Integrated assessment of medicinal rhubarb by combination of delayed luminescence and HPLC fingerprint with emphasized on bioactivities based quality control

Exploration of biophoton characteristics of fresh Isatis indigotica fort leaves under salt and drought stresses and the feasibility analysis for the quality prediction of Isatidis Folium

Introduction

Isatidis Folium, derived from the dried leaves of Isatis indigotica Fort, has been used for centuries as a traditional Chinese herb with antibacterial and antiviral properties. However, both the cultivation conditions and the growth status of Isatis indigotica Fort have been negatively affected by climatic and environmental degradation, which has made it challenging to accurately assess the quality of Isatidis Folium. The current quality control system for Isatidis Folium lacks precision and comprehensive identification indices, and importantly, the cultivation process has not been integrated into this system.

Methods

In this study, we proposed a novel method to distinguish between different stress subtypes in Isatis indigotica Fort based on biophoton emission and attempted to explore the potential relationship between the biophoton characteristics of fresh Isatis indigotica Fort leaves and the quality of Isatidis Folium. The delayed luminescence (DL) and spontaneous photon emission (SPE) characteristics of fresh Isatis indigotica Fort leaves under different stress conditions were detected using a biophoton detection system. An attempt was made to differentiate samples subjected to various stress treatments using biophoton characteristic parameters. Additionally, the content of active ingredients was determined by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography, and the inhibitory activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus was evaluated to identify the quality of Isatidis Folium. Several physiological indicators of fresh Isatis indigotica Fort leaves, including the photosynthetic pigment content, relative electrical conductivity, and reactive oxygen species production rate were also determined.

Result

The differences in physiological indices, active ingredient content, and inhibitory activity indicated that the stress conditions significantly inhibited the growth status of Isatis indigotica Fort leaves and the herbal quality. Meanwhile, biophoton characteristic parameters were obtained that could accurately and efficiently distinguish fresh Isatis indigotica Fort leaves between different stress subtypes: initial intensity of DL and counts per second of SPE. Both characteristic parameters were highly correlated with the physiological indicators and quality of Isatidis Folium.

Discussion

This study has preliminarily demonstrated the feasibility of utilizing biophoton detection technology for the quality evaluation of Isatidis Folium during cultivation for the first time and provided an improved method for distinguishing samples of various qualities.

Rhei Radix et Rhizoma and its anthraquinone derivatives: Potential candidates for pancreatitis treatment

BACKGROUND

Pancreatitis is a common exocrine inflammatory disease of the pancreas and lacks specific medication currently. Rhei Radix et Rhizoma (RR) and its anthraquinone derivatives (AQs) have been successively reported for their pharmacological effects and molecular mechanisms in experimental and clinical pancreatitis. However, an overview of the anti-pancreatitis potential of RR and its AQs is limited.

PURPOSE

To summarize and analyze the pharmacological effects of RR and its AQs on pancreatitis and the underlying mechanisms, and discuss their drug-like properties and future perspectives.

METHODS

The articles related to RR and its AQs were collected from the Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang data, PubMed, and the Web of Science using relevant keywords from the study's inception until April first, 2024. Studies involving RR or its AQs in cell or animal pancreatitis models as well as structure-activity relationship, pharmacokinetics, toxicology, and clinical trials were included.

RESULTS

Most experimental studies are based on severe acute pancreatitis rat models and a few on chronic pancreatitis. Several bioactive anthraquinone derivatives of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma (RRAQs) exert local protective effects on the pancreas by maintaining pancreatic acinar cell homeostasis, inhibiting inflammatory signaling, and anti-fibrosis, and they improve systemic organ function by alleviating intestinal and lung injury. Pharmacokinetic and toxicity studies have revealed the low bioavailability and wide distribution of RRAQs, as well as hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity. However, there is insufficient research on the clinical application of RRAQs in pancreatitis. Furthermore, we propose effective strategies for subsequent improvement in terms of balancing effectiveness and safety.

CONCLUSION

RRAQs can be developed as either candidate drugs or novel lead structures for pancreatitis treatment. The comprehensive review of RR and its AQs provides references for optimizing drugs, developing therapies, and conducting future studies on pancreatitis.

Synergistic Inhibiting Effect of Phytochemicals in Rheum palmatum on Tyrosinase Based on Metabolomics and Isobologram Analyses

Tyrosinase (TYR) plays a key role in the enzymatic reaction that is responsible for a range of unwanted discoloration effects, such as food browning and skin hyperpigmentation. TYR inhibitors could, therefore, be candidates for skin care products that aim to repair pigmentation problems. In this study, we used a metabolomics approach combined with the isobologram analysis to identify anti-TYR compounds within natural resources, and evaluate their possible synergism with each other. Rheum palmatum was determined to be a model plant for observing the effect, of which seven extracts with diverse phytochemicals were prepared by way of pressurized solvent extraction. Each Rheum palmatum extract (RPE) was profiled using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and its activity of tyrosinase inhibition was evaluated. According to the orthogonal partial least square analysis used to correlate phytochemicals in RPE with the corresponding activity, the goodness of fit of the model (R₂ = 0.838) and its predictive ability (Q₂ = 0.711) were high. Gallic acid and catechin were identified as the active compounds most relevant to the anti-TYR effect of RPE. Subsequently, the activity of gallic acid and catechin were evaluated individually, and when combined in various ratios by using isobologram analysis. The results showed that gallic acid and catechin in the molar ratios of 9:5 and 9:1 exhibited a synergistic inhibition on TYR, with a combination index lower than 0.77, suggesting that certain combinations of these compounds may prove effective for use in cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and food industries.

Comparative study of the Rheum tanguticum's chemical contents based on spatial distribution characteristics

Rheum tanguticum (R. tanguticum) has been widely used for the treatment of inflammatory diseases in clinical. However, limited research exist on the quality evaluation of various R. tanguticum locations, which has certain drawbacks. In this study, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) were used to comparative study on the chemical contents of R. tanguticum, to clarify the relationship between the chemical contents and the spatial distribution of R. tanguticum. First of all, the FTIR spectra of 18 batches of R. tanguticum were examined. Following the cluster analysis, the FTIR spectra of various production locations differed. To some extent, establishing the double index analysis sequence of common and variation peaks may differentiate distinct production locations of medicinal materials. The HPLC fingerprint of R. tanguticum was constructed to further explore the link between components and their origin. PCA of common peaks of 18 batches of R. tanguticum indicated that R. tanguticum grown in Gannan and Qinghai had a tendency to separate t[2], however this trend was not noticeable. Then, OPLS-DA model was established, and the key differential components of R. tanguticum produced in Gannan and Qinghai were discovered to be R16, R37, R46, and R47 (Aloe emodin) (VIP ≥ 1 and P < 0.05). At last, Pearson's test was used to examine the relationship between longitude, latitude, altitude, and composition. Longitude was significantly positively correlated with R28 and R30 (P < 0.05), and a very significantly positively correlated with R35, R36, R37, R46, and R47 (P < 0.01). Latitude was significantly negatively correlated with R34, R35, and R40 (P < 0.05), and extremely significantly negatively correlated with R28, R30, R36, R37, R46, and R47 (P < 0.01). Altitude was significantly positive correlation with R36 and R37 (P < 0.01). The results of our study can provide insights into R. tanguticum quality control and aid in establishing a natural medication traceability system.

The Importance of Cow-Individual Effects and Diet, Ambient Temperature, and Horn Status on Delayed Luminescence of Milk from Brown Swiss Dairy Cows

To investigate the importance of cow-individual effects and the importance of horn status (horned vs. disbudded), of diet (hay with and without concentrates), and of ambient temperature (10 °C vs. 25 °C) on delayed luminescence (DL) parameters of milk samples, fluorescence excitation spectroscopic (FES) measurements were performed on a total of n = 152 milk samples from 20 cows of a cross-over experiment. Cow-individual variation was investigated in relation to the horn status, diet effects were evaluated by cow in relation to sampling effects, and regression analysis was used to evaluate the importance of the experimental factors on the variation of emission parameters. Variation of short-term emission after yellow excitation (530 to 800 nm) was predominantly related to the individual cow (disbudded cows tended to higher values), and was partly affected by feeding, with higher emission for concentrate-added diets. Short-term emission after white excitation (260 to 850 nm) was most related to ambient temperature, with higher values at warm temperature. Higher emission was observed also in aged (stored) samples or after delayed cooling. The emission after yellow showed to be more robust to handling and ageing of the milk than the emission after white; possible relations to digestive processes of the cow (including the microbiome) are warranted.

The Potential Use of Herbal Fingerprints by Means of HPLC and TLC for Characterization and Identification of Herbal Extracts and the Distinction of Latvian Native Medicinal Plants

The growing market of herbal medicines, the increase in international trade in Latvia, and the lack of adequate analytical methods have raised the question of the potential use of herbal fingerprinting methods. In this study, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and thin layer chromatography (TLC) methods were developed for obtaining chromatographic fingerprints of four taxonomically and evolutionary different medicinal plants (Hibiscus sabdariffa L., Calendula officinalis L., Matricaria recutita L., Achillea millefolium L.). Retention time shifting, principal component analysis (PCA), hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA), and orthogonal projections to latent structures (OPLS) analysis were used to improve and analyze the obtained fingerprints. HPLC data detection at 270 nm was determined superior to 360 nm for the distinction of medicinal plants and used data alignment method significantly increased similarity between samples. Analyzed medicinal plant extracts formed separate, compact clusters in PCA, and the results of HCA correlated with the evolutionary relationships of the analyzed medicinal plants. Herbal fingerprinting using chromatographic analysis coupled with multivariate analysis has a great potential for the identification of medicinal plants as well as for the distinction of Latvian native medicinal plants.

Key quality factors for Chinese herbal medicines entering the EU market

Chinese herbal medicines (CHMs) have unique advantages in the prevention and treatment of diseases, which are widely recognized in the world. More and more CHMs are becoming increasingly popular in the international markets. However, the quality control of CHMs is a significant issue for their acceptance and recognition in the international market. This review mainly focuses on the quality requirements for CHMs to enter the European Union (EU) market. Both Chinese and European regulations and quality controls are compared. Firstly, the EU medicinal regulatory system and relevant regulations were reviewed. Secondly, the key factors of the quality control of CHMs, including Chinese herbal drugs, extracts and products were compared with those of European herbal medicines in the EU market. Subsequently, three main registration routes for herbal medicinal products including Chinese herbal medicinal products entering the EU were introduced. Furthermore, the legal status of traditional Chinese medicine granules in the EU was also discussed. Through the comparison of the key quality factors for CHMs in China and the EU, the similarities and differences in terms of quality requirements and regulations are addressed, which provides a reference for the development of CHMs into the EU market.

Targeting intestinal flora and its metabolism to explore the laxative effects of rhubarb

Rhubarb, a traditional herb, has been used in clinical practice for hundreds of years to cure constipation, but its mechanism is still not clear enough. Currently, growing evidence suggests that intestinal flora might be a potential target for the treatment of constipation. Thus, the aim of this study was to clarify the laxative effect of rhubarb via systematically analyzing the metagenome and metabolome of the gut microbiota. In this study, the laxative effects of rhubarb were investigated by loperamide-induced constipation in rats. The gut microbiota was determined by high-throughput sequencing of 16S rRNA gene. Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry was used for fecal metabolomics analysis. The data showed that rhubarb could significantly shorten gastrointestinal transit time, increase fecal water content and defecation frequency, improve gastrointestinal hormone disruption, and protect the colon mucus layer. Analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequencing indicated that rhubarb could improve the disorder of intestinal microbiota in constipated rats. For example, beneficial bacteria such as Ligilactobacillus, Limosilalactobacillus, and Prevotellaceae UCG-001 were remarkably increased, and pathogens such as Escherichia-Shigella were significantly decreased after rhubarb treatment. Additionally, the fecal metabolic profiles of constipated rats were improved by rhubarb. After rhubarb treatment, metabolites such as chenodeoxycholic acid, cholic acid, prostaglandin F2α, and α-linolenic acid were markedly increased in constipation rats; in contrast, the metabolites such as lithocholic acid, calcidiol, and 10-hydroxystearic acid were notably reduced in constipation rats. Moreover, correlation analysis indicated a close relationship between intestinal flora, fecal metabolites, and biochemical indices associated with constipation. In conclusion, the amelioration of rhubarb in constipation might modulate the intestinal microflora and its metabolism. Moreover, the application of fecal metabolomics could provide a new strategy to uncover the mechanism of herbal medicines.Key points• Rhubarb could significantly improve gut microbiota disorder in constipation rats.• Rhubarb could markedly modulate the fecal metabolite profile of constipated rats.

Q-marker Prediction Analysis of Rhubarb in Fengyin Decoction Based on Fingerprint and Network Pharmacology

Fengyin Decoction (FYD) is a traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of epilepsy and wind paralysis. However, the potential antiepileptic active component in rhubarb (which is the most effective Chinese medicine in FYD) has not been defined. In this study, we analyzed and predicted the potential quality marker (Q-marker) of rhubarb in FYD based on fingerprint and network pharmacology. The fingerprints of FYD and rhubarb were established to analyze the transmission law of active components. Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) was used to study quantitatively the active components obtained by different extraction methods of FYD. Combined with network pharmacological analysis, a “components-targets-pathways” network was constructed to predict the potential Q-marker. Eight peaks were identified by FYD fingerprint: aloe-emodin, rhein, emodin, chrysophanol, physcion, cinnamaldehyde, 6-gingerol, and glycyrrhizic acid ammonium salt. The determination of the 8 active components in FYD with different extraction methods suggested that rhubarb anthraquinone may be a potential antiepileptic active component. Twelve core components, 19 targets, and 21 pathways of rhubarb were screened by network pharmacology, which further demonstrated that rhubarb played a role mainly through these components, targets, and pathways. We preliminarily predicted that compounds such as rhubarb anthraquinones were a potential Q-marker. The UPLC fingerprint and the content determination method of the 8 components established in this study were effective and feasible. The findings in this study may provide a reference for further study of quality control of FYD and lay a theoretical foundation for the study of its action mechanism. In addition, our study may provide a novel idea for the study of the Q-marker of other classical compound traditional Chinese medicines.

Analysis of historical changes in traditional Chinese medicine based on an Indonesian collection of Chinese materia medica from c. 1870

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Traditional Chinese Medicine is subject to changes over time: product names, botanical ingredients, processing methods and uses have varied throughout the course of history. Historic collections of Chinese materia medica (CMM) are of great value for research on the evolvement, development and variability of Chinese herbal medicine over time. These changes may have a significant influence on the safety and efficiency of nowadays' clinical practice. Here we investigate a historic collection of Chinese medicinal products purchased in Indonesia in c. 1870, containing about 395 specimens.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study compares the specimens contained in late 19th century collection of CMM with contemporary marketed materials by investigating changes in vernacular names, botanical identity and processing methods which are important aspects for safety and clinical practice today.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The contents and associated documentation of the CMM collection of Dr. C.H.A. Westhoff (University Museum Utrecht) were revised by means of morphological identification and study of the associated historic documentation. We compared this Westhoff collection with contemporary CMM, information from literature and various quality standards, including the official Chinese pharmacopoeia.

RESULTS

The Westhoff collection represents a unique, well preserved collection of Chinese materia medica, with original uniform bottles, Chinese labels and a partly intact handwritten catalogue. Among the 395 specimens (bottles) of CMM surveyed, there are 387 contain a single component drug, while eight contain multiple components drugs. A total of 293 of the 395 specimens are mentioned in the modern Chinese pharmacopoeia. Ca. 25% of the specimens had been processed, such as stir-fried with or without adjuvants. Our analysis of local Chinese names, botanical content and processing methods indicate that this collection originates from southern part of China, possibly including in the region of Taiwan and was meant as a showcase for pharmaceutical education and/or as curiosity object.

CONCLUSION

Differences in vernacular names, plant parts and processing methods between the Westhoff collection and the current Chinese pharmacopoeia illustrate the regional variety of CMM and changes in CMM in the course of time. This work contributes to the understanding of the evolvement of CMM from a historic perspective.

Quality evaluation of rhubarb based on qualitative analysis of the HPLC fingerprint and UFLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS combined with quantitative analysis of eight anthraquinone glycosides by QAMS

Rhubarb is one of the most ancient and important herbal medicines, but its current quality evaluation (QE) methods have some limitations. In this study, a new method was developed for the comprehensive QE of rhubarb. First, fingerprints of 28 batches of three species of rhubarb samples were determined by HPLC, the reference fingerprint was established and the common peaks were assigned. Second, the components of common peaks in the fingerprints were identified by ultrafast liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Finally, a method for the simultaneous determination of the contents of eight anthraquinone glycosides in rhubarb using quantitative analysis of multiple components by a single marker (QAMS) was established, and the contents of these eight components in 28 batches of rhubarb determined by QAMS and the external standard method were compared. The results showed that there were 31 common peaks in the rhubarb fingerprint. The components of these 31 common peaks were identified, and 20 of them were unambiguously confirmed by reference substances, including eight anthraquinone glycosides. The contents of eight anthraquinone glycosides in the 28 batches of rhubarb determined by QAMS and the external standard method were not significantly different. In conclusion, the method established in this study can be used for the comprehensive QE of rhubarb and can also provide a reference for the QE of other herbal medicines.