Overlooked switch from transient sedation to sustained excitement in the Biphasic effects of Ephedra Herb extract administered orally to mice

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

In our previous study, we reported that Ephedra Herb extract (EHE) increased the locomotor activity of mice in the open-field test and reduced the immobility time in the forced swim test. Ephedrine alkaloids (EAs) are thought to be responsible for the adverse effects of Ephedra Herb. However, there are no reports to verify that the adverse effects of Ephedra Herb are caused by the amount of EAs in the herb. Therefore, we investigated whether these adverse effects of EHE are caused by the amounts of ephedrine (Eph) and pseudoephedrine (Pse) in the herbal extract. In a preliminary study of the time course analysis of the open field test, we newly observed that EHE evoked switching from transient sedation to sustained excitement.

AIM OF THE STUDY

We aimed to confirm whether EHE evokes switching from transient sedation to sustained excitement, investigate whether these actions of EHE are caused by the amount of ephedrine (Eph) and pseudoephedrine (Pse) in the herbal extract, and clarify the molecular mechanism of the transient sedative effect.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The locomotor activity of mice was tested using the open-field test. The immobility times were measured using a forced swim test, and the motor dysfunction in mice was tested using the rotarod test.

RESULTS

EHE, Eph, and Pse induced transient motionlessness between 0 and 15 min after oral administration, however, they did not induce depression-like behavior and motor dysfunction in mice, suggesting that the motionlessness induced by EHE, Eph, or Pse resulted from sedation. The α2a adrenoceptor inhibitor, atipamezole, decreased their sedative effects. Thus, immediately after EHE administration, the transient sedative effect is mediated through the activation of the α2a adrenoreceptor by Eph and Pse. EHE and Eph increased total locomotor activity for 15-120 min after oral administration; however, Pse had no effect. Therefore, the slow-onset and sustained excitatory effects of EHE are mediated by Eph.

CONCLUSIONS

We discovered for the first time that EHE evokes diphasic action by switching from transient sedation to sustained excitement. The transient sedation was evoked by the Eph and Pse in the herbal extract via activation of the α2a adrenoceptor and the sustained excitement was caused by the Eph in the herbal extract.

[Investigation of Foreign Particles in Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine]

Particular batches of Moderna mRNA Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine were recalled after foreign particles were found in some vaccine vials at the vaccination site in Japan in August 2021. We investigated the foreign particles at the request of the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis suggested that the foreign particles found in the vials recalled from the vaccination sites were from stainless steel SUS 316L, which was in line with the findings of the root cause investigation by the manufacturer. The sizes of the observed particles ranged from <50 μm to 548 μm in the major axis. Similar foreign particles were also detected in 2 of the 5 vaccine vials of the same lot stored by the manufacturer, indicating that the foreign particles have already been administered to some people via vaccine. Observation of the vials of the same lot by digital microscope found smaller particles those were not detected by visual inspection, suggesting that more vials were affected. Contrarily, visual inspection and subvisible particulate matter test indicated no foreign particles in the vials of normal lots. Possible root cause and strategies to prevent such a deviation were discussed from technical and regulatory aspects.

[Identification of Three Arylcyclohexylamines (MXPr, MXiPr, and DMXE) in Illegal Products]

Arylcyclohexylamines are a category of substances to which the anesthetic ketamine belongs. The arylcyclohexylamines have been reported to act as antagonists of the N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor. An analog of ketamine, 2-(ethylamino)-2-(3-methoxyphenyl)-cyclohexanone (methoxetamine; MXE), has been controlled as a narcotic in Japan and overdoses of MXE have been reported to cause health problems. In recent years, MXE derivatives have beendetected in illegal products in Japan. In this study, we describe the identification of three MXE derivatives, 2-(3-methoxyphenyl)-2-(propylamino)cyclohexan-1-one (methoxpropamine; MXPr), 2-(isopropylamino)-2-(3-methoxyphenyl)cyclohexan-1-one (methoxisopropamine; MXiPr) and 2-(3-methoxyphenyl)-2-(propylamino)cyclohexan-1-one (deoxymethoxetamine; DMXE), from illegal products.

Elucidation of Chemical Interactions between Crude Drugs Using Quantitative Thin-Layer Chromatography Analysis

To elucidate the interactions between crude drugs in Kampo medicines (traditional Japanese medicines), it is important to determine the content of the constituents in a cost-effective and simple manner. In this study, we quantified the constituents in crude drug extracts using thin-layer chromatography (TLC), an inexpensive and simple analytical method, to elucidate the chemical interactions between crude drugs. We focused on five crude drugs, for which quantitative high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) methods are stipulated in the Japanese Pharmacopoeia XVIII (JP XVIII) and compared the analytical data of HPLC and TLC, confirming that the TLC results corresponded with the HPLC data and satisfied the criteria of JP XVIII. (Z)-ligustilide, a major constituent in Japanese Angelica Root, for which a method of quantification has not been stipulated in JP XVIII, was also quantitatively analyzed using HPLC and TLC. Furthermore, Japanese Angelica Root was combined with 26 crude drugs to observe the variation in the (Z)-ligustilide content from each combination by TLC. The results revealed that combinations with Phellodendron Bark, Citrus Unshiu Peel, Scutellaria Root, Coptis Rhizome, Gardenia Fruit, and Peony Root increased the (Z)-ligustilide content. Quantifying the constituents in crude drug extracts using the inexpensive and simple TLC method can contribute to elucidating interactions between crude drugs in Kampo medicines, as proposed by the herbal-pair theory.

N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) Formation from Ranitidine Impurities: Possible Root Causes of the Presence of NDMA in Ranitidine Hydrochloride

N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) is a probable human carcinogen. This study investigated the root cause of the presence of NDMA in ranitidine hydrochloride. Forced thermal degradation studies of ranitidine hydrochloride and its inherent impurities (Imps. A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, and K) listed in the European and United States Pharmacopeias revealed that in addition to ranitidine, Imps. A, C, D, E, H, and I produce NDMA at different rates in a solid or an oily liquid state. The rate of NDMA formation from amorphous Imps. A, C, and E was 100 times higher than that from crystalline ranitidine hydrochloride under forced degradation at 110 °C for 1 h. Surprisingly, crystalline Imp. H, bearing neither the N,N-dialkyl-2-nitroethene-1,1-diamine moiety nor a dimethylamino group, also generated NDMA in the solid state, while Imp. I, as an oily liquid, favorably produced NDMA at moderate temperatures (e.g., 50 °C). Therefore, strict control of the aforementioned specific impurities in ranitidine hydrochloride during manufacturing and storage allows appropriate control of NDMA in ranitidine and its pharmaceutical products. Understanding the pathways of the stability related NDMA formation enables improved control of the pharmaceuticals to mitigate this risk.

Cynandione A causes a dynamic change in SIRT1 nuclear trafficking via PKA signaling and beige adipocyte differentiation in 3T3-L1 cells

Inducible brown-like adipocytes, also known as beige adipocytes, dissipate energy through thermogenesis. Although recent reports suggest that silent information regulator 2 homolog 1 (SIRT1) promotes beige adipocyte differentiation (beiging), the activation mechanism of SIRT1 remains unknown. Here, we report that cynandione A (CA), a major component of Cynanchum wilfordii, causes dynamic changes in SIRT1 nuclear trafficking via protein kinase cAMP-dependent (PKA) signaling and induces the beiging process in adipocyte lineage cells. SIRT1 is located in both the cytoplasm and the nucleus of 3T3-L1 cells. Using cell fractionation and RNA interference experiments, we found that the translocation of SIRT1 from the cytoplasm to the nucleus was enhanced after CA treatment and was followed by upregulation of beige adipocyte-related gene expression. Moreover, we found that CA-induced SIRT1 nuclear trafficking is dependent on the PKA signaling pathway. These results suggest a novel mechanism of CA by which PKA signaling promotes SIRT1 nuclear trafficking, which permits the docking of SIRT1 to its nuclear substrates, leading to beiging in 3T3-L1 cells.

A simple and rapid method to simultaneously analyze ciclesonide and its impurities in a ciclesonide metered-dose inhaler using on-line supercritical fluid extraction/supercritical fluid chromatography/quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry

A simple and rapid on-line SFE/SFC/quadrupole TOF-MS method to simultaneously analyze active pharmaceutical ingredients and impurities from metered-dose inhalers (MDIs) was developed using ciclesonide MDI (CIC-MDI) as an example. CIC-MDI, as drug Alvesco®, has been approved for the treatment of bronchial asthma, and its major impurities are listed in the European Pharmacopoeia and in the supplementary package inserts of Alvesco® (called as "Pharmaceutical interview form" in Japan). In the developed method, CIC-MDI was manually sprayed only once on a glass disc prior to the SFE/SFC/quadrupole TOF-MS. In the SFE, CIC and its impurities and other impurities having various polarities and hydrophobicity, were extracted in 3.5 min and subsequently separated on a CHIRALPAK IE-3 column to be detected by quadrupole TOF-MS in 6.5 min. This method would be applicable to the analysis of other inhalable pharmaceutical products whose sample preparation requires complicated procedures, as well as to the analysis of general pharmaceutical products for profiling impurities.

UHPLC/MS and NMR-Based Metabolomic Analysis of Dried Water Extract of Citrus-Type Crude Drugs

Citrus-type crude drugs (CCDs) are commonly used to formulate decoctions in Kampo formula (traditional Japanese medicine). Our previous study reported metabolomic analyses for differentiation of the methanol extracts of Citrus-type crude drugs (CCDs) using ultra-HPLC (UHPLC)/MS, and ¹³C- and ¹H-NMR. The present study expanded the scope of its application by analyzing four CCD water extracts (Kijitsu, Tohi, Chimpi, and Kippi); these CCDs are usually used as decoction ingredients in the Kampo formula. A principal component analysis score plot of processed UPLC/MS and NMR analysis data indicated that the CCD water extracts could be classified into three groups. The loading plots showed that naringin and neohesperidin were the distinguishing components. Three primary metabolites, α-glucose, β-glucose, and sucrose were identified as distinguishing compounds by NMR spectroscopy. During the preparation of CCD dry extracts, some compounds volatilized or decomposed. Consequently, fewer compounds were detected than in our previous studies using methanol extract. However, these results suggested that the combined NMR- and LC/MS-based metabolomics can discriminate crude drugs in dried water extracts of CCDs.

Miroestrol Quantification in Pueraria mirifica Crude Drugs and Products by Single-Reference UPLC/PDA/MS Using Relative Molar Sensitivities to Kwakhurin

Owing to occasional health damages caused by health food products derived from Pueraria mirifica (PM), the Japanese government has designated PM as an "ingredient calling for special attention." Miroestrol is a specific isoflavone isolated from PM and possesses very strong estrogenic activity enough to induce side effects in small amount. Therefore, routine analyses for miroestrol quantification is recommended to control the safety and quality of PM products. However, miroestrol content in PM is quite low, and commercial reagent for its detection is rarely available. In this study, we developed a quantitative analysis method for miroestrol in PM without using its analytical standard by using the relative molar sensitivity (RMS) of miroestrol to kwakhurin, another PM-specific isoflavone, as a reference standard. The RMS value was obtained by an offline combination of ¹H-quantitative NMR spectroscopy and a LC/photo diode array (PDA) and miroestrol content was determined by single-reference LC/PDA using RMS. Furthermore, we investigated miroestrol content in commercially available PM crude drugs and products, and the RMS method was compared with the conventional calibration curve method in terms of performance. The rate of concordance of miroestrol contents determined by two method was 89-101%. The results revealed that our developed LC/PDA/MS method with RMS using kwakhurin as a reference standard was accurate for routine monitoring of miroestrol content in PM crude drugs and products to control their quality.

[Discrimination of Kratom Products by an Improved PCR-RFLP Method]

In Japan, mitragynine, 7-hydroxymitragynine and Mitragyna speciosa Korth. (M. speciosa, "Kratom") were controlled as Designated Substances under the Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Act from March 2016. In this study, the origins of 16 Kratom products obtained from the illegal drug market in Japan were investigated by DNA analyses and LC-MS analyses. When the PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) was performed using the restriction enzyme XmaI (as reported by Sukrong et al. to be able to distinguish M. speciosa), the same DNA fragment patterns were obtained from all 16 products. On the other hand, as a result of the identification of the plant species of each product by nucleotide sequence analyses, the sequences of M. speciosa were detected in only 14 products. Despite the facts that mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine were detected also in the other two products by the LC-MS analyses, M. speciosa DNAs were not amplified from these products by the PCR. Moreover, the DNA amplicons of the other psychotropic plant (Mesembryanthemum sp., e.g. "Kanna") were detected. This plant PCR amplicon has the restriction site for the XmaI at the same position of the M. speciosa PCR amplicon and it is difficult to distinguish "Kratom" and "Kanna" by the conventional PCR-RFLP. When the restriction enzyme XhoI was used simultaneously with the Xmal, the specific DNA fragment was only observed from the M. speciosa amplicon and it was possible to distinguish both species using this improved PCR-RFLP method. This method is useful to identify the origin of Kratom products distributed in the illegal drug market.

[Identification of LSD Derivatives, 1cP-LSD, MIPLA and 1B-LSD in Illegal Products as Paper Sheet]

Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) is a hallucinogen, synthesized from ergot alkaloid, and controlled as a narcotic in Japan. Recently, LSD derivatives have appeared as designer drugs, all over the world. In previous study, we reported identification and analysis of four LSD derivatives in four paper sheet products. In this study, we detected three additional LSD derivatives from three paper sheet products, which were obtained from September 2019 to March 2020 in Japan. We extracted the compounds from paper sheet products with methanol for LC-MS, high-resolution MS and GC-MS analyses. The compounds were identified as 4-cyclopropionyl-N,N-diethyl-7-methyl-4,6,6a,7,8,9-hexahydroindolo[4,3-fg]quinoline-9-carboxamide (1cP-LSD), N-methyl-N-isopropyl-7-methyl-4,6,6a,7,8,9-hexahydroindolo-[4,3-fg]quinoline-9-carboxamide (MIPLA), 4-butyryl-N,N-diethyl-7-methyl-4,6,6a,7,8,9-hexahydroindolo[4,3-fg]quinoline-9-carboxamide (1B-LSD), by GC-MS, LC-MS, LC-Q-TOF-MS and NMR analyses. As well as other N1-acylated LSD derivatives, 1cP-LSD and 1B-LSD were easily deacylated to LSD during GC-MS analysis, we have to be careful to analyze these compounds.

Esterified carotenoids are synthesized in petals of carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus) and accumulate in differentiated chromoplasts

Although yellow and orange petal colors are derived from carotenoids in many plant species, this has not yet been demonstrated for the order Caryophyllales, which includes carnations. Here, we identified a carnation cultivar with pale yellow flowers that accumulated carotenoids in petals. Additionally, some xanthophyll compounds were esterified, as is the case for yellow flowers in other plant species. Ultrastructural analysis showed that chromoplasts with numerous plastoglobules, in which flower-specific carotenoids accumulate, were present in the pale yellow petals. RNA-seq and RT-qPCR analyses indicated that the expression levels of genes for carotenoid biosynthesis and esterification in pale yellow and pink petals (that accumulate small amounts of carotenoids) were similar or lower than in green petals (that accumulate substantial amounts of carotenoids) and white petals (that accumulate extremely low levels of carotenoids). Pale yellow and pink petals had a considerably lower level of expression of genes for carotenoid degradation than white petals, suggesting that reduced degradation activity caused accumulation of carotenoids. Our results indicate that some carnation cultivars can synthesize and accumulate esterified carotenoids. By manipulating the rate of biosynthesis and esterification of carotenoids in these cultivars, it should be feasible to produce novel carnation cultivars with vivid yellow flowers.

Facile Synthesis of Kwakhurin, a Marker Compound of Pueraria mirifica and Its Quantitative NMR Analysis for Standardization as a Reagent

The side effects of kwao keur dietary supplements (obtained from the tuberous root of Pueraria mirifica) have recently been reported by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, Japan. To control the quality of kwao keur products, its ingredients need to be maintained by characteristic marker compounds, such as miroestrol, deoxymiroestrol, and kwakhurin (KWA). In this study, we described the facile synthesis of KWA, a marker compound of P. mirifica. Our revised synthetic method produced KWA with shorter steps and higher yield than the reported method. Furthermore, the absolute purity of KWA was determined by quantitative NMR analysis for standardization as a reagent, and its purity was 92.62 ± 0.12%.

[Standardization of Crude Drugs for the Japanese Pharmacopoeia]

The latest edition of the Japanese Pharmacopoeia (JP) is the second supplement to the 17th edition containing 324 herbal medicines, of which 176 are crude drugs and 35 are Kampo extracts. Although 148 prescription Kampo extracts are covered by national health insurance, only 35 are listed in the latest JP. However, the sales volume of these 35 Kampo extracts accounts for more than 70% of the total sales volume of Kampo products, as Kampo formulas with higher sales volumes are preferentially listed in the JP. The JP officially defines the origin and description of the listed crude drugs and Kampo extracts and elaborates on their limited values and testing methods. As crude drugs and Kampo extracts are derived from natural products and have the characteristics of traditional medicines, some degree of variation has been experienced during their long-term use, which is one of the crucial differences from chemical drugs. The Japanese Pharmacopoeia Committee on Crude Drugs promotes standardization of the JP by reflecting the actual Japanese market situation. This review explains the characteristics of natural and traditional medicines in crude drug-related items, the JP drafting process and points to be noted, and the significance of listing in the JP.

[Identification and Analysis of LSD Derivatives in Illegal Products as Paper Sheet]

To prevent the abuse of new psychoactive substances (NPS), a total of 2372 substances and two plants are controlled as "Designated Substances" in Japan as of September 2019. Although the distribution of these substances has decreased for the past three years, newly-emerged NPS are still being found. In this study, we detected four lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) derivatives as designer drugs from four paper sheet products, which were obtained from 2014 to 2017 in Japan. The compounds were identified as 4-Acetyl-N,N-diethyl-7-methyl-4,6,6a,7,8,9-hexahydroindolo[4,3-fg]quinoline-9-carboxamide (ALD-52), N,N,7-triethyl-4,6,6a,7,8,9-hexahydroindolo[4,3-fg]quinoline-9-carboxamide (ETH-LAD), 7-Allyl-N,N-diethyl-4,6,6a,7,8,9-hexahydroindolo[4,3-fg]quinoline-9-carboxamide (AL-LAD), N,N-diethyl-7-methyl-4-propionyl-4,6,6a,7,8,9-hexahydroindolo[4,3-fg]quinoline-9-carboxamide (1P-LSD), by GC-MS, LC-MS, LC-Q-TOF-MS and NMR analyses. Further, we studied the extraction methods of LSD derivatives from paper sheet, and the analytical conditions of GC-MS, LC-MS and LC-FL(fluorescence). Among LSD derivatives, 1P-LSD have been controlled as designated substances (Shitei Yakubutsu) under the Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Act in Japan since April 2016. For the legislation of the other derivatives identified in this study, the evaluation of their pharmacological properties are now in progress.

Regulatory landscape of dietary supplements and herbal medicines from a global perspective

The number of Individuals that use dietary supplements and herbal medicine products are continuous to increase in many countries. The context of usage of a dietary supplement varies widely from country-to-country; in some countries supplement use is just limited to general health and well-being while others permit use for medicinal purposes. To date, there is little consensus from country to country on the scope, requirements, definition, or even the terminology in which dietary supplement and herbal medicines categories could be classified. Transparent science-based quality standards for the ingredients across these regulatory frameworks/definitions becomes even more important given the international supply chain. Meanwhile, there has been a rapid advancement in emerging technologies and data science applied to the field. This review was conceived at the Global Summit on Regulatory Sciences that took place in Beijing on September 2018 (GSRS2018) which is organized by Global Coalition for Regulatory Science Research (GCRSR) that consists of the global regulatory agencies from over ten countries including the European Union. This review summarizes a significant portion of discussions relating to a longitudinal comparison of the status for dietary supplements and herbal medicines among the different national jurisdictions and to the extent of how new tools and methodologies can improve the regulatory application.

Quality Evaluation and Characterization of Fractions with Biological Activity from Ephedra Herb Extract and Ephedrine Alkaloids-Free Ephedra Herb Extract

Previously, we reported that the c-Met inhibitory effect of Ephedra Herb extract (EHE) is derived from ingredients besides ephedrine alkaloids. Moreover, analgesic and anti-influenza activities of EHE and ephedrine alkaloids-free Ephedra Herb extract (EFE) have been reported recently. In this study, we examined the fractions containing c-Met kinase inhibitory activity from EHE and the fractions with analgesic and anti-influenza activities from EFE, and elucidated the structural characteristics of the active fractions. Significant c-Met kinase activity was observed in 30, 40, and 50% methanol (MeOH) eluate fractions obtained from water extract of EHE using Diaion HP-20 column chromatography. Similarly, 20 and 40% MeOH, and MeOH eluate fractions obtained from water extract of EFE were found to display analgesic and anti-influenza activities. Reversed phase-HPLC analysis of the active fractions commonly showed broad peaks characteristic of high-molecular mass condensed tannin. The active fractions were analyzed using ¹³C-NMR and decomposition reactions; the deduced structures of active components were high-molecular mass condensed tannins, which were mainly procyanidin B-type and partly procyanidin A-type, including pyrogallol- and catechol-type flavan 3-ols as extension and terminal units. HPLC and gel permeation chromatography (GPC) analyses estimated that the ratio of pyrogallol- and catechol-type was approximately 9 : 2, and the weight-average molecular weight based on the polystyrene standard was >45000. Furthermore, GPC-based analysis was proposed as the quality evaluation method for high-molecular mass condensed tannin in EHE and EFE.

Analgesic Effects of Ephedra Herb Extract, Ephedrine Alkaloids-Free Ephedra Herb Extract, Ephedrine, and Pseudoephedrine on Formalin-Induced Pain

The analgesic effect of Ephedra Herb (EH) is believed to be derived from the anti-inflammatory action of pseudoephedrine (Pse). We recently reported that ephedrine alkaloids-free EH extract (EFE) attenuates formalin-induced pain to the same level as that achieved by EH extract (EHE), which suggests that the analgesic effect of EH may not be due to ephedrine alkaloids (EAs). To examine the contribution of EAs to the analgesic effect of EH, mice were injected with formalin to induce a biphasic pain reaction (first phase, 0-5 min; second phase, 10-45 min) at various time points after oral administration of the following test drugs: ephedrine (Eph), Pse, "authentic" EHE from Tsumura & Co. (EHE-Ts), EFE, and EHE that was used as the source of EFE (EHE-To). Biphasic pain was suppressed at 30 min after administration of Eph, EHE-Ts, and EHE-To. At 6 h after administration of EFE, EHE-To, and Pse-and at 4 to 6 h after administration of EHE-Ts-only second-phase pain was suppressed; however, the effect of Pse at 6 h was not significant. These results suggested that EHE has a biphasic analgesic effect against biphasic formalin-induced pain: in the first phase of analgesia (30 min after administration), biphasic pain is suppressed by Eph; in the second phase of analgesia (4-6 h after administration), second-phase pain is alleviated by constituents other than EAs, although Pse may partially contribute to the relief of second-phase pain.

Structural Analysis of Polygalaxanthones, C-Glucosyl Xanthones of Polygala tenuifolia Roots

Polygalaxanthone III, a xanthone glycoside that is a major constituent of "Polygala Root" (Polygala tenuifolia roots, Onji in the Japanese Pharmacopoeia), has been used as a standard in the quality control of crude drugs. However, we previously noted differences in the chromatographic properties of one of three samples of polygalaxanthone III. Therefore, standardization of the standard itself is extremely important. The structures of three standard samples commercially available as polygalaxanthone III were characterized by LC/MS and NMR. LC/MS analysis revealed that two molecular types exist. Both types are chromatographically separable but have an identical mass number with distinguishable MS/MS spectra. One dimensional (1D)-NMR analyses demonstrated that both had the same xanthone moiety and heteronuclear multiple bond correlation (HMBC) analyses revealed that they are structural isomers at the connecting position of glucose to apiose 1-position. Consequently, the isomers were identified as polygalaxanthone III and its regioisomer, polygalaxanthone XI. Based on the findings, we recommend using the LC-MS/MS detection method, which discriminates polygalaxanthone III and XI, to confirm the quality of the standard.

High-Resolution Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry-Based Metabolomic Discrimination of Citrus-Type Crude Drugs and Comparison with Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy-Based Metabolomics

Five Citrus-type crude drugs (40 samples) were classified using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS)-based metabolomics. The following six flavonoid derivatives were identified as contributors from the loading plots of multivariate analysis: naringin (1), neohesperidin (2), neoeriocitrin (3), narirutin (9), hesperidin (10), and 3,5,6,7,8,3',4'-heptamethoxyflavone (12). Three coumarin derivatives, namely, meranzin (6), meranzin hydrate (7), and meranzin glucoside (8), were also identified as contributors. Furthermore, compared with our previous studies on proton (¹H) and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy-based metabolomics, the present study revealed that the Citrus-type crude drugs were distinguished with the same pattern; however, the contributors differed between the ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy-based metabolomics. The high dynamic range of NMR spectroscopy provided broad coverage of the metabolomes including the primary and secondary metabolites. However, LC-MS appeared to be superior in detecting secondary metabolites with high sensitivity, some of which occurred in quantities that were undetectable using NMR spectroscopy.

1H NMR-based metabolomic analysis coupled with reversed-phase solid-phase extraction for sample preparation of Saposhnikovia roots and related crude drugs

¹H NMR-based metabolomics has been applied in research on food, herbal medicine, and natural products. Although excellent results were reported, samples were directly extracted with a deuterated solvent (e.g., methanol-d₄ or D₂O) in most reports. As primary metabolites account for most of the results, data for secondary metabolites are partially reflected. Consequently, secondary metabolites tend to be excluded from factor loading analysis, serving as a significant unfavorable feature of ¹H NMR-based metabolomics when investigating biologically active or functional components in natural products and health foods. Reversed-phase solid-phase extraction column (RP-SPEC) was applied for sample preparation in ¹H NMR-based metabolomics to overcome this feature. The methanol extract from Saposhnikoviae radix (SR), an important crude drug, was fractionated with RP-SPEC into 5% methanol-eluting fractions, and the remaining fraction was collected. Each fraction was subjected to ¹H NMR-based metabolomics and compared to results from conventional ¹H NMR-based metabolomics. Based on principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares projections to latent structures discriminant analysis (PLS-DA), the 5% methanol fraction and conventional method reflected the amount of saccharides such as sucrose on the PC1/PLS1 axes, and wild and cultivated samples were discriminated along those axes. The remaining fraction clearly distinguished SR from Peucedanum ledebourielloides root. The compounds responsible for this discrimination were deemed falcarindiol derivatives and other unidentified secondary metabolites from the s-plot on PLS-DA. The secondary metabolites from original plants were, therefore, presumed to be concentrated in the remaining fraction by RP-SPEC treatment and strongly reflected the species differences. The developed series is considered effective to perform quality evaluation of crude drugs and natural products.

Quality Assessment of Medicinal Product and Dietary Supplements Containing Vitex agnus-castus by HPLC Fingerprint and Quantitative Analyses

In this study, we aimed to evaluate the quality of 11 products sold in Japan (one medicinal product and 10 dietary supplements) containing/claiming to contain chasteberry extract (fruit of Vitex agnus-castus L.) using HPLC fingerprint (15 characteristic peaks), quantitative determination of chemical marker compounds, and a disintegration test. The HPLC profile of the medicinal product was similar to that of the reference standard of V. agnus-castus fruit dry extract obtained from European Directive for the Quality of Medicines (EDQM), whereas the profiles of some dietary supplements showed great variability, such as different proportions of peaks or lack of peaks. Results of the principal component analysis of the fingerprint data were consistent with those of the HPLC profile analysis. The contents of two markers, agnuside and casticin, in dietary supplements showed wide variability; this result was similar to that achieved with the HPLC fingerprint. In particular, agnuside and/or casticin was not detected in two dietary supplements. Furthermore, one dietary supplement was suspected to be contaminated with V. negundo, as evidenced from the results of agnuside to casticin ratio and assay of negundoside, a characteristic marker of V. negundo. Results of the disintegration test showed poor formulation quality of two dietary supplements. These results call attention to the quality problems of many dietary supplements, such as incorrect or poor-quality origin, different contents of the active ingredient, and/or unauthorized manufacturing procedures.

Effect of Schisandrae Fructus on glycyrrhizin content in Kampo extracts containing Glycyrrhizae Radix used clinically in Japan

Glycyrrhizae Radix is an important crude drug in Japan and is the most frequently prescribed drug in Kampo medicines for the treatment of a wide range of diseases. Glycyrrhizin (GL), the major active ingredient of Glycyrrhizae Radix, has various pharmacological actions but causes adverse effects such as pseudoaldosteronism. In a previous study, the GL content of shoseiryuto was found to be unexpectedly low, and Schisandrae Fructus in shoseiryuto reduced the pH value of the decoction and drastically decreased the extraction efficiency of GL from Glycyrrhizae Radix. In the present study, we investigated the extraction efficiency of GL from Glycyrrhizae Radix in decoctions comprising Glycyrrhizae Radix and five different fruit-derived crude drugs. Among the five fruit-derived crude drugs tested, Schisandrae Fructus markedly decreased both the pH value of the decoction and the extraction efficiency of GL. A comparison of the pH value of the decoction and the GL content of 12 Kampo prescriptions (containing at least Glycyrrhizae Radix and Schisandrae Fructus) showed that the GL content per daily dose was proportional to the compounding amount of Glycyrrhizae Radix, and that the extraction efficiency of GL from Glycyrrhizae Radix was strongly correlated with the pH value of the decoction. In addition, the pH value of the decoction was similar to the pH value documented in interview forms provided by pharmaceutical companies. These results suggested that the GL content in Glycyrrhizae Radix-containing Kampo products can be estimated from both the compounding amounts of Glycyrrhizae Radix and the pH value documented in their interview forms. Knowledge of GL content will help avoid adverse reactions due to Glycyrrhizae Radix.

Characterization of UV-Sensitive Marker Constituents of Polygala Root for TLC: Applications in Quality Control of Single Crude Drug Extract Preparations

Polygala Root (the root of Polygala tenuifolia WILLDENOW; Japanese name "Onji"), a well-known crude drug, traditionally used as an expectorant and sedative, has been attracting increased interest in recent years owing to its newly found pharmacological effect related to neuroprotection. However, there is no specific method for identifying and estimating the quality of this crude drug in the Japanese Pharmacopoeia, 17th edition. Therefore, in order to develop a TLC-based simple and convenient identification method using characteristic chemical marker(s) for the drug and its extract products, UV-sensitive constituents of Polygala Root were first investigated. A total of 23 aromatic compounds were isolated and characterized. Two new compounds, namely, polygalaonjisides A (1) and B (2), were characterized as syringic acid 4-O-(2'-O-β-D-apiosyl)-β-D-glucoside and 2-O-(β-D-glucosyl)-3'-O-benzoylsucrose, respectively. Based on these phytochemical results, a TLC method focusing on three marker spots with Rf value of approximately 0.4-0.5 due to tenuifolisides A and B and 3,6'-di-O-sinapoylsucrose was proposed as a simple and convenient test to identify Polygala Root or its single-extract products on the market. The data presented in this paper could be useful in stipulating a confirmation test to identify Polygala Root.

Non-alkaloidal composition of Ephedra Herb is influenced by differences in habitats

Ephedra Herb is a crude drug defined as the terrestrial stem of Ephedra sinica, E. intermedia, or E. equisetina. It is often used to treat headaches, bronchial asthma, nasal inflammation, and the common cold. In this study, we isolated characteristic non-alkaloidal constituents from the extracts and identified them in relation to the habitat of Ephedra Herb. Extracts were prepared from Ephedra Herb collected from Inner Mongolia and Gansu. High-performance liquid chromatography was performed to quantitatively analyse the amount of ephedrine alkaloids in each extract. We compared the chemical compositions of the extracts by thin layer chromatography (TLC) to find spot characteristics depending on the habitat. ¹H-NMR, ¹³C-NMR, and 2D-NMR spectra of the samples were also examined. The ephedrine content of all extracts satisfied the quality standard stated in the Japanese Pharmacopoeia. Nonetheless, we found each notable constituent characteristic to the Ephedra Herbs from both habitats. In order to identify them, Ephedra Herb extracts were separated by column chromatography, resulting in the isolation of (±)-α-terpineol-β-D-O-glucopyranoside (1) and (E)-7-hydroxy-3,7-dimethyloct-2-en-1-yl-β-D-O-glucopyranoside (2) as the characteristic constituents in Ephedra Herb from Inner Mongolia. Epheganoside (3), a new eudesmane-type sesquiterpene glycoside, and scopoletin (4) were found to be the characteristic constituents in Ephedra Herb from Gansu. The results obtained from this study can be used to distinguish between the habitats of Ephedra Herb.

13C-NMR-based metabolic fingerprinting of Citrus-type crude drugs

Five Citrus-type crude drugs (40 samples) were classified using ¹³C-NMR spectra-based metabolomics. The following eight metabolites were identified from the loading plots of multivariate analysis of the ¹³C-NMR spectra; naringin, neohesperidin, narirutin, synephrine, sucrose, α-glucose, β-glucose, and limonene. ¹³C-NMR spectra-based metabolic fingerprinting is a promising strategy for classifying crude drugs.

Ephedrine Alkaloids-Free Ephedra Herb Extract, EFE, Has No Adverse Effects Such as Excitation, Insomnia, and Arrhythmias

Ephedrine alkaloids-free Ephedra Herb extract (EFE) has been developed to eliminate the adverse effects caused by ephedrine alkaloid-induced sympathetic hyperactivation. Previously, we reported that EFE possesses analgesic, anti-influenza, and cancer metastatic inhibitory effects at comparable levels to that of Ephedra Herb extract (EHE). However, it has not yet been demonstrated that EFE is free from the known side effects of EHE, such as excitation, insomnia, and arrhythmias. In this study, the incidence of these adverse effects was compared between mice administered EHE and those administered EFE. Increased locomotor activity in an open-field test, reduced immobility times in a forced swim test, and reduced sleep times in a pentobarbital-induced sleep test were observed in EHE-treated mice, when compared to the corresponding values in vehicle-treated mice. In contrast, EFE had no obvious effects in these tests. In electrocardiograms, atrial fibrillation (i.e., irregular heart rhythm, absence of P waves, and appearance of f waves) was observed in the EHE-treated mice. It was suggested that this atrial fibrillation was induced by stimulation of adrenaline β₁ receptors, but not by hypokalemia. However, EFE did not affect cardiac electrophysiology. These results suggest that the abovementioned side effects are caused by ephedrine alkaloids in EHE, and that EFE is free from these adverse effects, such as excitation, insomnia, and arrhythmias. Thus, EFE is a promising new botanical drug with few adverse effects.

A Double-Blind, Randomized, Crossover Comparative Study for Evaluating the Clinical Safety of Ephedrine Alkaloids-Free Ephedra Herb Extract (EFE)

Ephedra Herb is an important crude drug; it is used in various Traditional Japanese Medicine (Kampo) formulations. Its significant pharmacological effects have been believed to be attributed to ephedrine and pseudoephedrine, which sometimes induce adverse effects. On the other hand, it has been reported that some of these pharmacological effects are not dependent on ephedrine or pseudoephedrine. Ephedrine alkaloids-free Ephedra Herb extract has been newly developed. It has been reported to have analgesic, anti-influenza, and antimetastatic effects. This clinical trial was aimed at verifying the noninferiority of EFE's safety compared to that of Ephedra Herb extract (EHE) in humans. This was a single-institution, double-blinded, randomized, two-drug, two-stage, crossover comparative study. Twelve healthy male subjects were equally and randomly allocated into two groups: prior administration of EFE (EFE-P) and prior administration of EHE (EHE-P). In Stage 1, EFE and EHE were orally administered to the EFE-P and EHE-P groups, respectively, for six days. After a 4-week washout period, Stage 2 was initiated wherein the subjects were given a study drug different from Stage 1 study drug for six days. Eleven adverse events with a causal relationship to the study drugs (EHE: 8; EFE: 3) were noted; all events were mild in severity. With regard to the incidence of adverse events, EHE and EFE administration, respectively, accounted for 4 cases (out of 12 subjects, similarly below) and 1 case of increased pulse rate (p=0.32) and 3 cases and 1 case of insomnia (p=0.59). Further, there was one case of hot flashes (p=1.00) due to EFE administration and one case of dysuria (p=1.00) due to EHE administration. There were no significant differences in the incidences of adverse events between EHE administration and EFE administration. Therefore, we concluded that EFE is not inferior to EHE in terms of safety.

Preliminary Quality Evaluation and Characterization of Phenolic Constituents in Cynanchi Wilfordii Radix

A new phenolic compound, 2-O-β-laminaribiosyl-4-hydroxyacetophenone (1), was isolated from Cynanchi Wilfordii Radix (CWR, the root of Cynanchum wilfordii Hemsley), along with 10 known aromatic compounds, including cynandione A (2), bungeisides-C (7) and –D (8), p-hydroxyacetophenone (9), 2′,5′-dihydroxyacetophenone (10), and 2′,4′-dihydroxyacetophenone (11). The structure of the new compound (1) was elucidated using spectroscopic methods and chemical methods. The structure of cynandione A (2), including a linkage mode of the biphenyl parts that remained uncertain, was unambiguously confirmed using the 2D ¹³C–¹³C incredible natural abundance double quantum transfer experiment (INADEQUATE) spectrum. Additionally, health issues related to the use of Cynanchi Auriculati Radix (CAR, the root of Cynanchum auriculatum Royle ex Wight) instead of CWR have emerged. Therefore, constituents present in methanolic extracts of commercially available CWRs and CARs were examined using UV-sensitive high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), resulting in common detection of three major peaks ascribed to cynandione A (2), p-hydroxyacetophenone (9), and 2′,4′-dihydroxyacetophenone (11). Thus, to distinguish between these ingredients, a thin-layer chromatography (TLC) method, combined with only UV irradiation detection, focusing on wilfosides C1N (12) and K1N (13) as marker compounds characteristic of CAR, was performed. Furthermore, we propose this method as a simple and convenient strategy for the preliminary distinction of CWR and CAR to ensure the quality and safety of their crude drugs.

Hupercumines A and B, Lycopodium Alkaloids from Huperzia cunninghamioides, Inhibiting Acetylcholinesterase

A novel class of C₃₈N₄ Lycopodium alkaloid, hupercumine A (1), consisting of two octahydroquinolines, a decahydroquinoline, and a piperidine, and a new C₂₇N₃-type alkaloid, hupercumine B (2), were isolated from Huperzia cunninghamioides (Hayata) Holub. The structures and absolute configurations of 1 and 2 were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic data, chemical means, and biogenetic point of view. Hupercumines A (1) and B (2) showed moderate inhibitory activity against acetylcholinesterase.

Two flavone C-glycosides as quality control markers for the manufacturing process of ephedrine alkaloids-free Ephedra Herb extract (EFE) as a crude drug preparation

As part of our continuing study of ephedrine alkaloids-free Ephedra Herb extract (EFE) in pursuit of its approval as a crude drug preparation, we identified two quantitative markers for the quality control of the manufacturing process of EFE and sought to establish cost-effective and simple methods for quantitative analyses. We analysed Ephedra Herb extracts grown in different habitats and collection years by liquid chromatography/high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC/HRMS) and detected two notable peaks common to each extract. These peaks were identified as vicenin-2 (1) and isovitexin 2″-O-rhamnoside (2). Quantitative analyses using the isocratic condition of LC/MS showed that the content percentages of 1 and 2 in EFE were 0.140-0.146% and 0.350-0.411%, respectively. We concluded that 1 and 2 were adequate quality control markers for quantitative analysis of EFE. Furthermore, we quantitatively analysed apigenin (3), an aglycon common to 1 and 2, and found that the conversion factors of 1 to 3 and 2 to 3 were 1.3 and 1.5, respectively. Therefore, we concluded that 3 was a secondary standard for quantifying the contents of 1 and 2 in EFE. A series of results obtained from this study will be valuable for the quality control of EFE.

Chemical Analysis of Counterfeit Hepatitis C Drug Found in Japan

In January 2017, counterfeits of the hepatitis C drug 'HARVONI^® Combination Tablets' (HARVONI^®) were found at a pharmacy chain through unlicensed suppliers in Japan. A total of five lots of counterfeit HARVONI^® (samples 1-5) bottles were found, and the ingredients of the bottles were all in tablet form. Among them, two differently shaped tablets were present in two of the bottles (categorized as samples 2A, 2B, 4A, and 4B). We analyzed the total of seven samples by high-resolution LC-MS, GC-MS and NMR. In samples 2A, 3 and 4B, sofosbuvir, the active component of another hepatitis C drug, SOVALDI^® Tablets 400 mg (SOVALDI^®), was detected. In sample 4A, sofosbuvir and ledipasvir, the active components of HARVONI^®, were found. A direct comparison of the four samples and genuine products showed that three samples (2A, 3, 4B) are apparently SOVALDI^® and that sample 2A is HARVONI^®. In samples 1 and 5, several vitamins but none of the active compounds usually found in HARVONI^® (i.e., sofosbuvir and ledipasvir) were detected. Our additional investigation indicates that these two samples are likely to be a commercial vitamin supplement distributed in Japan. Sample 2B, looked entirely different from HARVONI^® and contained several herbal constitutents (such as ephedrine and glycyrrhizin) that are used in Japanese Kampo formulations. A further analysis indicated that sample 2B is likely to be a Kampo extract tablet of Shoseiryuto which is distributed in Japan. Considering this case, it is important to be vigilant to prevent a recurrence of distribution of counterfeit drugs.

Marketing Approval of Ethical Kampo Medicines

Kampo medicine is an original traditional medicine in Japan. Currently, 148 ethical Kampo formulations (Kampo prescription drugs) are registered in the National Health Insurance Price List. Kampo medicines can be prescribed under the national insurance system, which shows that they are part of conventional medicine in Japan. Japan has a unified drug approval system that does not distinguish between Western and Kampo medicines, and both are subject to the same regulations. The application for the market approval of ethical Kampo medicines is based on the general notification for drugs, i.e., "Handling of Ethical Combination Drugs" in "Precautions Necessary When Applying for Drug Marketing Approval" (Yakushokushinsa Notification No. 1121-12 of November 21, 2014). Furthermore, applications for the market approval of ethical Kampo medicines should follow the Kampo-specific notification of "Handling of Ethical Kampo Medicines" (Yakushin Notification No. 804 of June 25, 1980). Data from comparative studies with standard decoctions must be submitted with approval applications according to Yakushin 2 Notification No. 120 of May 31, 1985. The safety, efficacy, and quality of Kampo medicines are comprehensively assured by the Japanese Pharmacopoeia, Good Manufacturing Practice, Good Agricultural and Collection Practices, marketing approval certificate, approval standard, and pharmacovigilance. I believe that the basic framework for the market approval of ethical Kampo medicines has been established as described above. The key factors for the practical application of superior manufacturing technology and research achievements and the promotion of drug development are the specific guidelines for the approval of drugs of herbal origin.

Ephedra Herb extract activates/desensitizes transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 and reduces capsaicin-induced pain

Kampo medicines containing Ephedra Herb (EH) such as eppikajutsubuto and makyoyokukanto are used to treat myalgia, arthralgia, and rheumatism. The analgesic effects of these Kampo medicines are attributed to the anti-inflammatory action of EH. However, the molecular mechanism of the analgesic effect of EH remains to be clarified. In this study, the effects of EH extract (EHE) on transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1), a nonselective ligand-gated cation channel, which plays an essential role in nociception on sensory neurons, were investigated using mTRPV1/Flp-In293 cells (stable mouse TRPV1-expressing transfectants). Administration of EHE increased the intracellular Ca2+ concentration in these cells, which was inhibited by the TRPV1 antagonist, N-(4-tert-butylphenyl)-1,2-dihydro-4-(3-chloropyridine-2-yl) tetrahydropyrazine-1-carboxamide (BCTC), indicating that EHE activated TRPV1. Examination of EHE-induced nociceptive pain in vivo revealed that an intradermal (i.d.) injection of EHE into the hind paw of mice induced paw licking, a pain-related behavior, and that the extract increased paw licking times in a dose-dependent manner. The EHE-induced paw licking was also inhibited by BCTC. An i.d. injection of EHE 30 min before administration of capsaicin decreased capsaicin-induced paw licking times. Similarly, oral administration of the extract also suppressed capsaicin-induced paw licking, without affecting the physical performance of the mice. These results suggest that EHE suppresses capsaicin-induced paw licking by regulating TRPV1 activity. Thus, the antinociceptive effects of EHE seem to be produced by its direct action on sensory neurons through TRPV1.

Qualitative and Quantitative Evaluation of Drug and Health Food Products Containing Red Vine Leaf Extracts on the Japanese Market

Red vine leaf extracts (RVLEs) have traditionally been used for leg wellness and are now standardized to be used as OTC drugs in Europe. In Japan, one brand of RVLE products was recently approved as a direct OTC drug, and RVLEs are still used as ingredients in health food products. Since there is no mandated criterion for the quality of health food products in Japan, the consistent quality and composition of these products are not assured. Here we analyzed OTC drug and health food products containing RVLEs with different lot numbers by LC/MS. Subsequent multivariate analyses clearly indicated that the quality of the health food products was highly variable compared to that of the drug products. Surprisingly, the component contents in the health foods were different even within a same lot in a same brand. The quantitative analyses of flavonols and stilbene derivatives in the drugs and health foods indicated that the concentration of each substance was kept constant in the drugs but not in the health foods. These results strongly indicated that the quality of RVLEs as a whole was not properly controlled in the manufacturing process of health foods. Since RVLE is an active ingredient with pharmaceutical evidences and is used for drugs, the proper regulation for ensuring the consistent quality of RVLEs from product to product would be recommended even in the health foods.

Detection of Nicotiana tabacum Leaf Contamination in Pharmaceutical Products

Nicotiana tabacum (Solanaceae) is the only species whose leaves can be legally marketed as tobacco according to the Japanese Tobacco Business Act. Nicotine, a major alkaloid produced by N. tabacum leaves, is regulated in pharmaceuticals by the Japanese Pharmaceutical Affairs Law. However, the use of N. tabacum stems as an excipient in pharmaceuticals is permitted, because these contained only a small amount of nicotine. Recently, several reports showed that a substantial amount of nicotine was detected in an OTC pharmaceutical product, in which N. tabacum stems were used as an excipient. Therefore, products containing N. tabacum stems could be contaminated with the leaf material. In the present study, we established a method to detect contamination of N. tabacum stem materials with its leaves, using microscopy to obtain standard reference microphotographs for identification. Cultivated N. tabacum stems and leaves, commercial cigarette leaves, and N. tabacum tissue imported as excipient material were used for preparing the microphotographs. The characteristic N. tabacum leaf structures found in the powdered fragments included: epidermal cells with sinuous anticlinal cell walls, hairs, mesophyll parenchyma with crystalized calcium oxalate (calciphytoliths), and branching vascular bundles derived from reticulate net-veins. A comparison of the microscopic characteristics of an OTC powder with those from the standard reference microphotographs was an effective method for N. tabacum stem and leaf identification. Thus, we evaluated the powdered pharmaceutical product containing N. tabacum stem tissue and Hydrangea serrata (Hydrangeaceae) leaf tissue as excipients, and confirmed the presence of N. tabacum leaf material.

Efficiently prepared ephedrine alkaloids-free Ephedra Herb extract: a putative marker and antiproliferative effects

Ephedrine alkaloids (EAs) have been considered the main pharmacologically active substances in Ephedra Herb (麻黄, Mao; EH) since they were first identified by Prof. N. Nagai, and are known to induce palpitation, hypertension, insomnia, and dysuria as side effects. Therefore, the administration of drugs containing EH to patients with cardiovascular-related diseases is severely contraindicated. While our previous studies suggest that some of the effects of EH may not be due to EAs, considering their side effects would be expedient to develop a new EAs-free EH extract (EFE). Here, we established a preparation method for EFE and revealed its chemical composition, including the content of herbacetin, a flavonoid aglycon present in EH and a potential putative marker for EFE quality control. In addition, we showed the antiproliferative effects of EFE against the H1975 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell line. EFE was prepared from EH extract using the ion exchange resin SK-1B. LC/Orbitrap MS analysis revealed the removal of EAs, 6-methoxykynurenic acid, and 6-hydroxykynurenic acid from the original extract. Quantitative analysis of herbacetin using LC/MS in acid-hydrolyzed EFE showed that its content was 0.104 %. Although several alkaloidal constituents were removed from EH extract, the antiproliferative effect of EFE against H1975 cells was comparable to that of EH extract. These results indicate that EFE retained the anticancer effect of EH and demonstrated its potential for future development as a new herbal medicine with reduced side effects.

Identification of New Diterpenes as Putative Marker Compounds Distinguishing Agnus Castus Fruit (Chaste Tree) from Shrub Chaste Tree Fruit (Viticis Fructus)

Agnus Castus Fruit is defined in the European Pharmacopoeia as the dried ripe fruit of Vitex agnus-castus. In Europe it is used as a medicine targeting premenstrual syndrome and climacteric disorder. In Japan, Agnus Castus Fruit is becoming popular as a raw material for over-the-counter drugs and health food products, though its congenic species, Vitex rotundifolia and Vitex trifolia, have been used as Shrub Chaste Tree Fruit in traditional medicines. Therefore, it is important to discriminate these Vitex plants from the viewpoint of regulatory science. Here we tried to identify putative marker compounds that distinguish between Agnus Castus Fruit and Shrub Chaste Tree Fruit. We analyzed extracts of each crude drug by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, and performed differential analysis by comparison of each chromatogram to find one or more peaks characteristic of Agnus Castus Fruit. A peak was isolated and identified as an equilibrium mixture of new compounds named chastol (1) and epichastol (1a). The planar structures of 1 and 1a were determined spectroscopically. Their relative configurations were revealed by nuclear Overhauser effect spectroscopy and differential nuclear Overhauser effect-NMR data. Since avoiding contamination from closely related species is needed for the quality control of natural pharmaceuticals, this information will be valuable to establish a method for the quality control of both, Agnus Castus Fruit and Shrub Chaste Tree Fruit products.