Simultaneous Qualitative and Quantitative Analyses of the Major Constituents in the Rhizome of Ligusticum Chuanxiong Using HPLC-DAD-MS

Research Advances in Cardio-Cerebrovascular Diseases of Ligusticum chuanxiong Hort

Cardio-cerebrovascular diseases (CVDs) are a serious threat to human health and account for 31% of global mortality. Ligusticum chuanxiong Hort. (CX) is derived from umbellifer plants. Its rhizome, leaves, and fibrous roots are similar in composition but have different contents. It has been used in Japanese, Korean, and other traditional medicine for over 2000 years. Currently, it is mostly cultivated and has high safety and low side effects. Due to the lack of a systematic summary of the efficacy of CX in the treatment of CVDs, this article describes the material basis, molecular mechanism, and clinical efficacy of CX, as well as its combined application in the treatment of CVDs, and has been summarized from the perspective of safety. In particular, the pharmacological effect of CX in the treatment of CVDs is highlighted from the point of view of its mechanism, and the complex mechanism network has been determined to improve the understanding of CX's multi-link and multi-target therapeutic effects, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and endothelial cells. This article offers a new and modern perspective on the impact of CX on CVDs.

A strategy for intelligent chemical profiling-guided precise quantitation of multi-components in traditional Chinese medicine formulae-QiangHuoShengShi decoction

Due to the tremendous clinical value, more and more Traditional Chinese Medicines (TCMs) and their formulae are attracted by world's attention. QiangHuoShengShi (QHSS) decoction is one of classic TCM formulae, which is clinically used for treating various rheumatic diseases. However, the phytochemical constituents of QHSS have rarely been reported. A simple, intelligent, and comprehensive strategy was developed to characterize the phytochemical-fingerprint and quantify the chemical-markers for precise quality evaluation of QHSS. Firstly, a new deep-learning assisted mass defect filter (MDF) method was built for rapid and accurate classification of mass spectrum (MS) ions acquired by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time of flight tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-TOF/MS). Subsequently, herb species-specific chemical-category and characteristic identification were used for further characterization of multi-components. As the result, seven major types of compounds in QHSS were intelligently differentiated and 183 phytochemical compounds were tentatively identified. Finally, a sensitive scheduled multiple reaction monitoring (sMRM) detection method was applied to precisely quantify 37 target analytes in QHSS decoction. This integrated strategy would provide an alternative method for chemical-material basis study of more herbal medicine or natural products.

Multi-Index Quantitative Evaluation of Angelicae sinesis Radix Based on 1H-qNMR

BACKGROUND

As known to us, HPLC method was often used to determine the contents of Angelicae sinesis Radix. In view of the shortcomings of HPLC method, qNMR has prominent advantages in determining the contents of bioactive components in the quantitative and qualitative analysis of Angelicae sinesis Radix.

OBJECTIVE

In this study, a quick, simple, and accurate method was established to determine the components of ferulic acid, coniferyl ferulate, and ligustilide in Angelicae sinesis Radix.

METHOD

Using dimethyl sulfoxide-d6(DMSO-d6) as the test solvent and pyrazine as the internal standard substance, 1H-qNMR measurement was performed on a 600 MHz spectrometer. The quantitative resonance peaks of pyrazine, ferulic acid, ligustilide, and coniferyl ferulate were at δ8.66 ppm, δ6.35-6.37 ppm, δ5.53-5.55 ppm, and δ6.50-6.53 ppm, respectively.

RESULTS

The linear relationship, limit of detection, limit of quantification, precision, stability, and recovery were verified and the results were good. On the other hand, it was verified by HPLC, and the HPLC used for verification passed the methodological investigation of linearity, precision, repeatability, stability, and recovery, and the results were good. In addition, no significant difference in results was found between the 1H-qNMR and HPLC-UV methods in determining the content of three components in three batches of Angelicae sinesis Radix.

CONCLUSIONS

The method can be used for simultaneous determination of three active components, and providing a scientific basis for the overall quality evaluation and quality control of Angelicae sinesis Radix.

HIGHTLIGHTS

In this study, 1H-qNMR was used to determine ferulic acid, coniferyl ferulate and ligustilide in Angelicae Sinensis Radix for the first time.

Quality transitivity of Danhong Huayu Koufuye: A study on chemical profiles of medicinal herbs, compound preparation and dosed rat plasma using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry

Danhong Huayu Koufuye (DHK), an effective Chinese medicine preparation, is mainly used for the treatment of blurred vision and sudden blindness caused by qi stagnation and blood stasis, as well as the absorption period of central retinal vein occlusion. However, the current quality standard is relatively low, only stipulating the content of protocatechualdehyde. Chemical transitivity is the basis for discovering quality markers and is used in quality process control of Chinese medicines. Herein, the chemical profiles of seven medicinal herbs, DHK and dosed rat plasma were comprehensively analyzed using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry. As a result, 134 chemical constituents were identified in seven medicinal herbs, including salvianolic acids, diterpene quinones, phenolic acids, phthalides, cyanogenic glycosides, flavonoids and triterpenoid saponins. Among them, 55 chemical constituents were transferred to DHK along with extraction and preparation, and 26 were further absorbed into blood and metabolized to produce 11 metabolites after oral administration. The transitivity of DHK from medicinal herbs to compound preparation and into blood was analyzed for the first time. This article will be valuable to ascertain the quality markers for quality process control and further pharmacokinetic studies.

Hyphenated chromatography detection and compound-target-disease investigation on herb-pair Chuanxiong Rhizoma - Xiangfu Rhizoma

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY RELEVANCE

The combination of Chuanxiong Rhizoma (Ligusticum chuanxiong Hort., umbelliferae) with Xiangfu Rhizoma (the rhizoma of Cyperus rotundus L., Cyperaceae), is deemed as CR-XR herb-pair (Yaodui) in China. Their compatible mechanism needs a further research using modern analytical techniques and bioinformatic tool.

METHODS

Head Space- Solid Phase Micro Extraction coupled with Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometer detection (HS-SPME-GC/MS) and Liquid Chromatography coupled to quadrupole Time of Flight - Mass Spectrometry (LC-qTOF-MS) were applied in an accurate identification of the absorbed phytochemicals in mice serum; Their potential targets were available after compound-protein interaction (CPI) prediction and molecular docking verification; Then the corresponding disease types, as well as the relevant Traditional Chinese Medicine (Zhongyi) syndromes (Zheng), were matched from databases and references.

RESULTS

Resolution from hyphenated chromatographic datasets, thirty-eight phytochemicals were detected in serum samples from mice. Seventy potential target proteins were thereby found through a bioinformatic calculation, which mainly focused on circulatory, endocrine and nervous diseases in Western medicine, also related with Qizhi and Xueyu Zheng from the perspective of Zhongyi. Part of the relationships among compound-Target-Disease have been confirmed by literatures. These virtual data were sketched out as 'The active Compound - potential Target' network, 'Target - Disease' network and 'Target - Zhongyi Disease' network, in which the network topology was used to analyze them.

CONCLUSIONS

Our work successfully explained the compatible mechanism of CR-XR Yaodui, which exert 'multi-components, multi targets' in treating Qizhi and Xueyu Zheng.

Volatile component interaction effects on compatibility of Cyperi Rhizoma and Angelicae Sinensis Radix or Chuanxiong Rhizoma by UPLC-MS/MS and response surface analysis

Cyperi Rhizoma (Xiangfu) combined with either Angelicae Sinensis Radix (Danggui) or Chuanxiong Rhizoma (Chuanxiong) are herb pairs that are commonly used in clinical settings. To illustrate the herb-herb interactions that occur when extracts from these herbs are obtained together, ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with triple quadrupole electrospray tandem mass spectrometry and response surface analysis were used. Volatile components, α-cyperone, nootkatone, ligustilide, senkyunolide A and senkyunolide I, were accurately identified with high precision. When Xiangfu was combined with Danggui at a 1:1 ratio, or with Chuanxiong at a 1:1 or 2:1 ratio, the dissolution rates of α-cyperone and nootkatone from the herbs were greatly increased, compared to those obtained from Xiangfu extract alone. The dissolution rates of ligustilide, senkyunolide A and senkyunolide I from Danggui or Chuanxiong changed proportionally to changes in the ratios of Xiangfu with either Danggui or Chuanxiong. Response surface analysis results presented polynomial regression equations between the dissolution of tested compounds and the corresponding input variables, including compatibility proportions and solvent dosage. Based on the predicted results from response surface analysis, a combination of Xiangfu with Chuanxiong at a ratio of near 1:1, or with Danggui at 1:2, resulted in the maximum dissolution of five volatile components. Our established method could be applied to herb-herb interaction research, and the results may provide a scientific basis for the development of Cyperi Rhizoma-Chuanxiong Rhizoma, or Cyperi Rhizoma-Angelicae Sinensis Radix-based formulas and products.

Screening potential mitochondria-targeting compounds from traditional Chinese medicines using a mitochondria-based centrifugal ultrafiltration/liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry method

Mitochondria regulate numerous crucial cell processes, including energy production, apoptotic cell death, oxidative stress, calcium homeostasis and lipid metabolism. Here, we applied an efficient mitochondria-based centrifugal ultrafiltration/liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS) method, also known as screening method for mitochondria-targeted bioactive constituents (SM-MBC). This method allowed searching natural mitochondria-targeting compounds from traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs), including Puerariae Radix (PR) and Chuanxiong Radix (CR). A total of 23 active compounds were successfully discovered from the two TCMs extracts. Among these 23 hit compounds, 17 were identified by LC/MS, 12 of which were novel mitochondria-targeting compounds. Among these, 6 active compounds were analyzed in vitro for pharmacological tests and found able to affect mitochondrial functions. We also investigated the effects of the hit compounds on HepG2 cell proliferation and on loss of cardiomyocyte viability induced by hypoxia/reoxygenation injury. The results obtained are useful for in-depth understanding of mechanisms underlying TCMs therapeutic effects at mitochondria level and for developing novel potential drugs using TCMs as lead compounds. Finally, we showed that SM-MBC was an efficient protocol for the rapid screening of mitochondria-targeting constituents from complex samples such as PR and CR extracts.

A systematic review on the rhizome of Ligusticum chuanxiong Hort. (Chuanxiong)

Chuanxiong Rhizome (called Chuanxiong, CX in Chinese), the dried rhizome of Ligusticum chuanxiong Hort, is an extremely common traditional edible-medicinal herb. As a widely used ethnomedicine in Asia including China, Japan and Korea, CX possesses ideal therapeutic effect on cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, and is also used as a major ingredient in soups for regular consumption to benefit health. Based on the traditional perception, amounts of investigations on different aspects have been done for CX in the past decades. However, no literature systematic review about these achievements have been compiled. Herein, the aim of this review is to present the up-to-date information on the ethnobotany, ethnopharmacological uses, phytochemicals, pharmacological activities, toxicology of this plant to identify their therapeutic potential and directs future research opportunities. So far, about 174 compounds has been isolated and identified from CX, in which phthalides and alkaloids would be the main bioactive ingredients for its pharmacological properties, such as anti-cerebral ischemia, anti-myocardial ischemia, blood vessel protection, anti-thrombotic, anti-hypertensive, anti-atherosclerosis, anti-spasmodic, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-oxidant, and anti-asthma effects. Even so, due to the incomplete standardized planting, unstable herbal quality, and outdated preparation techniques, the industrial progress of CX is still less developed.

The variation in the major constituents of the dried rhizome of Ligusticum chuanxiong (Chuanxiong) after herbal processing

Background

Rhizoma Chuanxiong (RC; Chuanxiong), which is the dried rhizome of Ligusticum chuanxiong (Umbelliferae), is commonly used in Chinese medicine (CM) for improving blood circulation and dispersing blood stasis. RC is usually processed before use in clinical practice to enhance its therapeutic efficacy. This study aimed to investigate the temporal variations of the major constituents of RC by HPLC-DAD-MS during herbal processing to investigate the effects of an adjuvant (e.g., wine), steaming vs stir-frying and the optimal processing time.

Methods

An HPLC-DAD-MS method was developed to determine the major constituents of the RC processed by one of the four processing methods, i.e., stir-frying, steaming, stir-frying with rice wine and steaming with rice wine. Processing was conducted over 60 min. Six major compounds, namely ferulic acid, senkyunolide I, senkyunolide H, senkyunolide A, Z-ligustilide and levistolide A, were selected as markers to analyze the effects on the markers’ levels of the different processing methods and optimize the processing time.

Results

The results indicated that (a) processing with wine had no discernible impact on the amounts of the six chemical markers in RC; (b) the amounts of the major constituents of RC subjected to steam processing were higher than those of the RC subjected to stir-fry processing.

Conclusion

Among the four different methods evaluated for RC processing, steaming was better and the optimal time for steaming RC was 40 min.

Novel phthalide derivatives from the rhizomes of Ligusticum chuanxiong and their inhibitory effect against lipopolysaccharide-induced nitric oxide production in RAW 264.7 macrophage cells

Five new phthalide derivatives, including one with a new skeleton and one unusual phthalide dimer, were isolated from the rhizomes of Ligusticum chuanxiong.

The anti-inflammatory activities of ethanol extract from Dan-Lou prescription in vivo and in vitro

Background

Although, Dan-Lou prescription (DLP) is used for antagonizing check discomfort and heartache, the pharmacological mechanism has not been clearly illustrated. Our present study aimed to design inflammatory models induced by LPS in vivo and in vitro to investigate the anti-inflammation of DLP ethanol extract (EEDL) and the potential mechanisms.

Methods

EEDL was prepared and then analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Further, the anti-inflammatory effects of EEDL in vivo was evaluated by measuring inflammation-associated factors includingcytokines, chemokines and acute phase proteins in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced mice serum and liver. The anti-inflammatory mechanism exploration of EEDL was performed in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Different effects of EEDL on nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin (PG)E₂ secretion were investigated by Griess reagent method and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) respectively. Then the mRNA and protein expression of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 were measured by real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), ELISA and Western blot. Other chemokines and acute phase proteins were determined by proteome profile array. Finally, the ELISA based transcription factor assay was applied to measure the DNA-binding activity of nuclear transcription factor (NF)-κB p65.

Results

Eight compounds from EEDL have been identified as gallic acid, salvianic acid, puerarin, daidzin, paeoniflorin, salvianolic acid B, cryptotanshinone, and tanshinone IIA, with amounts of 0.26, 9.84, 10.41, 2.55, 9.44, 3.82, 0.24 and 0.3 mg/kg, respectively. In vivo, EEDL administration antagonized the up-regulation of more than 17 kinds of cytokines, chemokines and acute phase proteins in LPS-treated mice serum, and inhibited LPS-induced IL-6 mRNA and protein expression in mice liver tissue. In vitro, LPS-induced NO and PGE₂ over-productions were decreased by EEDL treatment. The mRNA and protein expression of iNOS, COX-2 and IL-6 were similarly inhibited by EEDL treatment, which might be attributed to decrease the DNA-binding activity of NF-κB p65.

Conclusion

EEDL was valid for anti-inflammation and the potential molecular mechanisms might be due to the inhibition of of LPS-induced iNOS/NO, COX-2/PGE₂ and cytokines expression by antagonizing the activation of NF-κB p65.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12906-015-0848-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Fingerprint analysis of processed Rhizoma Chuanxiong by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode array detection

Background

Rhizoma Chuanxiong (RC) is the dried rhizome of Ligusticum chuanxiong Hort., and various types of processed Rhizoma Chuanxiong (PRC) are widely used in China. However, quality assurance and quality control of these processed medicines remain challenging. This study aims to investigate the chemical compositions of various PRC preparations by a high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled with diode array detection (DAD) method.

Methods

A HPLC-DAD method with validation was developed for PRC samples. Seven batches of plant samples from two processing methods, stir-frying and steaming, were analyzed by the HPLC-DAD method. Common peaks in PRC chromatograms were chosen to calculate their relative retention time (RRT) and relative peak area (RPA), and similarity analyses of the chromatographic fingerprints were conducted by Similarity Evaluation System for Chromatographic Fingerprint of Traditional Chinese Medicine software (Version 2004 A).

Results

In the 24-h stability test, the relative standard deviation for the RRT and RPA was less than 0.07% and 2.57%, respectively. The precision was less than 0.08% for the RRT and 2.48% for the RPA. The repeatability for the RRT and RPA was less than 0.03% and 2.64%, respectively. The similarities between the seven PRC batches were range from 0.956 to 0.990. After stir-frying or steaming, the amount of ferulic acid in PRC was much higher than that in the raw material.

Conclusions

The fingerprint analysis of PRC by different processing methods was feasible by HPLC-DAD.

Chemical Profiling of an Antimigraine Herbal Preparation, Tianshu Capsule, Based on the Combination of HPLC, LC-DAD-MS (n) , and LC-DAD-ESI-IT-TOF/MS Analyses

Chemical profiling is always the first task in the standardization and modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine. HPLC and LC-MS were employed to find out the common chromatographic peaks in various batches of Tianshu Capsule (TSC) and the contribution of the characteristic peaks from individual herbs to the whole chromatographic profile of TSC sample. A total of 38 constituents were identified in TSC sample based on the comparison of retention time and UV spectra with authentic compounds as well as by summarized MS fragmentation rules and matching of empirical molecular formula with those of published components. This is the first systematic report on the chemical profiling of the commercial TSC product, which provides the sufficiently chemical evidence for the global quality evaluation of TSC products.

Optimization of high-pressure ultrasonic-assisted simultaneous extraction of six major constituents from Ligusticum chuanxiong rhizome using response surface methodology

High-pressure ultrasound-assisted extraction technology was applied to extract ferulic acid, senkyunolide I, senkyunolide H, senkyunolide A, ligustilide and levistolide A from Ligusticum chuanxiong rhizomes. Seven independent variables, including solvent type, pressure, particle size, liquid-to-solid ratio, extraction temperature, ultrasound power, and extraction time were examined. Response Surface Methodology (RSM) using a Central Composite Design (CCD) was employed to optimize the experimental conditions (extraction temperature, ultrasonic power, and extraction time) on the basis of the results of single factor tests for the extraction of these six major components in L. chuanxiong rhizomes. The experimental data were fitted to a second-order polynomial equation using multiple regression analysis and were also examined using appropriate statistical methods. The best extraction conditions were as follows: extraction solvent: 40% ethanol; pressure: 10 MPa; particle size: 80 mesh; liquid-to-solid ratio: 100:1; extraction temperature: 70 °C; ultrasonic power, 180 W; and extraction time, 74 min.

Chemical fingerprinting and quantitative constituent analysis of Siwu decoction categorized formulae by UPLC-QTOF/MS/MS and HPLC-DAD

BACKGROUND

Siwu decoction categorized formulae (SWDCF) are widely used for treating gynecological diseases. This study aims to elucidate the differences of bioactive constituents in SWDCF by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC - QTOF - MS /MS) and HPLC-DAD.

METHODS

An efficient method based on UPLC - QTOF - MS /MS was developed for identifying the chemical profiles of SWDCF. HPLC-DAD method was used for quantifying seven chemical markers in SWDCF.

RESULTS

Eighty four components were identified or characterized, including ten organic acids, thirty glycosides (monoterpene or iridoid or phenylpropanoids glycosides), fourteen lactones, eighteen flavonoids, and eleven alkaloids in the complex system. The datasets of tR-m/z pairs, ion intensities and sample codes were processed with supervised orthogonal partial least squared discriminant analysis to compare these decoction samples. After a clear classification was established, OPLS-DA was performed and 16 common components with relative quantity in SWDCF samples were determined. Gallic acid, protocatechuic acid, vanillic acid, caffeic acid, paeoniflorin, ferulic acid, and senkyunolide I were selected as the chemical markers to identify SWDCF by HPLC-DAD.

CONCLUSION

The chemical profiles with 84 components in SWDCF, including monoterpene glycosides, acetophenones, galloyl glucoses, even some isomers in the complex system were characterized by UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS.

Qualitative and quantitative analysis of the major constituents in Chinese medicinal preparation Dan-Lou tablet by ultra high performance liquid chromatography/diode-array detector/quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry

A rapid ultra high performance liquid chromatography/diode-array detector/quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-DAD-QTOF) method and a ultra high performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode-array detector (UPLC-DAD) method were developed for qualitative and quantitative analyses of the major chemical constituents in Dan-Lou tablet. Sixty-eight compounds including flavonoids, phenolic acids, tanshinones, protostane triterpenoids, lactones, and paeoniflorins were unambiguously or tentatively identified by comparing their retention times and accurate mass measurement in 40min with references or literature data. Among them, 19 compounds: gallic acid, danshensu, 5-hydroxymethyl-2-furaldehyde, 3'-hydroxy puerarin, puerarin, 3'-methoxy puerarin, mirificin, daidzin, paeoniflorin, calycosin-7-O-β-D-glucoside, naringin, genistin, rosmarinic acid, salvianolic acid B, salvianolic acid A, formononetin, calycosin, cryptotanshinone and tanshinone IIA were further quantified in 30min as marker substances. It was found that the calibration curves for all analytes showed good linearity (R(2)>0.9997) within the test ranges. The overall limits of detection (LODs) and limits of quantification (LOQs) were 0.0073-0.34μg/mL and 0.022-1.04μg/mL, respectively. The relative standard deviations (RSDs) for intra- and inter-day precisions were below 1.90% and 2.85%, respectively. The results of repeatability were less than 2.74%. The sample was stable for at least 48h. The mean recovery rates ranged from 95.5% to 105% with the relative standard deviations (RSDs) less than 2.96%. The results showed that the developed quantitative method was linear, sensitive, and precise for quality control of Dan-Lou tablet.

Advances in the chemical analysis and biological activities of chuanxiong

Chuanxiong Rhizoma (Chuan-Xiong, CX), the dried rhizome of Ligusticum chuanxiong Hort. (Umbelliferae), is one of the most popular plant medicines in the World. Modern research indicates that organic acids, phthalides, alkaloids, polysaccharides, ceramides and cerebrosides are main components responsible for the bioactivities and properties of CX. Because of its complex constituents, multidisciplinary techniques are needed to validate the analytical methods that support CX's use worldwide. In the past two decades, rapid development of technology has advanced many aspects of CX research. The aim of this review is to illustrate the recent advances in the chemical analysis and biological activities of CX, and to highlight new applications and challenges. Emphasis is placed on recent trends and emerging techniques.

Structural characterization and identification of major constituents in Jitai tablets by high-performance liquid chromatography/diode-array detection coupled with electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry

In the present study a universally applicable HPLC-DAD/ESI-MS/MS method was developed for carrying out the comprehensive characterization of Jitai tablets (JTT). Based on the ESI-MS(n) fragmentation patterns of the reference standards, a total of 101 components were identified or tentatively characterized by comparing their retention times, UV and MS spectra with those of reference standards or through the matching of empirical information with those of published components in the in-house library. The characteristic fragmentation pattern of alkaloids, phenolic acids, tanshinones, flavonoid glycosides, cyanogenic glycosides, ginsenosides, 2-(2-phenylethyl) chromones, phthalides and gingerol-related compounds were tentatively elucidated using structurally-relevant product ions. It was observed that neutral losses of C(9)H(10)O(3) and C(9)H(8)O(2) were the characteristic product ions of scopola alkaloids. Neutral fragment mandelonitrile was the characteristic ion of cyanogenic glycosides. To our knowledge, tropylium ion and C(4)H(2)O unit were the characteristic ions of 2-(2-phenylethyl) chromone, which resulted from the Retro-Diels-Alder (RDA) cleavage of the C ring. The results indicated that the developed analysis method could be employed as a rapid, effective technique for structural characterization of chemical constituents in TCM. This work is expected to provide comprehensive information for the quality evaluation and pharmacokinetic studies of JTT.

(1)H and DOSY NMR spectroscopy analysis of Ligusticum porteri rhizome extracts

The presence of dimeric phthalides and other constituents in extracts of the vegetal species Ligusticum porteri was established by NMR spectroscopy. In comparative qualitative (1)H NMR analyses of acetone extracts of rhizomes from fresh and dried L. porteri samples, we found that the dimeric phthalides tokinolide B (3), diligustilide (4) and riligustilide (5) were naturally produced by the plant and not post-harvest products. We also obtained DOSY (1)H NMR data that provided both virtual separation and structural information for the phthalides present in a dry acetone extract of L. porteri. In addition, we developed a protocol for the quantification of dimeric phthalides, which is performed by calculating the relative ratio of the peak area of selected proton signals for some compounds with respect to the known signal of the internal standard, 4-dimethylaminopyridine. The protocol allows the rapid and direct quantification of dimeric phthalides and others constituents in fresh L. porteri rhizomes.

Roles of paeoniflorin and senkyunolide I in SiWu decoction on antiplatelet and anticoagulation activities

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is a complex system, which consists of numerous compounds with related mechanisms to maximize therapeutic efficacy with minimal adverse effects. Some new methods disclosing the contribution of these constituents as well as their relationship in the formula are necessary for elucidating the bio-active constituents and the working mechanisms of TCM. In this study, depletion of target components using preparative HPLC followed by antiplatelet and anticoagulation activities evaluation was first applied to investigate the roles of paeoniflorin and senkyunolide I in a well-known formula, SiWu decoction. The results showed that both paeoniflorin and senkyunolide I not only directly brought about some bio-activities, but also indirectly made the contribution to the total bio-activity reflection of SiWu decoction, especially the latter should deserve to be drawn attention to the research of complicated bio-active constituents of TCM or its formula. So, the significant and effective approach will be very useful for the elucidation of the contribution of each different chemical constituent to the bio-activity of a TCM formula. Furthermore, this study demonstrated the potential utilization of preparative HPLC in the research of TCM.

Identification and comparative quantification of bio-active phthalides in essential oils from si-wu-tang, fo-shou-san, radix angelica and rhizoma chuanxiong

Phthalides are important bio-active constituents in Si-Wu-Tang and Fo-Shou-San, two commonly used Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) combined prescriptions mainly derived from Radix Angelica and Rhizoma Chuanxiong. In this paper, the contents of eight phthalides, including Z-ligustilide, E-ligustilide, Z-butylenephthalide, E-butylene-phthalide, 3-butylphthalide, neocnidilide and senkyunolide A were determined or estimated by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The results showed GC-MS was a simple, rapid, and high sensitive method for analyzing phthalides in Si-Wu-Tang, Fo-Shou-San, Radix Angelica and Rhizoma Chuanxiong, and the extractable contents of each phthalides including Z-ligustilide, E-ligustilide, Z-butylenephthalide, etc. varied after Radix Angelica, Rhizoma Chuanxiong were combined into a formulation, such as Si-Wu-Tang and Fo-Shou-San. Furthermore, inhibition activity of essential oils from Si-Wu-Tang, Fo-Shou-San, Radix Angelica and Rhizoma Chuanxiong on uterine contraction was tested in an in vitro assay, and the results showed that the activity of the essential oil is higher as the content of the phthalides increase, which demonstrated that phthalides are possibly main active components inhibiting mice uterine contraction in vitro. All of the results suggested that comparative analysis of chemical components and pharmacological activities of each herb and formula is possibly helpful to elucidate the active components in traditional Chinese medicine, and to reveal the compatibility mechanism of TCM formulae.

Identification and determination of the major constituents in Traditional Chinese Medicinal formula Danggui-Shaoyao-San by HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS/MS

Danggui-Shaoyao-San (DSS), a famous traditional Chinese medicine formula consisting of six herbal medicines (Paeonia lactiflora, Angelica sinensis, Ligusticum chuanxiong, Poria cocos, Atractylodis macrocephalae and Rhizoma Alismatis), has been used as a classical gynecological remedy in China for centuries. However, its active substances have remained unknown. In this paper, an HPLC/DAD/ESI-MS/MS method was developed for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of the major constituents in DSS. The ESI-MS/MS fragmentation behavior of the reference compounds was proposed for aiding the structural identification of components in DSS extract. Forty-one compounds including monoterpene glycosides, phenolic acids, phathalides, sesquiterpenoids and triterpenes were identified or tentatively characterized by comparing their retention times, UV and MS spectra with those of authentic compounds or literature data, and 14 of them (gallic acid, albiflorin, paeoniflorin, ferulic acid, benzoic acid, senkyunolide I, coniferyl ferulate, senkyunolide A, 3-butylphthalide, Z-ligustilide, Z-butylidenephthalide, atractylcnolide II, atractylcnolide I and levistolide A) were determined by HPLC-DAD using a C18 column and gradient elution of acetonitrile/water-formic acid (100:0.1, v/v). The linearity, precision, accuracy, LOD and LOQ were validated for the quantification method, which proved sensitive, accurate and reproducible. The study might provide a basis for the quality control of DSS extracts and preparations.

Simultaneous determination of five main active constituents of Erigeron multiradiatus by HPLC-DAD-MS

An HPLC-DAD-MS method was developed for simultaneous determination of the five major active constituents in Erigeron multiradiatus (Wall.) Benth, namely 6'-O-cafferylerigeroside (1), scutellarin (2), apigenin-7-O-beta-d-glucuronide (3), apigenin (4) and kaempferol (5), respectively. They were identified by ESI-MS and comparisons with literature. A comprehensive validation of the method included tests of sensitivity, linearity, precision and accuracy. The linear regressions were acquired with r>0.999. The precision was evaluated by intra- and inter-day assays, and relative standard deviation (R.S.D.) values were reported within 2.7%. The recovery studies for the quantified compounds were observed in the range of 95.3-102.4% with R.S.D. values less than 2.3%. The overall procedure may be suitable for the qualitative and quantitative analyses of a large number of E. multiradiatus samples. Hierarchical clustering analysis based on the characteristics of the 5 investigated compound peaks in HPLC profiles showed that 18 samples were divided into 2 main clusters. The clusters corresponded to their content. The five constituents in E. multiradiatus are generally regarded as an index for the quality assessment of this herb.

Identification of the Major Constituents in Shi-Quan-Da-Bu Decoction by HPLC-ESI-MS/MS

An HPLC/DAD/ESI/MS method was established for the qualitative analysis of the major constituents in Shi-Quan-Da-Bu decoction, a traditional Chinese medicinal formula. Based on the chromatographic separation of most of the constituents of Shi-Quan-Da-Bu decoction on a Zorbax SB-C18 column with water-acetonitrile as the mobile phase, more than 150 components were detected by LC-MS. Among them, 36 major components, including flavonoids, triterpenoid saponins, iridoid glycosides, phathalides and phenylpropionic acids were either identified or tentatively characterized. Twenty one compounds were identified by ESI-MS and comparison of their retention times with those of reference standards. The other 15 compounds were deduced according to their MS and UV spectra and retention behaviors by comparing the results with those reported in the literature. Most of these compounds were derived mainly from Paeonia lactiflora, Glycyrrhiza uralensis, Panax ginseng, Ligusticum chuanxiong, Angelica sinensis and Astragalus membranaceus.

A new procedure for the preparative separation and isolation of Z-ligustilide from the roots of Angelica sinensis

A new procedure for the separation and isolation of Z-ligustilide from the roots of Angelica sinensis (AS) was developed, and the storage conditions for Z-ligustilide were optimized. Using the present procedure, Z-ligustilide was enriched by decomposing the Z-ligustilide dimers yielding Z-ligustilide and dissolving the polar impurities in hot water. Then, the crude Z-ligustilide was further purified by a semipreparative HPLC system. The spiked and nonspiked samples were used for the evaluation of the proposed procedure. Recoveries obtained varied from 86.2 to 90.7% and RSDs from 4.0 to 6.6%. The yield and purity of the isolated Z-ligustilide were found to be 4.57 mg/g and 99.6%, respectively. The results of stability tests have shown that the presence of oxidant contributes to Z-ligustilide degradation, therefore argon was chosen as a shielding gas for storage. The overall procedure is efficient and convenient which is considered suitable for the preparative separation of Z-ligustilide from AS.

Application of microscopy in authentication of traditional Tibetan medicinal plantHalenia elliptica

Halenia elliptica D. Don, a popularly used ethnodrug from Qinghai-Tibetan plateau, was studied to reveal the indispensable morphoanatomic details. The fixed, sectioned, and stained plant materials as well as the epidermis, powder, and maceration materials were studied using light microscope according to the usual microscopic techniques. The results of the microscopic features were systematic described and illustrated. In the root, an endodermal cell was divided into 8-16-22 and 38-50-62 daughter cells in transverse section and in face view, respectively, and 9-11-13 phloem strands were present in primary structure; in the stem, stone cells were observed in the cortex, pericycle, and external phloem while 17-19-21 internal phloem strands were present in an incontinuous ring; in the pedicel, 8-10-12 internal phloem strands were observed to form an incontinuous ring; anisocytic and anomocytic stomata were present in leaf and sepal epidermis; pollen grain was with three germinal apertures and furrows; a few tracheids, a large number of spiral vessels, and various fibers were observed. Also, semiquantitative and quantitative micrographic parameter tables were simultaneously presented. Further, the key authentication parameters were concluded. The study indicated that light microscopy and related techniques could be unambiguously applied to the authentication of Halenia elliptica.