Qualitative and quantitative analysis of Rhizoma Smilacis glabrae by ultra high performance liquid chromatography coupled with LTQ OrbitrapXL hybrid mass spectrometry

Comprehensive Phytochemical Profile of Leaves, Stems and Fruits from Orthopterygium huaucui (A. Gray) Hemsl. and their Antioxidant Activities

Orthopterygium huaucui, commonly known as "Pate", is a medicinal shrub belonging to the Anacardiaceae family used locally to treat burns and stomach pains. Endemic to Peru, chemical studies on O. huaucui are limited. In this study, Ultra-High Performance Liquid Chromatography Quadrupole/Orbitrap Electrospray Ionization Tandem Mass Spectrometry (UHPLC Q/Orbitrap/ESI/MS/MS) was used to identify secondary metabolites in leaves, stems and fruits, and the antioxidant capacities of the different parts were compared. In addition, several compounds such as methyl gallate, gallic acid, kaempferol, quercetin, and quercetin 3-O-β-glucuronide were successfully isolated from the methanolic extract of the leaves of this species for the first time. Untargeted UHPLC Q/Orbitrap/ESI/MS/MS analysis tentatively identified seventy-six compounds in the different parts of the plant, showing that this species as an interesting source of flavonoids, procyanidins and tannins. The phenolic content in leaves and stems was 334.31±4.34 and 295.18±6.38 gallic acid equivalents/100 g dry plant, respectively, while that of fruits was lower (99.92±5.45 mg/100 g). Leaves had twice the flavonoid content than fruits (210.38±3.85 versus 87.42±3.85 quercetin equivalents/100 g). 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) results indicated high antioxidant activity in all parts, with stems and leaves showing IC50 of 12.8 μg/mL, and fruits showing less activity (IC50=38.6 μg/mL). The Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) test showed higher antioxidant values in the stems (467.82±21.17 μmol Trolox equivalents/100 g). This study provides valuable information on the chemistry of O. huaucui and highlights its antioxidant potential, especially in leaves and stems.

HPLC-HESI-MS/MS Analysis of Phenolic Compounds from Cynoglossum tubiflorus Leaf Extracts: An Assessment of Their Cytotoxic, Antioxidant, and Antibacterial Properties

The current study aimed to investigate the chemical composition, antioxidant, antibacterial, and cytotoxic properties of three extracts (hexane, dichloromethane, and methanol) from Cynoglossum tubiflorus. The composition of the methanolic extract was elucidated using HPLC-HESI-MS/MS analysis. The antioxidant effect was examined using NO, DPPH, FRAP, and TAC assays. Antimicrobial activity was evaluated by broth microdilution using various bacterial strains such as S. aureus, S. epidermidis, P. aeruginosa, E. coli, and K. pneumoniae. Structural disruptions in Gram-positive bacteria were visualized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Cytotoxic effects were evaluated on human MRC-5 in culture according to the MTT assay. The outcomes suggest that methanol extract contained a high amount of phenolic compounds (254.35 ± 0.360 mg GAE/g DE and 211.59 ± 0.939 mg QE/g DE). By applying the HPLC-HESI-MS/MS analysis, 32 compounds were identified, including phenolic acids, flavonoids, lignans, and fatty acids. This extract showed strong antioxidant (IC50 = 0.043 ± 0.001 mg/mL) and antimicrobial (MIC = 156 µg/mL) activities. The SEM suggests that cells exhibited membrane distortions characterized by surface depressions and alterations in bacterial shape, including dents, when compared to untreated cells. The in vitro cytotoxicity effect on human MRC-5 cells showed no toxicity effects at a concentration of 600 µg/mL. In silico analysis predicted low toxicity for all tested compounds across four different administration routes. This research indicates that this plant could be explored as a powerful source of natural drugs to target pathogens, with applications in the food, pharmaceutical, and medical industries.

A comprehensive quality control evaluation for standard decoction of Smilax glabra Roxb based on HPLC-MS-UV/CAD methods combined with chemometrics analysis and network pharmacology

An effective, sensitive, and rapid method was developed for the quality control evaluation of the standard decoction of Smilax glabra Roxb (SGR). SGR is a primary ingredient of the traditional functional foods of turtle jelly and SGR tea. Chemometrics, Network Pharmacology, and molecular docking were used to screen for six quality markers. Multiple extraction parameters were optimized. HPLC-UV/CAD-QAMS was used to rapidly quantify the six quality markers (neoastilbin, astilbin, neoisoastilbin, isoastilbin, quercitrin, and isoengeletin) in 10 batches of the standard decoction of SGR samples. The relative correction factor (RCF) values of the five compounds were close to 1, demonstrating that the charged aerosol detection (CAD) showed a consistent response to compounds with similar parent nucleus structures. This method can serve as a guide for rapid quantitative analysis of the multi-components of the SGR standard decoction and all the traditional functional foods of turtle jelly with the homology of medicine.

Characterization and anti-aging effects of Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Miller extracts in a D-galactose-induced skin aging model

Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Miller (OFI), belonging to the family Cactaceae, is widely cultivated not only for its delicious fruits but also for its health-promoting effects, which enhance the role of OFI as a potential functional food. In this study, the in vitro collagenase and elastase enzyme inhibitory effects of extracts from different parts of OFI were evaluated. The most promising extracts were formulated as creams at two concentrations (3 and 5%) to investigate their effects on a D-galactose (D-gal)-induced skin-aging mouse model. The ethanolic extracts of the peel and cladodes exhibited the highest enzyme inhibitory effects. Cream made from the extract of OFI peel (OP) (5%) and cream from OFI cladodes extract (OC) (5%) significantly decreased the macroscopic aging of skin scores. Only a higher concentration (5%) of OC showed the normalization of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) skin levels and achieved significant improvements as compared to the vitamin E group. Both OC and OP (5%) showed complete restoration of the normal skin structure and nearly normal collagen fibres upon histopathological examination. The Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography High Resolution Mass Spectrometry (UHPLC-ESI-TOF-MS) metabolite profiles revealed the presence of organic acids, phenolic acids, flavonoids, betalains, and fatty acids. Flavonoids were the predominant phytochemical class (23 and 22 compounds), followed by phenolic acids (14 and 17 compounds) in the ethanolic extracts from the peel and cladodes, respectively. The anti-skin-aging effects could be attributed to the synergism of different phytochemicals in both extracts. From these findings, the OFI peel and cladodes as agro-waste products are good candidates for anti-skin-aging phytocosmetics.

Influence of different pretreatments and drying methods on the chemical compositions and bioactivities of Smilacis Glabrae Rhizoma

Background

The processing of medicinal plant materials is one of the important factors influencing the components and biological activities of TCMs. Smilax glabra Roxb. is an herbal vine widely distributed in China, and its dried rhizome (Smilacis Glabrae Rhizoma, SGR) is often used in traditional medicines and functional foods. The processing methods of fresh cutting for SGR slices have been included in ancient Chinese herbal works, some local standards of TCMs, and the current Chinese Pharmacopoeia. Nevertheless, to date, the scientific basis for the processing of fresh medicinal materials for SGR slices has not been revealed.

Methods

To optimize the processing method for preparing SGR slices from the fresh rhizomes, the chemical compositions of the un-pretreated and pretreated (boiling, steaming) samples before and after drying (sun-drying, shade-drying, oven-drying), and the contents of astilbin isomers in dried SGR were analyzed by UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS and UHPLC-DAD methods, respectively. Then, the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, xanthine oxidase and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities of the prepared SGR slices were investigated by biological assays.

Results

A total of fifty-two compounds were identified from the un-pretreated and pretreated samples and a total of forty-nine compounds were identified from the subsequently dried samples. After pretreated by boiling and steaming, the contents of neoastilbin, neoisoastilbin, and isoastilbin in the prepared samples all increased. As a quality marker of SGR, the content of astilbin was unchanged or decreased slightly compared with that in the un-pretreated samples. During the drying process, the contents of the four astilbin stereoisomers in the un-pretreated samples increased significantly, while those in the pretreated samples had a slight increase or decrease. The effects of different processing methods were sorted according to the bioactivities of the prepared SGR. As a result, SGR slices prepared with no pretreatment followed by a sun-drying process have a higher astilbin content, better bioactivities and more energy savings, representing the optimum processing method for SGR slices.

Conclusions

This study reveals the scientific basis for the processing of fresh medicinal materials for SGR slices. The results provide scientific information for the quality control of SGR and its rational applications in herbal medicines and functional foods.

Graphical abstract

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13020-022-00614-7.

Integrated Strategy From In Vitro, In Situ, In Vivo to In Silico for Predicting Active Constituents and Exploring Molecular Mechanisms of Tongfengding Capsule for Treating Gout by Inhibiting Inflammatory Responses

The study of screening active constituents from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is important for explicating the mechanism of action of TCM and further evaluating the safety and efficacy effectively. However, detecting and identifying the active constituents from complicated biological samples still remain a challenge. Here, a practical, quick, and novel integrated strategy from in vitro, in situ, in vivo to in silico for rapidly screening the active constituents was developed. Firstly, the chemical profile of TCM in vitro was identified using UPLC-Q Exactive-Orbitrap HRMS. Secondly, the in situ intestinal perfusion with venous sampling (IPVS) method was used to investigate the intestinal absorption components. Thirdly, after intragastric administration of the TCM extract, the in vivo absorbed prototype components were detected and identified. Finally, the target network pharmacology approach was applied to explore the potential targets and possible mechanisms of the absorbed components from TCM. The reliability and availability of this approach was demonstrated using Tongfengding capsule (TFDC) as an example of herbal medicine. A total of 141 compounds were detected and identified in TFDC, and among them, 64 components were absorbed into the plasma. Then, a total of 35 absorbed bioactive components and 50 related targets shared commonly by compounds and gout were integrated via target network pharmacology analysis. Ultimately, the effects of the absorbed components on metabolism pathways were verified by experiments. These results demonstrated that this original method may provide a practical tool for screening bioactive compounds from TCM treating particular diseases. Furthermore, it also can clarify the potential mechanism of action of TCM and rationalize the application of TFDC as an effective herbal therapy for gout.

Cruciasides C-G, monoterpenoid glycosides from Cruciata articulata

Cruciata articulata (L.) Ehrend. is a herbaceous species distributed in parts of Western Asia and the Mediterranean region. While research on other species in the Cruciata genus has revealed the presence of a range of flavonoids and terpenoids, few such studies have been conducted on C. articulata. Thus, in the current study, a phytochemical investigation of C. articulata was carried out. Molecular networking identified a large cluster of compounds sharing distinctive MS-MS fragmentation patterns that were targeted for isolation, leading to the isolation of five undescribed monoterpenoid glycosides, cruciasides C-G, along with two known monoterpenoid glycosides. The structures of these compounds were elucidated by using chemical and spectroscopic analyses, including 1D and 2D NMR, and MS-MS fragmentation. Structures for the ions observed in the MS-MS were proposed, and based on these fragmentation patterns, structures for several of the minor components observed in the molecular network were also proposed. All isolated compounds were tested for cytotoxic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and α-glucosidase inhibitory properties, but did not display any activity.

Taxifolin and Sorghum Ethanol Extract Protect against Hepatic Insulin Resistance via the miR-195/IRS1/PI3K/AKT and AMPK Signalling Pathways

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of taxifolin and sorghum ethanol extract on free fatty acid (FFA)-induced hepatic insulin resistance. FFA treatment decreased glucose uptake by 16.2% compared with that in the control, whereas taxifolin and sorghum ethanol extract increased the glucose uptake. Additionally, taxifolin and sorghum ethanol extract increased the expression of p-PI3K, p-IRS1, p-AKT, p-AMPK, and p-ACC in FFA-induced hepatocytes. Furthermore, FFA treatment increased the expression of miR-195. However, compared with the FFA treatment, treatment with taxifolin and sorghum ethanol extract decreased miR-195 expression in a dose-dependent manner. Taxifolin and sorghum ethanol extract enhanced p-IRS1, p-PI3K, p-AMPK, p-AKT, and p-ACC expression by suppressing miR-195 levels in miR-195 mimic- or inhibitor-transfected cells. These results indicate that taxifolin and sorghum ethanol extract attenuate insulin resistance by regulating miR-195 expression, which suggests that taxifolin and sorghum ethanol extract may be useful antidiabetic agents.

Polyphenolic Compounds of Crataegus Berry, Leaf, and Flower Extracts Affect Viability and Invasive Potential of Human Glioblastoma Cells

Crataegus contains numerous health-promoting compounds that are also proposed to have anti-cancer properties. Herein, we aimed at a contemporaneous evaluation of the effects of polyphenol-rich extracts of berries, leaves, and flowers of six Crataegus species on the viability and invasive potential on the highly aggressive human glioblastoma U87MG cell line. The treatment with the extracts evoked cytotoxic effects, with the strongest in the berry extracts. All extracts not only promoted the apoptosis-related cleavage of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1) but also substantially inhibited the activity of pro-survival kinases, focal adhesion kinase (FAK), and protein kinase B (PKB; also known as Akt), thus indicating the suppression of proliferative and invasive potentials of the examined glioblastoma cells. The qualitative and quantitative characterization of the extracts’ content was also performed and revealed that amongst 37 polyphenolic compounds identified in the examined Crataegus extracts, the majority (29) was detected in berries; the leaf and flower extracts, exerting milder cytotoxic effects, contained only 14 and 13 compounds, respectively. The highest polyphenol content was found in the berries of C. laevigata x rhipidophylla x monogyna, in which flavan-3-ols and phenolic acids predominated. Our results demonstrated that a high content of polyphenolic compounds correlated with the extract cytotoxicity, and especially berries were a valuable source of compounds with anti-cancer potential. This might be a promising option for the development of an effective therapeutic strategy against highly malignant glioblastomas in the future.

Understanding sweetness of dry wines: First evidence of astilbin isomers in red wines and quantitation in a one-century range of vintages

Astilbin (2R, 3R) was recently reported to contribute to wine sweetness. As its aglycon contains two stereogenic centers, three other stereoisomers may be present: neoisoastilbin (2S, 3R), isoastilbin (2R, 3S), and neoastilbin (2S, 3S). This work aimed at assaying their presence for the first time in wines as well as their taste properties. The isomers were synthesized from astilbin and purified by semi-preparative HPLC. With the four stereoisomers, a sweet taste was perceived whose intensity varied with the configuration. Their content was assayed by developing a UHPLC-Q-Exactive method. The method was applied to screen astilbin and isomers in various wines, especially in different vintages from the same estate. While young wines contained higher concentrations of astilbin than the old ones, the concentrations of the other isomers, mainly neoastilbin, were higher in the old wines, suggesting their formation over time.

Identification of flavonoids in Hymenaea martiana Hayne (Fabaceae) by HPLC-DAD-MSn analysis

Hymenaea martiana is a native tree known in Brazil as 'jatobá' and used in folk medicine to treat pain and inflammation. The aim of this work was to identify the flavonoids present in the crude ethanolic extract and ethyl acetate fraction using HPLC-DAD and LC-MSⁿ analysis. The ethanolic extract was partitioned to obtain the ethyl acetate fraction. The analysis of astilbin content also was carried out by HPLC analysis. HPLC-DAD-ESI/MSⁿ analysis of the ethanolic extract and ethyl acetate fraction revealed the presence of eleven peaks in the chromatograms, and all these peaks were identified: taxifolin, eucryphin, astilbin and 3 diastereoisomers, engeletin and 2 diastereoisomers, quercitrin and 2,6,3',4'-tetrahydroxy-2-benzylcoumaran-3-one. The ethyl acetate fraction had a higher astilbin concentration (151.87 µg/mL) than the ethanolic extract (40.13 µg/mL). In conclusion, the species could be considered a good source of flavonoids, which can be related to the main chemotaxonomic markers for the genus Hymenaea.

Novel applications of mass spectrometry-based metabolomics in herbal medicines and its active ingredients: Current evidence

Current evidence shows that herbal medicines could be beneficial for the treatment of various diseases. However, the complexities present in chemical compositions of herbal medicines are currently an obstacle for the progression of herbal medicines, which involve unclear bioactive compounds, mechanisms of action, undetermined targets for therapy, non-specific features for drug metabolism, etc. To overcome those issues, metabolomics can be a great to improve and understand herbal medicines from the small-molecule metabolism level. Metabolomics could solve scientific difficulties with herbal medicines from a metabolic perspective, and promote drug discovery and development. In recent years, mass spectrometry-based metabolomics was widely applied for the analysis of herbal constituents in vivo and in vitro. In this review, we highlight the value of mass spectrometry-based metabolomics and metabolism to address the complexity of herbal medicines in systems pharmacology, and to enhance their biomedical value in biomedicine, to shed light on the aid that mass spectrometry-based metabolomics can offer to the investigation of its active ingredients, especially, to link phytochemical analysis with the assessment of pharmacological effect and therapeutic potential. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Mass Spec Rev.

Protective effects of Rhizoma smilacis glabrae extracts on potassium oxonate- and monosodium urate-induced hyperuricemia and gout in mice

BACKGROUND

Rhizoma smilacis glabrae (RSG, tufuling) has been widely used in traditional Chinese medicine for deoxidation, dampness relief, and easing joint movement. The chemical composition of RSG has been systematically confirmed, and some of its compounds have been revealed to possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, hypouricemic, and hepatoprotective effects.

PURPOSE

We aimed to clarify whether a RSG extract attenuates hyperuricemia, paw edema, and renal injury in mice with potassium oxonate (PO)- and monosodium urate (MSU)-induced chronic hyperuricemia and gout.

METHODS

RSG water extract was obtained and analyzed by HPLC-DAD-MS/MS. To establish a murine model with chronic hyperuricemia and gout, PO was orally administered daily from day 0 to day 24, whereas MSU was injected into the tibiotarsal joint on day 21. The mice in the drug intervention groups were treated once daily with doses of allopurinol or RSG extract from day 21 to day 24. The diameter of the ankle joints was measured with calipers. Serum TNF-α and IL-1β concentrations, hepatic XOD activity, and uric acid, creatinine, and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels were also determined. The right kidney and articular cavities were fixed, cut into sections, and stained with hematoxylin and eosin.

RESULTS

Nine compounds in the RSG water extract were unambiguously identified as 5-O-caffeoylshikimic acid, neoastilbin, astilbin, taxifolin, neoisoastilbin, isoastilbin, engeletin, isoengeletin, and trans-resveratrol. The RSGE treatment dose-dependently reduced PO- and MSU-induced paw edema, serum TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-12, uric acid, and BUN, while significantly elevated serum IL-10, urinary uric acid and creatinine levels as compared with the respective values in the hyperuricemic and gouty mice group (vehicle group). Moreover, the hepatic XOD activity was dose-dependently reduced by the RSGE treatment. In addition, RSGE treatment not only ameliorated the infiltration of inflammatory cells, tubular dilation and vacuole formation in renal tubular, but also improved the synovial hyperplasia, reduced inflammatory cells infiltration into the synovium, and diminished the erosive damage in the cartilage.

CONCLUSION

The murine model with chronic hyperuricemia and gout be built in present study is consistent with the clinical symptoms of patients with long-standing hyperuricemia and acute gouty arthritis. RSG water extract has potent efficacy in ameliorating murine hyperuricemia and gout induced by PO and MSU.

Chemical profiles, antioxidant activity and acute toxicity of raw and sulfur-fumigated Smilacis Glabrae Rhizoma

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Smilacis Glabrae Rhizoma (SGR), known as Tu-fu-ling in the China, Japan and Korea, is an herb that has been used for clearing damp and detoxification in traditional Chinese medicine for many years. The post-harvest drying of SGR has traditionally been done by the sun, but sometimes sulfur fumigation is used instead due to its low cost and high efficiency. Recent reports show that sulfur fumigation can change the chemical constitution of herbal medicines and decrease their biology activity.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study will investigate the changes to the chemical constitution, acute toxicity and antioxidant potential of SGR that occur after sulfur fumigation. To date, no studies have investigated these aspects simultaneously.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An ultra-performance liquid chromatography fingerprint method was developed for analysing changes to SGR's chemical constitution caused by sulfur fumigation. The chromatography conditions were as follows: all samples were analysed on a Waters Acquity UHPLC HT3 C18 column; the linear gradient elution was conducted with a mobile phase prepared from acetonitrile and water. All calibration curves showed good linear regression (R > 0.9991) within the tested range. The method was validated for precision, accuracy, limit of detection and quantification. Total flavonoids of the raw and sulfur-fumigated samples were also determined by ultraviolet spectrophotometry. The antioxidant properties of the extracts were evaluated using both DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging assays. The acute toxicities of the raw and sulfur-fumigated samples were investigated.

RESULTS

The results demonstrate that the amounts of astilbin, neoastilbin, neoisoastilbin, isoastilbin, resveratrol and total flavonoids were lower in sulfur-fumigated samples than in raw samples. The antioxidant activity of the sulfur-fumigated samples was also significantly lower. Therefore, sulfur fumigation may cause chemical transformation, alter the chemical constitution, and decrease the bioactivity of SGR. Orally-administered doses did not cause mortality or changes in the general behaviour of tested mice. The LD50 was > 5000 mg/kg DW. However, the high-dose S-SGR mice had significant liver damage and high levels of plasma biochemical parameters (ALT, AST, DBIL, TBIL).

CONCLUSIONS

The results of the current study suggest that sulfur fumigation can decrease antioxidant activity in vitro; and that orally-administrated S-SGR is unsafe at doses > 3000 mg/kg dried materia medica. Therefore, sulfur-fumigation processing should be forbidden for SGR until its efficacy and safety has been demonstrated. An alternative method of sulfur fumigation for the post-harvest processing of SGR should also be developed.

Biogenic amines and other polar compounds in long aged oxidized Vernaccia di Oristano white wines

Oxidized white wines are produced by techniques that provide a barrel ageing which can range from a few years to some decades. This step, characterized by the metabolic activity of peculiar strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast, can affect the chemical composition of these wines and the production of unwanted substances such as biogenic amines. In this study, Vernaccia di Oristano wines from different vintages have been analysed for the first time regarding the content of biogenic amines and amino acids (by HPLC-FLD), and polar compounds (by HPLC-DAD and LC-MS). Furthermore, colour and technological parameters (contents of alcohol, reducing sugars, total and volatile acidities, pH and organic acids) of the wines were also evaluated. Older samples showed dark shades, which may have derived from polyphenols' oxidation while ageing. Some typical ageing products, such as 5-(hydroxymethyl)furfural and hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives were found in larger quantities in these samples, as well as the purinic compound xanthine, which was also detected in relevant concentrations. Additionally, as expected, the average of the main biogenic amines quantified in Vernaccia di Oristano was higher compared to non-oxidized white wines, especially in the older samples. Thus, though this content does not exceed values which spoil the quality of the wine, the monitoring of the winemaking conditions is suggested, to further limit the presence of these undesirable compounds.

Rhizoma Smilacis Glabrae inhibits pathogen-induced upper genital tract inflammation in rats through suppression of NF-κB pathway

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Rhizoma Smilacis Glabrae (RSG) is traditionally used to treat gynecological disease, which is simply recorded in Chinese Pharmacopoeia. However, whether it has effect on upper genital tract inflammation (UGTI) is unclear.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To evaluate the pharmacological effect of RSG on UGTI in rats and analyze its phytochemistry characteristics.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The substances in RSG extract was qualified by LC-Q-TOF-MS method, and 11 substances were further quantified. The RSG extract, at dose of 241, 482 (clinical dose) and 964mg/kg/day, was orally administered to UGTI rats whose upper genital tracts were multi-infected with pathogens. Infiltrations of neutrophil and lymphocyte and productions of IL-1β, IL-6, CXCL-1, MCP-1, RANTES, PGE2, COX-2, NF-κB p65 and IκB-α in upper genital tract were examined to evaluate the effects of RSG and its potential mechanism.

RESULTS

A total of 77 substances were detected in RSG extract, with 50 substances putatively identified, most of which were flavonoids, phenolic acids and phenylpropanoids. The quantification analysis showed flavonoid had a relative high amount. In pharmacological study, RSG extract suppressed infiltrations of inflammatory cells, reduced over-productions of factors involved in inflammation and pelvic pain. A potential mechanism of these effects was blocking NF-κB signal pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

The RSG extract exhibited anti-inflammatory effect on UGTI, with a potential mechanism of blocking the activation of NF-κB signal pathway. The effect may be involved in the presence of substances, such as flavonoids and phenolic acids.

Analysis of Flavonoids in Rhamnus davurica and Its Antiproliferative Activities

Rhamnus davurica Pall. (R. davurica) has been used as a traditional medicinal herb for many years in China and abroad. It has been well documented as a rich source of flavonoids with diversified structures, which in turn results in far-ranging biological activities, such as anti-inflammation, anticancer, antibacterial and antioxidant activities. In order to further correlate their anticancer potentials with the phytochemical components, the fingerprint profile of R. davurica herb from Dongbei was firstly investigated using HPLC-ESI-MS/MS. Thirty two peaks were detected and identified, 14 of which were found in R. davurica for the first time in this work. Furthermore, a total of 23 peaks were resolved as flavonoids, which are the major components found in R. davurica. Meanwhile, the antiproliferative activities against human cancer cells of HT-29 and SGC-7901 in vitro exhibited distinct inhibitory effects with IC50 values at 24.96 ± 0.74 and 89.53 ± 4.11 μg/mL, respectively. Finally, the general toxicity against L-O2 cells displayed a much higher IC50 at 229.19 ± 8.52 μg/mL, which suggested very low or no toxicity on hepatic cell viability. The current study revealed for the first time the correlations between the flavonoids of R. davurica with their antiproliferative activities, which indicated that the fingerprint profile of flavonoids and their anticancer activities could provide valuable information on the quality control for herbal medicines and their derived natural remedies from this valuable medicinal plant.

Rapid identification of new minor chemical constituents from Smilacis Glabrae Rhizoma by combined use of UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS, preparative HPLC and UHPLC-SPE-NMR-MS techniques

INTRODUCTION

Herbs are an important resource for new drug development. However, the conventional approach for the discovery of new compounds from herbs was time-consuming, tedious, and inefficient.

OBJECTIVES

Establish a quick approach to identify new minor constituents in herbs.

METHODS

The constituents in herbs were firstly analysed using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS). Based on the accurate masses, isotopic ions, and the characteristic fragmentation ions in the mass spectra, the molecular compositions and possible structures of compounds were first deduced. After being enriched by a preparative HPLC method, the potential new minor structures were definitely identified by an on-line UHPLC-solid phase extraction-nuclear magnetic resonance-mass spectrometry (UHPLC-SPE-NMR-MS) approach.

RESULTS

By combined the use of UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS, preparative HPLC and UHPLC-SPE-NMR, three new minor compounds were definitely identified as bis-3,4-dihydroxyphenylpropanoid-substituted catechins (A2 and A3) and 4″-formyl-astilbin (B5). In addition, five isomers of bis-dihydroxyphenylpropanoid-substituted catechin (A1, A4-A7), four isomers of 4″-formyl-astilbin (B1-B4), engeletin formates and isomers (C1-C5), formyl-cinchonains (D1-D4), formyl-caffeoylshikimic acid (E1-E4) were also tentatively determined by MS and MS/MS characterisation.

CONCLUSION

The combination of UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS, preparative HPLC and UHPLC-SPE-NMR-MS techniques is a quick and effective approach for finding new minor constitutes from herbs.

Metabolites software-assisted flavonoid hunting in plants using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time of flight mass spectrometry

Plant secondary metabolism drives the generation of metabolites used for host plant resistance, as biopesticides and botanicals, even for the discovery of new therapeutics for human diseases. Flavonoids are one of the largest and most studied classes of specialized plant metabolites. To quickly identify the potential bioactive flavonoids in herbs, a metabolites software-assisted flavonoid hunting approach was developed, which mainly included three steps: firstly, utilizing commercial metabolite software, a flavonoids database was established based on the biosynthetic pathways; secondly, mass spectral data of components in herbs were acquired by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time of flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS); and finally, the acquired LC-MS data were imported into the database and the compounds in the herbs were automatically identified by comparison of their mass spectra with the theoretical values. As a case study, the flavonoids in Smilax glabra were profiled using this approach. As a result, 104 flavonoids including 27 potential new compounds were identified. To our knowledge, this is the first report on profiling the components in the plants utilizing the plant metabolic principles with the assistance of metabolites software. This approach can be extended to the analysis of flavonoids in other plants.

Identification and quantitative characterization of PSORI-CM01, a Chinese medicine formula for psoriasis therapy, by liquid chromatography coupled with an LTQ Orbitrap mass spectrometer

PSORI-CM01 is a Chinese medicine formula prepared from medicinal herbs and used in China for the treatment of psoriasis. However, the chemical constituents in PSORI-CM01 have not been clarified yet. In order to quickly define the chemical profiles and control the quality of PSORI-CM01 preparations, ultra-high liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization hybrid linear trap quadrupole Orbitrap mass spectrometry (UHPLC-ESI-LTQ/Orbitrap-MS) was applied for simultaneous identification and quantification of multiple constituents. A total of 108 compounds, including organic acids, phenolic acids, flavonoids, and terpenoids, were identified or tentatively deduced on the base of their retention behaviors, MS and MSn data, or by comparing with reference substances and literature data. In addition, an optimized UHPLC-ESI-MS method was established for the quantitative determination of 14 marker compounds in different dosage forms of PSORI-CM01 preparations. The validation of the method, including spike recoveries, linearity, sensitivity (LOQ), precision, and repeatability, was carried out and demonstrated to be satisfied the requirements of quantitative analysis. This is the first report on the comprehensive determination of chemical constituents in PSORI-CM01 preparations by UHPLC-ESI-LTQ/Orbitrap mass spectrometry. The results suggested that the established methods would be a powerful and reliable analytical tool for the characterization of multi-constituents in complex chemical system and quality control of TCM preparations.