Chemical Profiling and Screening of the Marker Components in the Fruit of Cassia fistula by HPLC and UHPLC/LTQ-Orbitrap MSn with Chemometrics

Recent advances in methods of extraction, pre-concentration, purification, identification, and quantification of kaempferol

As a naturally widely-occurring dietary, cosmetic, and therapeutic flavonoid, kaempferol has gained much consideration for its nutritional and pharmaceutical properties in recent years. Although there have been performed a high number of studies associated with different aspects of kaempferol's analytical investigations, the lack of a comprehensive summary of the various methods and other plant sources that have been reported for this compound is being felt, especially for many biological applications. This study, aimed to provide a detailed compilation consisting of sources (plant species) and analytical information that was precisely related to the natural flavonoid (kaempferol). There is a trend in analytical research that supports the application of modern eco-friendly instruments and methods. In conclusion, ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) is the most general advanced method used widely today for the extraction of kaempferol. During recent years, there is an increasing tendency towards the identification of kaempferol by different methods.

Different origins and processing methods affect the intrinsic quality of ginger: a novel approach to evaluating ginger quality

Introduction: Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roce.) is a widely consumed food item and a prominent traditional Chinese medicinal herb. The intrinsic quality of ginger may differ due to variations in its origin and processing techniques. To evaluate the quality of ginger, a straightforward and efficient discriminatory approach has been devised, utilizing 6-gingerol, 8-gingerol, and 10-gingerol as benchmarks. Methods: In order to categorize ginger samples according to their cultivated origins with different longitude and latitude (Shandong, Anhui, and Yunnan provinces in China) and processing methods (liquid nitrogen pulverization, ultra-micro grinding, and mortar grinding), similarity analysis (SA), hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA), and principal component analysis (PCA) were employed. Furthermore, there was a quantitative determination of the significant marker compounds gingerols, which has considerable impact on maintaining quality control and distinguishing ginger products accurately. Moreover, discrimination analysis (DA) was utilized to further distinguish and classify samples with unknown membership degrees based on the eigenvalues, with the aim of achieving optimal discrimination between groups. Results: The findings obtained from the high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) data revealed that the levels of various gingerols present in all samples exhibited significant variations. The study confirmed that the quality of ginger was primarily influenced by its origin and processing method, with the former being the dominant factor. Notably, the sample obtained from Anhui province and subjected to liquid nitrogen pulverization demonstrated the highest content of gingerols. Conclusion: The results obtained from the analysis of SA, HCA, PCA, and DA were consistent and could be employed to evaluate the quality of ginger. As such, the combination of HPLC fingerprints and chemo metric techniques provided a dependable approach for comprehensively assessing the quality and processing of ginger.

Post-Harvest Processing Methods Have Critical Roles in the Contents of Active Ingredients of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi

To find the best post-harvest processing method for Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, we explored the effects of fresh and traditional processing on the active ingredients in S. baicalensis and evaluated three drying techniques to determine the optimal post-harvest processing technique. We quantified four active ingredients (baicalin, baicalein, wogonoside, and wogonin) in 16 different processed S. baicalensis samples that were harvested from Tongchuan, Shaanxi province, by HPLC (high-performance liquid chromatography). In addition, we performed a similarity analysis (SA), a hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA), and a principal component analysis (PCA) on the common peaks in S. baicalensis that were identified by the HPLC fingerprints. Compared to the traditional processing method, the fresh processing method could better preserve the four active ingredients in S. baicalensis, meanwhile, the similarity analysis (0.997-1.000) showed that the fresh processing was more similar to the traditional processing, and it did not change the type of 18 active ingredients in S. baicalensis. The cluster analysis results showed that the shade drying and sun drying methods results were more similar to each other, while the oven drying (60 °C) method results were clustered into one category. According to the results of the principal component analysis, S9, S7, and S8 had higher scores, and they were relatively well processed under these processing settings. Fresh processing could be an alternative to traditional processing; the moisture content was reduced to 24.38% under the sun drying condition, and it was the optimal post-harvest processing solution for S. baicalensis.

The current status of old traditional medicine introduced from Persia to China

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) includes over ten thousand herbal medicines, some of which were introduced from outside countries and territories. The Silk Road enabled the exchange of merchandise such as teas, silks, carpets, and medicines between the East and West of the Eurasia continent. During this time, the ‘Compendium of Materia Medica’ (CMM) was composed by a traditional medicine practitioner, Shizhen Li (1,518–1,593) of the Ming Dynasty. This epoch-making masterpiece collected knowledge of traditional medical materials and treatments in China from the 16th century and before in utmost detail, including the origin where a material was obtained. Of 1892 medical materials from the CMM, 46 came from Persia (now Iran). In this study, the basic information of these 46 materials, including the time of introduction, the medicinal value in TCM theory, together with the current status of these medicines in China and Iran, are summarized. It is found that 20 herbs and four stones out of the 46 materials are registered as medicinal materials in the latest China Pharmacopoeia. Now most of these herbs and stones are distributed in China or replacements are available but saffron, ferula, myrrh, and olibanum are still highly dependent on imports. This study may contribute to the further development, exchange, and internationalization of traditional medicine of various backgrounds in the world, given the barriers of transportation and language are largely eased in nowadays.

Specific sub fractions from Terminalia mantaly (H. Perrier) extracts potently inhibit Plasmodium falciparum rings, merozoite egress and invasion

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Terminalia mantaly (H. Perrier) and Terminalia superba (Engl. & Diels) are sources of treatment for various diseases, including malaria and/or related symptoms in parts of Southwestern Cameroon. However, there is limited information on the extent of the antiplasmodial potential of their extracts.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The present study was designed to investigate the antiplasmodial potential of chromatographic sub fractions (SFs) from promising fractions of Terminalia mantaly (Tm) [Tmsb^wChl, the chloroform fraction from water extract of Tm, IC₅₀ (μg/mL) PfINDO: 0.56, Pf3D7: 1.12; SI > 357 (HEK/PfINDO) & 178 (HEK/Pf3D7)] and Terminalia superba (Ts) [Tsr^mEA, the ethyl acetate fraction from methanolic extract of Ts, IC₅₀ (μg/mL) PfINDO: 1.82, Pf3D7: 1.65; SI > 109 (HEK/PfINDO) & 121 (HEK/Pf3D7)] obtained from previous studies. The SFs were tested against Plasmodium falciparum 3D7 (Pf3D7-chloroquine sensitive) and INDO (PfINDO-chloroquine resistant) strains in culture. Also, the phytochemical profile of potent SFs was determined and finally, the inhibition of the asexual blood stages of Plasmodium falciparum by the SFs with the highest promise was assessed.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Selected SFs were submitted to a second bio-guided fractionation using silica gel column chromatography. The partial phytochemical composition of potent antiplasmodial SFs was determined using gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The SYBR Green I-based fluorescence microtiter plate assay was used to monitor the growth of Plasmodium falciparum parasites in culture in the presence or absence of extracts. Microscopy and flow cytometry counting was used to assess the Plasmodium falciparum stage-specific inhibition and post-drug exposure growth suppression by highly potent extracts.

RESULTS

Twenty-one of the 39 SFs afforded from Tmsb^wChl showed activity (IC₅₀: 0.29-4.74 μg/mL) against both Pf3D7 and PfINDO strains. Of note, eight SFs namely, Tm25, Tm28-30, Tm34-36 and Tm38, exerted highly potent antiplasmodial activity (IC₅₀ < 1 μg/mL) with IC₅₀PfINDO: 0.41-0.84 μg/mL and IC₅₀Pf3D7: 0.29-0.68 μg/mL. They also displayed very high selectivity (50 < SI_PfINDO, SI_Pf3D7 > 344) on the two Plasmodial strains. On the other hand, 7 SFs (SFs Ts03, Ts04, Ts06, Ts09, Ts10, Ts12 and Ts13) from Tsr^mEA showed promising inhibitory potential against both parasite strains (IC₅₀: 2.01-5.14 μg/mL). Sub fraction Tm36 (IC₅₀PfINDO: 0.41 μg/mL, SI_PfINDO > 243; IC₅₀Pf3D7: 0.29 μg/mL, SI_Pf3D7 > 344) showed the highest promise. The GC-MS analysis of the 8 selected SFs led to the identification of 99 phytometabolites, with D-limonene (2), benzaldehyde (12), carvone (13), caryophyllene (35), hexadecanoic acid, methyl ester (74) and 9-octadecenoic acid, methyl ester (82) being the main constituents. Sub fractions Tm28, Tm29, Tm30, Tm36 and Tm38 inhibited all the three intraerythrocytic stages of P. falciparum, with strong potency against ring stage development, merozoite egress and invasion processes.

CONCLUSIONS

This study has identified highly potent antiplasmodial SFs from Terminalia mantaly with significant activity on the intraerythrocytic development of Plasmodium falciparum. These SFs qualify as promising sources of novel antiplasmodial lead compounds. Further purification and characterization studies are expected to unravel molecular targets in rings and merozoites.

LC-QTOF-MS Characterization, Antioxidant Activity, and In Vitro Toxicity of Medicinal Plants from the Tri-Than-Thip Remedy

Background

The world population has exhibited increased trust in folk medicine, including Thai folk medicine, for the treatment of various illnesses. However, the comparative antioxidant and cytoprotective activities against oxidative damage of Tri-Than-Thip (Tri-TT), a Thai folk remedy, have not been reported.

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant capacities of Tri-TT and its herbal constituents, Cassia fistula, Pithecellobium dulce, and Ficus benjamina.

Methods

Extracts were obtained from Tri-TT and its herbal constituents. The free radical scavenging activities, cytotoxicity, ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), metal chelating activities, total phenolic compound (TPC) contents, and total flavonoid (TF) contents of Tri-TT extract were investigated, and qualitative analysis of the chemical composition of Tri-TT extract was performed by LC-QTOF-MS.

Results

Tri-TT extract exhibited remarkable scavenging activities toward DPPH, ABTS, and superoxide anion radicals, with IC₅₀ values of 0.081 ± 0.00, 0.021 ± 0.00, and 0.205 ± 0.057 mg/mL, respectively. The oxygen radical antioxidant capacity (ORAC) and FRAP values of Tri-TT were 6.499 ± 0.67 μM TE/g extract and 1,919.71 ± 63.14 mM FeSO₄/mg sample, respectively. P. dulce had the highest scavenging activities and antioxidant capacity followed by C. fistula and F. benjamina. The TPC and TF content of Tri-TT extract were 287.87 mg equivalence/g extract and 225.62 mg catechin equivalent/g extract, respectively. The highest TPC was obtained from P. dulce, and TF content was observed in C. fistula. Using LC-QTOF-MS, a total of 25 compounds were tentatively identified in Tri-TT, including polyphenols such as luteolin, gallic acid, baicalein, apigenin, epicatechin, and ellagic acid. In addition, Tri-TT extract demonstrated nontoxicity (cell viability >90%) to Vero cells at the highest tested concentration of 80 μg/mL.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that the Tri-TT remedy is a promising candidate as a natural source of antioxidant activity, suggesting that the polyphenol content of plants may contribute to antioxidant activities.

Non-pharmacologic approach to pediatric constipation

Functional constipation (FC) is a pervasive problem in pediatrics. Although pharmaceuticals are commonly used for FC, parents and patients show reluctance or find dissatisfaction with available medications at times. Further, patients often have interest in utilizing nutraceutical supplements and botanicals that are available over the counter. This literature review aims to summarize research studies performed on non-pharmacologic approaches to constipation and to evaluate the safety and efficacy of these modalities. Overall data on non-pharmacologic treatments for childhood constipation were sparse, and though some studies were available for adult populations, pediatrics studies were generally limited, lacking or flawed. Certain supplements, such as prebiotics, probiotics and fiber, are safe and are without significant side effects. Though fiber supplements such as glucomannan, green banana mass, cocao husk and various fiber blends have emerging evidence in children, evidence for psyllium, cellulose and flaxseed only have supportive studies in adults. Other than senna, studies of botanicals indicate significant safety concerns (in particular with Aloe vera with aloin and Cascara sagrada) and insufficient evidence. For patients with a significant behavioral or anxiety component to their FC and exhibit dyssynergia, mind-body interventions (e.g. diaphragmatic breathing, biofeedback, cognitive behavioral therapy, and behavioral modifications) are certainly safe and effective. Finally, movement and manipulative interventions such as abdominal massage, reflexology, acupuncture and transcutaneous nerve stimulation show promise in the field of pediatric constipation, and data is accumulating for efficacy. These modalities require further study to determine mechanisms of action and which populations may benefit the most from these therapies.

An integrated strategy toward comprehensive characterization and quantification of multiple components from herbal medicine: An application study in Gelsemium elegans

Objective

To develop a powerful integrated strategy based on liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (LC-MS) systems for the comprehensive characterization and quantification of multiple components of herbal medicines.

Methods

Firstly, different mobile phase additives, analysis time, and MS acquisition modes were orthogonally tested with liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-QTOF/MS) in order to detect as many components of Gelsemium elegans as possible with high peak intensity. Secondly, several data mining strategies, including database searching, diagnostic ion filtering and neutral loss filtering, were utilized to perform chemical profiling. Subsequently, this study focused on the quantification and validation of the performance of a liquid chromatography-triple mass spectrometry (LC-QqQ/MS) assay based on derivative multiple reaction monitoring (DeMRM).

Results

A total of 147 components from G. elegans were characterized, among them 116 nontarget components were reported for the first time. A sensitive and reproducible LC-QqQ/MS method was successfully developed and validated for the simultaneous relative quantification of 41 components of G. elegans. This LC-QqQ/MS method was then applied to compare the contents of components in the roots, stems and leaves.

Conclusion

The present integrated strategy would significantly contribute to chemical studies on herbal medicine, and its utility could be extended to other research fields, such as metabolomics, quality control, and pharmacokinetics.

Optimization of Ultrasonic-Assisted Extraction and Purification of Rhein from Cassia fistula Pod Pulp

Rhein is used as an active ingredient in laxatives in medicinal herbal products and is a chemical marker for quality control purposes. Thus, a simple and effective method for the optimized extraction of a high amount of rhein from the fruit pulp of Cassia fistula was investigated using ultrasonic-assisted extraction (UAE). The response surface methodology was applied to find the most suitable parameters for optimizing the extraction process and to study the factors’ relationships with each other. The best conditions for ultrasonic extraction were the application of 1:40 g/mL solid-to-liquid ratio and 10% EtOH–H₂O as a solvent at 75 °C for 40 min. This method was compared to a conventional decoction in two variations. In these experiments, it was confirmed that the UAE was more favorable than the decoction methods. The resulting crude extract was further purified by liquid–liquid extraction with a basic pH adjustment, followed by recrystallization. High-purity rhein was obtained by using chromatographic techniques and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Therefore, this study suggests that UAE is an efficient alternative method for the extraction of rhein from C. fistula pod pulp. The resulting optimized conditions can be applied as a useful tool for the large-scale industrial production of a rhein-rich plant extract.