STP) is a traditional Chinese medicine formula that consists of total saponins of ginseng, synthetic Calculus bovis, bear gall, Venenum bufonis, borneol and Salvia miltiorrhiza. STP has been widely used in China and Southeast Asia for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. In this study, a qualitative analytical method using high performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry was developed for identification of the major constituents in STP. Based on the retention time and MS spectra, 41 components were identified by comparison with reference compounds and literature data. Moreover, using ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with triple-quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry in multiple-reaction monitoring mode, we quantified 13 of the identified constituents (ginsenoside Rg1, ginsenoside Rk3, cinobufagin, arenobufagin, bufalin, resibufogenin, tanshinone IIA, taurine, tauroursodeoxycholic acid, taurocholic acid, cholic acid, deoxycholic acid, and chenodeoxycholic acid). These results suggest that this new approach is applicable for the routine analysis and quality control of STP products and provides fundamental data for further in vivo pharmacokinetical studies.

Ginseng Metabolites on Cancer Chemoprevention: An Angiogenesis Link?

Cancer is a leading cause of death in the United States. Angiogenesis inhibitors have been introduced for the treatment of cancer. Based on the fact that many anticancer agents have been developed from botanical sources, there is a significant untapped resource to be found in natural products. American ginseng is a commonly used herbal medicine in the U.S., which possesses antioxidant properties. After oral ingestion, natural ginseng saponins are biotransformed to their metabolites by the enteric microbiome before being absorbed. The major metabolites, ginsenoside Rg3 and compound K, showed significant potent anticancer activity compared to that of their parent ginsenosides Rb1, Rc, and Rd. In this review, the molecular mechanisms of ginseng metabolites on cancer chemoprevention, especially apoptosis and angiogenic inhibition, are discussed. Ginseng gut microbiome metabolites showed significant anti-angiogenic effects on pulmonary, gastric and ovarian cancers. This review suggests that in addition to the chemopreventive effects of ginseng compounds, as angiogenic inhibitors, ginsenoside metabolites could be used in combination with other cancer chemotherapeutic agents in cancer management.

Commonly Used Dietary Supplements on Coagulation Function during Surgery

BACKGROUND

Patients who undergo surgery appear to use dietary supplements significantly more frequently than the general population. Because they contain pharmacologically active compounds, dietary supplements may affect coagulation and platelet function during the perioperative period through direct effects, pharmacodynamic interactions, and pharmacokinetic interactions. However, in this regard, limited studies have been conducted that address the pharmacological interactions of dietary supplements. To avoid possible bleeding risks during surgery, information of potential complications of dietary supplements during perioperative management is important for physicians.

METHODS

Through a systematic database search of all available years, articles were identified in this review if they included dietary supplements and coagulation/platelet function, while special attention was paid to studies published after 1990.

RESULTS

Safety concerns are reported in commercially available dietary supplements. Effects of the most commonly used natural products on blood coagulation and platelet function are systematically reviewed, including 11 herbal medicines (echinacea, ephedra, garlic, ginger, ginkgo, ginseng, green tea, kava, saw palmetto, St John's wort, and valerian) and 4 other dietary supplements (coenzyme Q₁₀, glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate, fish oil, and vitamins). Bleeding risks of garlic, ginkgo, ginseng, green tea, saw palmetto, St John's wort, and fish oil are reported. Cardiovascular instability was observed with ephedra, ginseng, and kava. Pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic interactions between dietary supplements and drugs used in the perioperative period are discussed.

CONCLUSIONS

To prevent potential problems associated with the use of dietary supplements, physicians should be familiar with the perioperative effects of commonly used dietary supplements. Since the effects of dietary supplements on coagulation and platelet function are difficult to predict, it is prudent to advise their discontinuation before surgery.

Determination of ginsenoside compound K in human plasma by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry of lithium adducts

Ginsenoside compound K (GCK), the main metabolite of protopanaxadiol constituents of Panax ginseng, easily produces alkali metal adduct ions during mass spectrometry particularly with lithium. Accordingly, we have developed a rapid and sensitive liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometric method for analysis of GCK in human plasma based on formation of a lithium adduct. The analyte and paclitaxel (internal standard) were extracted from 50 µL human plasma using methyl tert-butyl ether. Chromatographic separation was performed on a Phenomenex Gemini C18 column (50 mm×2.0 mm; 5 μm) using stepwise gradient elution with acetonitrile–water and 0.2 mmol/L lithium carbonate at a flow rate of 0.5 mL/min. Detection was performed in the positive ion mode using multiple reaction monitoring of the transitions at m/z 629→449 for the GCK-lithium adduct and m/z 860→292 for the adduct of paclitaxel. The assay was linear in the concentration range 1.00–1000 ng/mL (r²>0.9988) with intra- and inter-day precision of ±8.4% and accuracy in the range of −4.8% to 6.5%. Recovery, stability and matrix effects were all satisfactory. The method was successfully applied to a pharmacokinetic study involving administration of a single GCK 50 mg tablet to healthy Chinese volunteers.

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.

Comparative pharmacokinetics of catalpol and acteoside in normal and chronic kidney disease rats after oral administration of Rehmannia glutinosa extract

In this study, a sensitive and robust ultra-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry method with multiple-reaction monitoring mode was developed, validated, and applied to determine pharmacokinetics of catalpol and acteoside in normal and doxorubicin-induced chronic kidney disease rats after oral administration of Rehmannia glutinosa extract. The lower limits of quantification for catalpol and acteoside in rat plasma were 2.62 and 0.61 ng/mL, with a signal-to-noise ratio of ≥10. Precision and accuracy studies showed that catalpol and acteoside plasma concentrations were within the 10% range in all studies. The extraction recoveries of catalpol and acteoside were both >68.24% and the matrix effects ranged from 96.59 to 101.62%. The method was successfully applied to the pharmacokinetic study of catalpol and acteoside after oral administration of RG extract to normal and model rats, respectively. This study might further support the traditional use of RG to treat kidney diseases clinically.

American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) administration does not affect performance of the Roche COBAS Ampliprep/Taqman HIV-1 RNA assay

Background

Previous data indicate that purified components of ginseng can inhibit HIV reverse transcriptase in vitro, suggesting that ginseng components in plasma may interfere with HIV-1 RNA detection assays.

Methods

Pre- and post-dose plasma from three volunteers dosed with 3000 mg American ginseng was spiked with HIV and analyzed by the Roche COBAS Ampliprep/Taqman v2.0 HIV-1 RNA assay.

Results

Presence of American ginseng had no significant effect on measured HIV-1 RNA concentration. Variation within pre- and post-dose plasma pair was insignificant and within assay performance limits.

Conclusion

Plasma from subjects dosed with 3000 mg American ginseng does not interfere with the Roche COBAS Ampliprep/Taqman v2.0 HIV-1 RNA assay. This implies that in vitro inhibition of HIV reverse transcriptase by American ginseng components is unlikely to be clinically relevant.

Bioavailability of ginsenosides from white and red ginsengs in the simulated digestion model

This study aims to investigate the bioavailability of ginsenosides during simulated digestion of white (WG) and red (RG) ginseng powders. Stability, bioaccessibility, and permeability of ginsenosides present in WG and RG were studied in a Caco-2 cell culture model coupled with oral, gastric, and small intestinal simulated digestion. Most ginsenosides in WG and RG were stable (>90%) during the simulated digestion. Bioaccessibilities of total ginsenosides during in vitro digestion of WG and RG were similar at approximately 85%. However, the bioaccessibility of protopanaxatriol type ginsenosides in the early food phase was greater than that of the protopanaxadiol type. The less polar RG ginsenosides were released later following the jejunum phase. Ginsenosides had low permeability (<1 × 10(-6) cm/s) through Caco-2 cell monolayers. These findings suggest that the WG and RG ginsenoside compositions affect bioaccessibility during digestion and that ginsenosides are poorly absorbed in humans.

RECENT ADVANCES IN ULTRA-HIGH PERFORMANCE LIQUID CHROMATOGRAPHY FOR THE ANALYSIS OF TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE

Traditional Chinese medicine has been widely used for the prevention and treatment of various diseases for thousands of years in China. Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) is a relatively new technique offering new possibilities. This paper reviews recent developments in UHPLC in the separation and identification, fingerprinting, quantification, and metabolism of traditional Chinese medicine. Recently, the combination of UHPLC with MS has improved the efficiency of the analysis of these materials.

Compound K-induced apoptosis of human hepatocellular carcinoma MHCC97-H cells in vitro

An intestinal bacterial metabolite of ginseng protopanaxadiol saponin, 20-O-(β-D-glucopyranosyl)-20(S)-protopanaxadiol (compound K), has been reported to induce apoptosis in a variety of cancer cells. However, the precise mechanisms induced by compound K in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells remain unclear. In order to examine possible apoptotic mechanisms, we investigated the anticancer effect of compound K in MHCC97-H. MTT assay showed that compound K inhibited the proliferation of MHCC97-H cells with a relatively low toxicity in normal hepatoma cells. Cell cycle progression and cell staining showed an increase in apoptotic sub-G1 fraction. Treatment of MHCC97-H with compound K also induced a reduction in mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm) and DNA damage. Further study showed that compound K upregulated Fas, FasL, Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and downregulated pro-caspase-9, pro-caspase-3 in a dose-dependent manner, and it also inhibited Akt phosphorylation. These results suggest that compound K significantly inhibits cell proliferation and induces apoptosis in MHCC97-H cells through Fas- and mitochondria-mediated caspase-dependent pathways in human HCC cells.

Tissue distribution and excretion of herbal components after intravenous administration of a Chinese medicine (Shengmai injection) in rat

Shengmai injection, consisting of Panax ginseng, Radix ophiopogonis and Schisandra chinensis, is a widely used Chinese medicine for the treatment of various cardiovascular diseases. In this study, tissue distribution and excretion of its multiple active components including protopanaxatriol-type (Ppt-type) ginsenosides (ginsenoside Rg1, Re, Rf and Rg2), protopanaxadiol-type (Ppd-type) ginsenosides (ginsenoside Rb1, Rd and Rc), ophiopogonin (ophiopogonin D), and lignan (schisandrin, schisandrol B and schizandrin B) in rat after single intravenous administration of Shengmai injection were reported. Ppt-type ginsenosides exhibited quick and wide distribution from blood into tissues and were eliminated rapidly through biliary, urinary and fecal excretions. Ppd-type ginsenosides Rb1, Rd and Rc distributed quickly from blood to all tissues but exhibited slow elimination by biliary and urinary excretions. Ophiopogonin D was excreted into bile with no urinary and fecal excretion, indicating its elimination in the form of secondary metabolites. Schisandrin, schisandrol B and schizandrin B was found to distribute quickly from blood into most tissues and had accumulation in these tissues. Very low biliary, urinary and fecal excretion implied that lignan was mainly excreted in the form of their metabolites. This study produced a first hand in vivo tissue distribution and dynamic profiles of the active components of Shengmai injection, providing valuable information for drug development and clinical application of Shengmai injection.

Research progress of Chinese herbal medicine Radix isatidis (banlangen)

Radix isatidis (R. isatidis) (Banlangen) is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) famous for its broad antiviral activity. Its clinical medical history spans several thousands of years in China. Many scientists and scholars have conducted systematic research on this herb from its pharmacognosy to pharmaceuticals, especially in China. Through our research and literature reports, we inferred that the antiviral activity of R. isatidis mostly depended on the water-soluble part, including amino acids, IRPS, nucleosides, and sulfur-containing alkaloids. By playing a role in directly killing pathogenic viruses or regulating the immune system to enhance anti-virus ability, R. isatidis's biological activities mostly depend on the synergistic effect of its multiple components. This article aims to expand understanding of R. isatidis in the following aspects including medicinal resources, chemical constituents, pharmacological activities, clinical applications, and separation and analytical technologies.

Identification of 20(S)-protopanaxatriol metabolites in rats by ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy

20(S)-Protopanaxatriol (PPT), one of the aglycones of ginsenosides, has been shown to exert cardioprotective effects against myocardial ischemic injury. However, studies on PPT metabolism have rarely been reported. This study is the first to investigate the in vivo metabolism of PPT following oral administration by ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q/TOF-MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The structures of the metabolites were identified based on the characteristics of their MS data, MS(2) data, and chromatographic retention times. A total of 22 metabolites, including 17 phase I and 5 phase II metabolites, were found and tentatively identified by comparing their mass spectrometry profiles with those of PPT. Two new monooxygenation metabolites, (20S,24S)-epoxy-dammarane-3,6,12,25-tetraol and (20S,24R)-epoxy-dammarane-3,6,12,25-tetraol, were chemicallly synthesized and unambiguously characterized according to the NMR spectroscopic data. The metabolic pathways of PPT were proposed accordingly for the first time. Results revealed that oxidation of (1) double bonds at Δ((24,25)) to form 24,25-epoxides, followed by rearrangement to yield 20,24-oxide forms; and (2) vinyl-methyl at C-26/27 to form corresponding carboxylic acid were the predominant metabolic pathways. Phase II metabolic pathways were proven for the first time to consist of glucuronidation and cysteine conjugation. This study provides valuable and new information on the metabolism of PPT, which is indispensable for understanding the safety and efficacy of PPT, as well as its corresponding ginsenosides.

Development and validation of an LC-MS/MS method for determination of compound K in human plasma and clinical application

A rapid, sensitive and selective analytical method was developed and validated for the determination of compound K, a major intestinal bacterial metabolite of ginsenosides in human plasma. Liquid-liquid extraction was used for sample preparation and analysis, followed by liquid chromatography tandem spectrometric analysis and an electrospray-ionization interface. Compound K was analyzed on a Phenomenex Luna C18 column (100×2.00 mm, 3 μm) with the mobile phase run isocratically with 10 mM ammonium acetate-methanol-acetonitrile (5:47.5:47.5, v/v/v) at a flow rate of 0.5 mL/min. The method was validated for accuracy (relative error <12.63%), precision (coefficient of variation <9.14%), linearity, and recovery. The assay was linear over the entire range of calibration standards i.e., a concentration range of 1 ng/mL to 1,000 ng/ mL (r² >0.9968). The recoveries of compound K after liquid-liquid extraction at 1, 2, 400, and 800 ng/mL were 106.00±0.08%, 103.50±0.19%, 111.45±5.21%, and 89.62±34.46% for intra-day and 85.40±0.08%, 94.50±0.09%, 112.50±5.21%, and 95.87±34.46% for inter-day, respectively. The lower limit of quantification of the analytical method of compound K was 1 ng/ mL in human plasma. The developed method was successfully applied to a pharmacokinetic study of compound K after oral administration in ten of healthy human subjects.

UHPLC-MS Simultaneous Determination and Pharmacokinetic Study of Three Aromatic Acids and One Monoterpene in Rat Plasma after Oral Administration of Shaofu Zhuyu Decoction

We developed a sensitive and rapid method for determination of ferulic acid, caffeic acid, vanillic acid, and paeoniflorin in rat plasma based on ultra high performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC–MS/MS). The separation of the four compounds was carried out on an AcQuity UHPLC™ BEH C18 column using a mobile phase consisting of acetonitrile and water (containing 0.1% formic acid). Electrospray ionization in positive and negative ion mode and multiple reaction monitoring was used to identify and quantify active components. All calibration curves gave good linearity (r > 0.991) over the concentration range from 4.24–2875 ngmL-1 for all components. The precision of the in vivo study was evaluated by intraday and interday assays and the percentages of RSD were all within 10.6%. The recovery ranged from 60.2 to 77.9%. The method was successfully applied to pharmacokinetic study of all three aromatic acids and one monoterpene in rat plasma. Furthermore, we compared the pharmacokinetics profile of the four compounds in normal and primary dysmenorrhea rats' plasma following oral administration of Shaofu Zhuyu decoction (SFZYD) and its ethanol supernatant extract (SFE).

Compound K, a final intestinal metabolite of ginsenosides, enhances insulin secretion in MIN6 pancreatic β-cells by upregulation of GLUT2

Compound K (CK) is a final intestinal metabolite of protopanaxadiol-type ginsenosides from Panax ginseng and shows various bioactivities. Although it has also been found to have the property of anti-diabetes, the long-term effect of CK on insulin secretion in β-cells is still unclear. In this study, CK was prepared from ginsenoside Rd by snailase hydrolysis and its effect on the insulin secretion activity in MIN6 pancreatic β-cell lines in vitro was assessed. The expression of glucose transporter isoform-2 (GLUT2) and the cellular ATP content were also examined by western blot and HPLC analysis, respectively. The results showed that CK significantly enhanced insulin secretion, increased cellular ATP content, and upregulated the expression of GLUT2. These findings indicate that CK exerts prominent stimulatory effects on insulin secretion in the MIN6 cells partly via upregulating the expression of GLUT2.