Computational Prediction and Experimental Validation of the Unique Molecular Mode of Action of Scoulerine

Scoulerine is a natural compound that is known to bind to tubulin and has anti-mitotic properties demonstrated in various cancer cells. Its molecular mode of action has not been precisely known. In this work, we perform computational prediction and experimental validation of the mode of action of scoulerine. Based on the existing data in the Protein Data Bank (PDB) and using homology modeling, we create human tubulin structures corresponding to both free tubulin dimers and tubulin in a microtubule. We then perform docking of the optimized structure of scoulerine and find the highest affinity binding sites located in both the free tubulin and in a microtubule. We conclude that binding in the vicinity of the colchicine binding site and near the laulimalide binding site are the most likely locations for scoulerine interacting with tubulin. Thermophoresis assays using scoulerine and tubulin in both free and polymerized form confirm these computational predictions. We conclude that scoulerine exhibits a unique property of a dual mode of action with both microtubule stabilization and tubulin polymerization inhibition, both of which have similar affinity values.

Biological Response Profiling Reveals the Functional Differences of Main Alkaloids in Rhizoma Coptidis

Rhizoma Coptidis (RC) is a widely used traditional Chinese medicine. Although modern research has found that some alkaloids from RC are the pharmacologically active constituents, the differences in their biological effects are not completely clear. This study analyzed the differences in the typical alkaloids in RC at a systematic level and provided comprehensive information on the pharmaceutical mechanisms of the different alkaloids. The ethanol RC extract (RCE) was characterized using HPLC assay. HepG2, 3T3-L1, and RAW264.7 cells were used to detect the cytotoxicity of alkaloids. Transcriptome analyses were performed to elucidate the cellular pathways affected by RCE and alkaloids. HPLC analysis revealed that the typical alkaloids of RCE were berberine, coptisine, and palmatine. Coptisine and berberine displayed a stronger inhibitory effect on cell proliferation than palmatine. The overlapping ratios of differentially expressed genes between RCE and berberine, coptisine, and palmatine were 70.8%, 52.6%, and 42.1%, respectively. Pathway clustering analysis indicated that berberine and coptisine possessed a certain similarity to RCE, and both compounds affected the cell cycle pathway; moreover, some pathways were uniquely enriched by berberine or coptisine. Berberine and coptisine had different regulatory effects on genes involved in lipid metabolism. These results provide comprehensive information on the pharmaceutical mechanisms of the different RC alkaloids and insights into their better combinatory use for the treatment of diseases.

Chemical Evaluation of the Effects of Storage Conditions on the Botanical Goldenseal using Marker-based and Metabolomics Approaches

Hydrastis canadensis, commonly known as goldenseal, is a botanical native to the southeastern United States that has been used for the treatment of infection. The activity of goldenseal is often attributed to the presence of alkaloids (cyclic, nitrogen-containing compounds) present within its roots. Chemical components of botanical supplements like goldenseal may face degradation if not stored properly. The purpose of the research was to analyze the stability of known and unknown metabolites of H. canadensis during exposure to different storage conditions using mass spectrometry. Three abundant metabolites of H. canadensis, berberine, canadine, and hydrastine, were chosen for targeted analysis, and the stability of unknown metabolites was evaluated using untargeted metabolomics. The analysis and evaluation of H. canadensis samples were performed utilizing LC-MS and Principal Component Analysis (PCA). The research project focused on identifying the chemical changes in the metabolite content of H. canadensis under different temperature conditions (40°C ± 5°C, 20°C ± 5°C , and 4°C ± 5°C), different light:dark (hr:hr) cycles (16:8, 12:12, and 0:24), and different sample conditions (powdered roots versus whole roots) over a six month period. The results of this 6-month study revealed that the storage conditions evaluated had no significant effects on the chemical composition of H. canadensis roots. Hence, as long as H. canadensis roots are stored within the storage conditions tested in the study, no significant changes in chemical compositions of metabolites are expected.

Intracellular Accumulation as an Indicator of Cytotoxicity to Screen Hepatotoxic Components of Chelidonium majus L. by LC-MS/MS

A novel strategy was developed to identify hepatotoxic compounds in traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs). It is based on the exposure of HL-7702 cells to a TCM extract, followed by the identification and further determination of potential hepatotoxic compounds accumulated in the cells by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS). As a case study, potential hepatotoxic components in Chelidonium majus L. were screened out. Five alkaloids (sanguinarine, coptisine, chelerythrine, protopine, and chelidonine) were identified by LC–MS/MS within 10 min, and their intracellular concentrations were first simultaneously measured by LC–MS/MS with a run time of 4 min. A cell viability assay was performed to assess the cytotoxicity of each alkaloid. With their higher intracellular concentrations, sanguinarine, coptisine, and chelerythrine were identified as the main hepatotoxic constituents in Ch. majus. The study provides a powerful tool for the fast prediction of cytotoxic components in complex natural mixtures on a high-throughput basis.

Rapid identification of "mad honey" from Tripterygium wilfordii Hook. f. and Macleaya cordata (Willd) R. Br using UHPLC/Q-TOF-MS

Cases of honey poisoning have been reported widely, meaning there is a need for methods that detect "mad honey" or honey contaminated with plant-derived toxins to protect human health. In this study, we compared whole flower extracts and honey from Tripterygium wilfordii Hook. f. (TwHf) and Macleaya cordata (Willd) R. Br (McRB) using QuEChERS (quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe) and ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography/quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC/Q-TOF-MS). The results revealed several compounds common to whole flowers and honey samples. Triptolide and protopine were selected as potential markers for identifying "mad honeys" from these plants. The developed method can easily detect different honey varieties that were spiked with 5% TwHf and McRB honey samples. Additionally, 90 commercial honey samples were analyzed and determined as free from contamination. The method described in this report could be useful for studies on honey from other poisonous nectar and pollen plants.

Identification of quality markers of Yuanhu Zhitong tablets based on integrative pharmacology and data mining

BACKGROUND

The quality evaluation of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formulations is needed to guarantee the safety and efficacy. In our laboratory, we established interaction rules between chemical quality control and biological activity evaluations to study Yuanhu Zhitong tablets (YZTs). Moreover, a quality marker (Q-marker) has recently been proposed as a new concept in the quality control of TCM. However, no appropriate methods are available for the identification of Q-markers from the complex TCM systems.

PURPOSE

We aimed to use an integrative pharmacological (IP) approach to further identify Q-markers from YZTs through the integration of multidisciplinary knowledge. In addition, data mining was used to determine the correlation between multiple constituents of this TCM and its bioactivity to improve quality control.

METHODS

The IP approach was used to identify the active constituents of YZTs and elucidate the molecular mechanisms by integrating chemical and biosynthetic analyses, drug metabolism, and network pharmacology. Data mining methods including grey relational analysis (GRA) and least squares support vector machine (LS-SVM) regression techniques, were used to establish the correlations among the constituents and efficacy, and dose efficacy in multiple dimensions.

RESULTS

Seven constituents (tetrahydropalmatine, α-allocryptopine, protopine, corydaline, imperatorin, isoimperatorin, and byakangelicin) were identified as Q-markers of YZT using IP based on their high abundance, specific presence in the individual herbal constituents and the product, appropriate drug-like properties, and critical contribution to the bioactivity of the mixture of YZT constituents. Moreover, three Q-markers (protopine, α-allocryptopine, and corydaline) were highly correlated with the multiple bioactivities of the YZTs, as found using data mining. Finally, three constituents (tetrahydropalmatine, corydaline, and imperatorin) were chosen as minimum combinations that both distinguished the authentic components from false products and indicated the intensity of bioactivity to improve the quality control of YZTs.

CONCLUSIONS

Tetrahydropalmatine, imperatorin, and corydaline could be used as minimum combinations to effectively control the quality of YZTs.

Development and validation of a high performance liquid chromatography quantification method of levo-tetrahydropalmatine and its metabolites in plasma and brain tissues: application to a pharmacokinetic study

Levo-tetrahydropalmatine (l-THP) is an alkaloid isolated from Chinese medicinal herbs of the Corydalis and Stephania genera. It has been used in China for more than 40 years mainly as an analgesic with sedative/hypnotic effects. Despite its extensive use, its metabolism has not been quantitatively studied, nor there a sensitive reliable bioanalytical method for its quantification simultaneously with its metabolites. As such, the objective of this study was to develop and validate a sensitive and selective HPLC method for simultaneous quantification of l-THP and its desmethyl metabolites l-corydalmine (l-CD) and l-corypalmine (l-CP) in rat plasma and brain tissues. Rat plasma and brain samples were processed by liquid-liquid extraction using ethyl acetate. Chromatographic separation was achieved on a reversed-phase Symmetry® C18 column (4.6 × 150 mm, 5 μm) at 25°C. The mobile phase consisted of acetonitrile-methanol-10 mm ammonium phosphate (pH 3) (10:30:60, v/v) and was used at a flow rate of 0.8 mL/min. The column eluent was monitored at excitation and emission wavelengths of 230 and 315 nm, respectively. The calibration curves were linear over the concentration range of 1-10,000 ng/mL. The intra- and interday reproducibility studies demonstrated accuracy and precision within the acceptance criteria of bioanalytical guidelines. The validated HPLC method was successfully applied to analyze samples from a pharmacokinetic study of l-THP in rats. Taken together, the developed method can be applied for bioanalysis of l-THP and its metabolites in rodents and potentially can be transferred for bioanalysis of human samples.

Evaluation of Anthelmintic Activity and Composition of Pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo L.) Seed Extracts-In Vitro and in Vivo Studies

A significant number of studies report growing resistance in nematodes thriving in both humans and livestock. This study was conducted to evaluate the in vitro and in vivo anthelmintic efficiency of Curcubita pepo (C. pepo) L. hot water extract (HWE), cold water extract (CWE) or ethanol extract (ETE) on two model nematodes: Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) and Heligmosoides bakeri (H. bakeri).

METHODS

Raman, IR and LC-MS spectroscopy analyses were performed on the studied plant material to deliver qualitative and quantitative data on the composition of the obtained extracts: ETE, HWE and CWE. The in vitro activity evaluation showed an impact of C. pepo extracts on C. elegans and different developmental stages of H. bakeri. The following in vivo experiments on mice infected with H. bakeri confirmed inhibitory properties of the most active pumpkin extract selected by the in vitro study. All of the extracts were found to contain cucurbitine, aminoacids, fatty acids, and-for the first time-berberine and palmatine were identified. All C. pepo seed extracts exhibited a nematidicidal potential in vitro, affecting the survival of L1 and L2 H. bakeri larvae. The ETE was the strongest and demonstrated a positive effect on H. bakeri eggs hatching and marked inhibitory properties against worm motility, compared to a PBS control. No significant effects of pumpkin seed extracts on C. elegans integrity or motility were found. The EtOH extract in the in vivo studies showed anthelmintic properties against both H. bakeri fecal egg counts and adult worm burdens. The highest egg counts reduction was observed for the 8 g/kg dose (IC50 against H. bakeri = 2.43; 95% Cl = 2.01-2.94). A decrease in faecal egg counts (FEC) was accompanied by a significant reduction in worm burden of the treated mice compared to the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

Pumpkin seed extracts may be used to control of Gastrointestinal (G.I.) nematode infections. This relatively inexpensive alternative to the currently available chemotherapeutic should be considered as a novel drug candidate in the nearest future.

Identification of allocryptopine and protopine metabolites in rat liver S9 by high-performance liquid chromatography/quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry

RATIONALE

Allocryptopine (AL) and protopine (PR) have been extensively studied because of their anti-parasitic, anti-arrhythmic, anti-thrombotic, anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial activity. However, limited information on the pharmacokinetics and metabolism of AL and PR has been reported. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to investigate the in vitro metabolism of AL and PR in rat liver S9 using a rapid and accurate high-performance liquid chromatography/quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (HPLC/QqTOFMS) method.

METHODS

The incubation mixture was processed with 15% trichloroacetic acid (TCA). Multiple scans of AL and PR metabolites and accurate mass measurements were automatically performed simultaneously through data-dependent acquisition in only a 30-min analysis. The structural elucidations of these metabolites were performed by comparing their changes in accurate molecular masses and product ions with those of the precursor ion or metabolite.

RESULTS

Eight and five metabolites of AL and PR were identified in rat liver S9, respectively. Among these metabolites, seven and two metabolites of AL and PR were identified in the first time, respectively. The demethylenation of the 2,3-methylenedioxy, the demethylation of the 9,10-vicinal methoxyl group and the 2,3-methylenedioxy group were the main metabolic pathways of AL and PR in liver S9, respectively. In addition, the cleavage of the methylenedioxy group of the drugs and subsequent methylation or O-demethylation were also the common metabolic pathways of drugs in liver S9. In addition, the hydroxylation reaction was also the metabolic pathway of AL.

CONCLUSIONS

This was the first investigation of in vitro metabolism of AL and PR in rat liver S9. The detailed structural elucidations of AL and PR metabolites were performed using a rapid and accurate HPLC/QqTOFMS method. The metabolic pathways of AL and PR in rat were tentatively proposed based on these characterized metabolites and early reports. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

[Study on quality standard of Berberidis Cortex]

In order to establish the quality standard of Berberidis Cortex and improve its quality control level, water, total ash, acid-insoluble ash and alcohol-soluble extract were determined according to procedures recorded in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia (2010 edition). The qualitative and quantitative analyses were performed by thin layer chromatography (TLC) and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) methods. The results showed that TLC identification had a good resolution with clear spots. The water content was 8.39%-12.23%; total ash was 4.50%-9.96%; acid-insoluble ash was 0.10%-0.69%, and the alcohol-soluble extraction was 20.62%-37.13%. The average contents of magnoflorine, jatrorrhizine, palmatine, and berberine in Berberidis Cortex were 5.98%, 0.63%, 0.30%, 2.50%, respectively. It was concluded that the developed method was accurate and good in specificity, which can be used for quality control of Berberidis Cortex in the future.

[Research on bitter components from Coptis chinensis based on electronic tongue]

Isolated alkaloids from Coptis chinensis Franch. The compounds were identified as berberine, columbamine, groenlandicine, jatrorrhizine, magnoflorine, corydaldine and ferulic acid methylester. Then measured their bitter degree based on the electronic tongue and evaluated the antibacterial. The results based on the Electronic Tongue showed that berberine, columbamine, groenlandicine and jatrorrhizine have higher bitter degree than magnoflorine and corydaldine. And they also appeared better antibacterial activity on E. coli and S. aureus. The correlation coefficients between bitter degree and the two bacteria antibacterial activity were 0.983 and 0.911. So there was close relationship between the bitter degree and antibacterial activity of bitter components. Thus, it is confirmed further that bitter components are the material foundation of medicinal effectiveness of bitter herbs.

[Evaluation of crude drugs by means of colorimeter (I). Study on correlation between color and alkaloids content of coptidis rhizoma]

OBJECTIVE

To examine the correlation between alkaloids content and L*, a* and b* color indices of Rhizoma Coptidis for quality control.

METHODS

A colorimeter was used for the measurement of reflected light from sieved powder samples using the CIE 1976 L* a* b* color system. The content of six alkaloids were determined by HPLC. The correlation between alkaloids content and color indices of Rhizoma Coptidis was analyzed.

RESULTS

When the particle size of Rhizoma Coptidis was less than 355 microm and the colorimeter parameters were set as measurement diameter of 3 mm, observation degree of 10, and light source of F2 and F7, the measured color was significantly correlated with total alkaloids content (r = 0.793, P < 0.05). As light source of F11, the measured color was significantly correlated with berberine content (r = 0.867, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

The correlation between the color of powdered Coptidis Rhizoma and its alkaloids contents was found in this study. Measurment of the color of Coptidis Rhizoma can be used to assess its quality.

A highly sensitive dual-readout assay based on poly(A) and gold nanoparticles for palmatine hydrochloride

This report presents a highly sensitive, poly(A)-stabilized gold nanoparticle-based assay with dual readouts (resonance light scattering and colorimetric) for detecting palmatine hydrochloride (PaH) in real samples. The detection mechanism is based on the fact that palmatine hydrochloride has strong affinity to poly(A), which can stabilize gold nanoparticles at high ionic strength, and cause the aggregation of poly(A)-stabilized AuNPs, resulting in the enhanced resonance light scattering (RLS). At the same time, the color change of poly(A)-stabilized AuNPs solution is from red to blue via purple. Thus a highly sensitive RLS assay for PaH has been developed with a linear range of 0.023-2.5 μg/mL. The limit of detection (LOD, 3σ) is 2.3 ng/mL. In this work, the reaction mechanism of this system was investigated by scanning electron microscope (SEM), dark-field light scattering images (DLSI), dynamiclight scattering (DLS) and circular dichroism (CD). This proposed method was also applied successfully for the determination of PaH in pharmaceutical preparations and urine samples with RSD⩽4.0%. The results are in good agreement with those from the official method.

[Microcalorimetric investigation on the interaction of six alkaloids from rhizoma coptidis]

How to identify active constituents of traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) and study their interactions are key problems in the development of TCMs. The inhibitory effect of six alkaloids from Rhizoma Coptidis (RC) on Shigella dysenteriae (S. dysenteria) growth had been investigated by microcalorimetry in this study. Main active constituents of RC were confirmed by comparing their contributions to the bacteriostatic effect, and the interactions among active constituents were further researched. According to the result, in 0.8 mg-mL-1 extract of RC, the contributions of six active alkaloids including berberine, coptisine, epiberberine, palmatine and the combination of jatrorrhizine and columbamine were 52.83%, 36.31%, 2.49%, 4.27% and 3.21%, respectively. Therefore, berberine and coptisine were the main active constituents of RC that inhibited the growth of S. dysenteria. The study of interactions among the six alkaloids indicated that, 1 there were some contstituents antagonizing the inhibitory effect of RC, 2 there was a synergy effect between berberine and coptisine, 3 there were additive effects between other four alkaloids and the main active constituents. These results may provide some useful references for the establishment of the quality standard for RC and the development of multi-component TCMs.

[Determination of main active components in crude and processed Corydalis Rhizoma samples from different habitats]

OBJECTIVE

To compare the content of water, ethanol soluble extracts and tetrahydropalmatine in crude and processed Corydalis Rhizoma samples from different habitats.

METHODS

Corydalis Rhizoma was processed according to the optimum processing of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia (2010 edition), and then, the difference of the content of water,ethanol soluble extracts and tetrahydropalmatine in crude and processed Corydalis Rhizoma samples were analyzed and compared.

RESULTS

From 14 different batches of Corydalis Rhizoma studies, the content of water, ethanol soluble extracts and tetrahydropalmatine in crude Corydalis Rhizoma was 12.8%-14.8%, 16.5%-19.6% and 0.043%-0.075%, respectively; As for Corydalis Rhizoma after processing with vinegar,the content of water, ethanol soluble extracts and tetrahydropalmatine was 7.58%-11.7%, 17.8%-23.5% and 0.046%-0.079%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The content of water, ethanol soluble extracts and tetrahydropalmatine varies slightly in the same type of samples from different habitats,which might be due to the difference in soil and climate in each habitat.

Selective extraction of berberine and palmatine from Huangbai powder

Berberine and palmatine are two of the main bioactive components in Huangbai, a major Chinese medicinal herb. The current methods to extract these compounds usually involving the usage of inorganic acid and base, are not only complex and time-consuming, but have a low selectivity. In this paper, it was reported that hexane, ethyl acetate and dichloromethane were tested to extract berberine and palmatine from Huangbai powder. The results showed that dichloromethane extracted selectively and effectively berberine and palmatine from Huangbai powder among the examined solvents. In addition, dichloromethane can be recycled and reused, making it a potential candidate for large scale extraction of berberine and palmatine from Huangbai.

Anti-protozoal activity of aporphine and protoberberine alkaloids from Annickia kummeriae (Engl. & Diels) Setten & Maas (Annonaceae)

BACKGROUND

Malaria, trypanosomiasis and leishmaniasis have an overwhelming impact in the poorest countries in the world due to their prevalence, virulence and drug resistance ability. Currently, there is inadequate armory of drugs for the treatment of malaria, trypanosomiasis and leishmaniasis. This underscores the continuing need for the discovery and development of new anti-protozoal drugs. Consequently, there is an urgent need for research aimed at the discovery and development of new effective and safe anti-plasmodial, anti-trypanosomal and anti-leishmanial drugs.

METHODS

Bioassay-guided chromatographic fractionation was employed for the isolation and purification of antiprotozoal alkaloids.

RESULTS

The methanol extract from the leaves of Annickia kummeriae from Tanzania exhibited a strong anti-plasmodial activity against the multi-drug resistant Plasmodium falciparum K1 strain (IC50 0.12 ± 0.01 μg/ml, selectivity index (SI) of 250, moderate activity against Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense STIB 900 strain (IC50 2.50 ± 0.19 μg/ml, SI 12) and mild activity against Leishmania donovani axenic MHOM-ET-67/82 strain (IC50 9.25 ± 0.54 μg/ml, SI 3.2). Bioassay-guided chromatographic fractionation led to the isolation of four pure alkaloids, lysicamine (1), trivalvone (2), palmatine (3), jatrorrhizine (4) and two sets of mixtures of jatrorrhizine (4) with columbamine (5) and palmatine (3) with (-)-tetrahydropalmatine (6). The alkaloids showed low cytotoxicity activity (CC50 30 - >90 μg/ml), strong to moderate anti-plasmodial activity (IC50 0.08 ± 0.001 - 2.4 ± 0.642 μg/ml, SI 1.5-1,154), moderate to weak anti-trypanosomal (IC50 2.80 ± 0.001 - 14.3 ± 0.001 μg/ml, SI 2.3-28.1) and anti-leishmanial activity IC50 2.7 ± 0.001 - 20.4 ± 0.003 μg/ml, SI 1.7-15.6).

CONCLUSION

The strong anti-plasmodial activity makes these alkaloids good lead structures for drug development programs.

[Classification study of Coptis chinensis based on quantitative physical property characteristics of appearance and internal quality evaluation]

OBJECTIVE

Combining the quantitative physical property characteristics of the appearance with the internal quality evaluation index, its aims to provide experimental basis for the classification and quality evaluation of Coptis chinensis.

METHOD

Fourteen batches of C. chinensis from different areas were respectively measured in size (total length, total width, root length, taproot diameter, branch number, branch length, branch diameter, length of the bridge, weight), color (external color, internal color), content (epiberberine, coptisine, palmatine, berberine). Then the determination data were evaluated by spss principal component analysis and cluster analysis.

RESULT

Three principal components were extracted from the original data. The principal component analysis results showed that the characteristic elements might be the total length, main root length, taproot diameter, branch length, weight, the total color value of the appearance and content of epiberberine and berberine. The results of cluster analysis showed that 14 batches of samples could be clustered reasonably into two groups. In terms of the appearance and quality, there were some differences between in the geo-authentic and non-authentic producing areas of C. chinensis.

CONCLUSION

The method which was combining the quantitative physical property characteristics of the appearance with the internal quality evaluation index, and through the processing of mathematical statistics, could be used for the the classification of C. chinensis.

[Chemical constituents from Corydalis yanhusuo]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the chemical constituents of Corydalis yanhusuo.

METHOD

The compounds were isolated and purified by column chromatography over macroporous absorption resin, silica gel, and Sephadex LH-20. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of physicochemical properties and spectral data.

RESULT

22 compounds were isolated and identified as corydaline (1), tetrahydropalmatine (2), protopine (3), tetrahydrocorysamine (4), tetrahydrocoptisine (5) , tetrahydroberberine (6), tetrahydrocolumbamine (7), noroxyhydrastine (8), dehydrocorydaline (9), glaucine (10), columbamine (11), 8-oxocoptisine (12), 13-methyl-columbamine (13), coptisine (14), palmatine (15), herberine (16), oxoglaucine (17), 13-methyl-palmatrubine (18), dehydrocorybulbine (19), stepharanine (20), adenosine (21), and N5 -acetylornithine (22).

CONCLUSION

Compounds 13, 20, 21, and 22 were isolated from this plant for the first time.

[Effect of different compatibility of Wuji Wan on bile excretion of representative ingredient]

OBJECTIVE

To research the representative ingredient excretion in bile using the different compatibilities of Wuji Wan, in order to indicate the regularity of compatibility.

METHOD

L9 (3(4)) orthogonal design table was used, in addition 9 simples, altogether 18 compatibilities. After duodenal administration bile at different time spot was collected for LC-MS detection.

RESULT

The excretion of Evodiae Fructus was negative correlated with that of berberine and palmatine in bile. The excretion of Paeoniae Radix Alba was positive correlated with that of berberine and palmatine in bile. The excretion of Coptidis Rhizoma, Paeoniae Radix Alba was negative correlated with that of evodiamine, rutaecarpine; meanwhile, the most superior proportion was also caculated which promote the representative ingredient excrete from bile.

CONCLUSION

Evodiae fructus suppresses representative ingredients of Coptidis Rhizoma excrete through bile. Paeoniae Radix Alba promote suppresses representative ingredients of Coptidis Rhizoma excrete through bile. Coptidis Rhizoma, paeoniae Radix Alba suppresses representative ingredients of Evodiae Fructus excrete through bile. Coptidis Rhizoma, Evodiae Fructus suppresses representative ingredients of Paeoniae Radix Alba excrete through bile.

[Study on method of Corydalis yanhusuo producing and concocting integration processing]

OBJECTIVE

To establish integration processing method for pretreating and vinegar producing Corydalis yanhusuo.

METHOD

Different processing methods were contrasted with the traditional processing technology, and contents of corydalis B, water extract and ethanol extract in samples of different processing products were determined.

RESULT

The content of corydalis B were best in the samples of vacuumizing C. yanhusuo chips scaked in rice vinegar for twice or soaked in rice vinegar after chip drying. The water extract was highest in the samples of chip soaked in rice vinegar after drying, followed with chip vacuumizing twice, and there were no remarkable difference between the other samples and the traditional process. The difference of ethanol extract was not remarkable in all the samples.

CONCLUSION

The study provide the feasibility of C. yanhusuo producing and concocting integration processing.

[Influence of penetration enhancers on in vitro transdermal permeation of L-tethrahydropalmatine]

OBJECTIVE

To study the effect of different penetration enhancers on the in vitro transdermal permeation of 1-tethrahydropalmatine (L-THP) through rat skin.

METHOD

Both natural and chemical synthesis penetration enhancers were applied singly or jointly to investigate the skin permeation rates of l-THP. The skin permeation profiles were evaluated by Valian-Chien permeation cells with isolated rat skin. HPLC-UV method was established to determine the concentration of l-THP in samples.

RESULT

As chemical synthesis penetration enhancer was used alone, 8% azone was observed to be the optimal penetration enhancer with the maximal penetration rate of 21.153 microg x cm(-20 x h(-1). Although 2% menthol crystal or 5% eucalyptus oil was effective as a natural penetration enhancer when used alone, the average penetration rate reached only half of that of 8% azone. The penetration potency of either menthol oil or menthol crystal combined with 8% azone was more effective than that of azone alone (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Either menthol oil or menthol crystal combined with 8% azone is effective on transdermal penetration of l-THP in vitro. There is significant synergistic effect when natural penetration enhancers combined with chemical synthesis penetration enhancers.

[Study on the initial processing of Corydalis yanhusuo]

OBJECTIVE

To establish initial processing technology of Corydalis yanhusuo.

METHODS

Investigated the effect of the factors such as slice method, dry method, drying temperature on the content of water-extract, ethanol-extract, effective component in Corydalis yanhusuo pieces. Compared the quality with that of the traditional initial processing samples.

RESULTS

The best initial process method was: cut fresh Corydalis yanhusuo into 4 - 5 mm thick slices, dry at 70 - 80 degrees C or microwave dry.

CONCLUSION

The study provides theoretical base for modifying the initial processing.

[Quantitative analysis of four alkaloids in Xianglian preparations by QAMS method]

OBJECTIVE

To examine the feasibilities of the method, quantitative analysis of multi-components by single marker (QAMS) for determination of four alkaloids in Xianglian preparations.

METHOD

A HPLC method was developed to determine the contents of four alkaloids, epiberberine, coptisine, palmatine and berberine in Xianglian preparations. Berberine was selected as the internal reference substance, and 3 relative correction factors to berberine were calculated. The contents of the four alkaloids in 16 batches of samples were determined by both external standard method and QAMS. The new method was evaluated by comparing the quantitative results with of the external standard method.

RESULT

No significant differences were found between the quantitative results of four alkaloids in 16 batches of samples determined by the two methods.

CONCLUSION

QAMS is feasible for determination of four alkaloids simultaneously, and the developed method can be used for quality control of Xiang Lian preparations.

[Study on the alkaloids in the stems and leaves of Stephania cepharantha (II)]

OBJECTIVE

To study the alkaloids in the stems and leaves of Stephania cepharantha Hayata.

METHODS

The dried stems and leaves of Stephania cepharantha Hayata were percolated with 95% ethanol and the solvent was removed by rotary evaporation to give a concentrate, and the concentrate was extracted by petroleum ether and chloroform. Column chromatograghy on MCI CHP 20P, silica gel, Rp-18, Sephadex LH-20 and polyamide were applied for the isolation and purification of the chloroform fraction. The structures were elucidated by their physicochemical properties and spectral data.

RESULTS

Five alkaloids were obtained and identified as, Stephasunoline (I) Aknadinine (II), Discretamine (III), Acutumine (IV), Sinomenine (V).

CONCLUSION

Compounds I, III, IV are isolated from this plant for the first time, and compound IV is isolated from the genus for the first time.

[Determination of protopine in Corydalis racemose by HPLC]

OBJECTIVE

To develop a HPLC method for determining the content of protopine in Corydalis racemose.

METHOD

Analysis was performed on a Gemini C18 column (4.6 mm x 250 mm, 5 microm) eluted with acetonitrile-water containing 0.8% triethylamine and 3% acetic acid acetum (20:80) as the mobile phase. The flow rate was 1.0 mL x min(-1). The detection wavelength was 289 nm.

RESULT

The average content of protopine in Herb of Racemose Corydalis was 0.905%. The calibration curve of protopine was linear between 0.124-1.36 microg (r = 0.9999). The average recovery was 98.49% with RSD 1.9%.

CONCLUSION

This method is simple, reproducible and can be used to determine the content of protopine in C. racemose.

[Simultaneous determination of jatrorrhizine, palmatine, berberine, and obacunone in Phellodendri Amurensis Cortex by RP-HPLC]

OBJECTIVE

To develop a HPLC method to determine the content of jatrorrhizine, palmatine, berberine, and obacunone in Phellodendri Amurensis Cortex simultaneously. MEHTOD: The separations were carried out at 25 degrees C on a Phenomenex Gemini C18 column (4.6 mm x 250 mm, 5 microm) eluted with acetonitril and water containing 0.1% phosphoric acid in gradient mode. The flow rate was 1.0 mL x min(-1), detection wavelengthes were 345 nm for jatrorrhizine , palmatine, berberine and 210 nm for obacunone.

RESULT

The average recoveries of jatrorrhizine, palmatine, berberine, and obacunone were 98.94%, 101.17%, 96.22% and 98.90%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The method is simple, accurate and repeatable, and can be used in content determination of jatrorrhizine, palmatine, berberine, and obacunone in Phellodendri Amurensis Cortex.

Quaternary alkaloids of Argemone mexicana

Four quaternary isoquinoline alkaloids, dehydrocorydalmine, jatrorrhizine, columbamine, and oxyberberine, have been isolated from the whole plant of Argemone mexicana Linn. (Papaveraceae) and their structures established by spectral evidence. This is the first report of these alkaloids (dehydrocorydalmine, jatrorrhizine, columbamine, and oxyberberine) from Argemone mexicana and the Argemone genus.

Simple and reliable methods for the determination of sixteen marker components for quality control of Daochi pill by HPLC coupled with diode array detection

INTRODUCTION

Traditional Chinese medicine plays a very important role in the healthcare system of China and thus the quality control of medicinal herb products is of paramount concern.

OBJECTIVE

To establish a simple and effective high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method to evaluate the quality of Daochi pill.

METHODOLOGY

Two HPLC methods were developed for the determination of 16 marker components in Daochi pills. In method A, the analytes were separated on a Lichrosorb C(18) column using a gradient elution of methanol and 1% aqueous phosphoric acid (pH 2.9, adjusted by triethylamine). In method B, the separation was achieved on an Agilent Eclipse Plus C(18) column using a gradient elution of methanol and 3% aqueous phosphoric acid (pH 2.0, adjusted by triethylamine) in a gradient elution mode.

RESULTS

Methods were linear over the range 0.27-500 microg/mL (r(2) >or= 0.9995). Accuracy, precision and repeatability were all within the required limits. The mean recoveries measured at three concentrations were higher than 95% with RSD <or= 4% for the targets.

CONCLUSION

The established methods are simple and can be used as tools for quality evaluation and control of this natural product.

[Study on the influence on Rhizoma Corydalis by different harvest time and processing methods]

OBJECTIVE

To choose the best harvest time and initial processing method of Rhizoma Corydalis.

METHODS

Taking the content of tetrahydropalmatine and dry rates as major indices, different samples from different harvest time and different processing methods were investigated by HPLC. The C18 column (250 mm x 4.6 mm, 5 microm) was used with mobile phase of methanol-0.1% phosphoric acid solution (pH = 6.0, adjusted with triethylamine) (58: 42). The mobile phase flow rate was 1.0 mL/min. The detection wavelength was 280 nm.

RESULTS

The contents of tetrahydropalmatine were similar although the harvest time was different. The dry rate on May 21 was higher than the others. The content of tetrahydropalmatine was the highest by steaming and reached 0.11%.

CONCLUSION

The best harvest time for Rhizoma Corydalis is around 10 days after the above-ground plant wilted, and the best initial processing method for Rhizoma Corydalis is steaming.

[Comparison of microwave-assisted and conventional extraction of Corydalis yanhusuo]

OBJECTIVE

To compare the extraction yield and economic cost in the microwave-assisted extraction and conventional extraction of Corydalis yanhusuo.

METHODS

Both of the extractions of Corydalis yanhusuo were optimized by orthogonal design. The contents of tetrahydropalmatine and total alkaloids were determined by HPLC and ultraviolet spectrophotometer, respectively. Meanwhile, the electricity consumption was determined in the extraction process.

RESULTS

Comparing with conventional extraction, the microwave-assisted extraction saved time and money, and provided higher extraction yield of tetrahydropalmatine and total alkaloids.

CONCLUSION

The microwave-assisted extraction has advantages in high efficiency and low cost.

[Study on the influence on the content of dehydrocavidine and total alkaloids in Corydalis saxicola by different drying methods]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the influence of five different drying methods on the contents of dehydrocavidine, a main active constituent, and total alkaloids in Corydalis saxicola.

METHODS

The whole plant samples of C. saxicola were harvested at its florescence stage, and then immediately divided into four parts of root, stem, leaf, and inflorescence. Each part of sample was dried by the following five methods, drying in a sunshine, drying in a shade, oven-drying at 60 degrees C, vacuum-drying at room temperature and frozen vacuum-drying, respectively. Then the contents of dehydrocavidine and total alkaloids were determined by RP-HPLC and ultraviolet spectrophotometry.

RESULTS

The contents of dehydrocavidine and total alkaloids in all the four parts of the sample processed by drying in a shade were significantly higher than those in the samples processed by the other four drying mehods.

CONCLUSION

Different drying methods could significantly influence the contents of dehydrocavidine and total alkaloids in C. saxicola. The process of drying in a shade for a long time would be the best.

Development of a rapid resolution liquid chromatographic method for simultaneous analysis of four alkaloids in Rhizoma coptidis under different cultivation conditions

A sensitive and specific method using rapid resolution liquid chromatography coupled with UV-Vis detection was developed for fingerprint analysis of Rhizoma coptidis and simultaneous determination of 4 alkaloids: jatrorrhizine, coptisine, palmatine, and berberine. Samples of R. coptidis grown under different cultivation conditions and from different habitats were analyzed. The analysis was performed using a reversed-phase octylsilyl (C8) column and gradient elution. The mobile phase consisted of acetonitrile and 20 mmol/L KH2PO4. Each analysis was completed within 3.5 min. The method showed good linearity within test ranges of 4.75-47.50 microg/mL for jatrorrhizine, 20.60-164.80 microg/mL for coptisine, 18.07-180.73 microg/mL for palmatine, and 89.70-717.57 microg/mL for berberine. The method showed good precision, repeatability, and stability for quantification of the 4 alkaloids. The lower limit of detection was 0.19 ng for jatrorrhizine, 0.21 ng for coptisine, 0.15 ng for palmatine, and 0.14 ng for berberine. The lower limit of quantification was 0.57 ng for jatrorrhizine, 0.82 ng for coptisine, 0.55 ng for palmatine, and 0.27 ng for berberine. The overall recovery ranged from 96.30 to 104.10% for the 4 alkaloids. The method is accurate, rapid, and convenient, and it is suitable for routine quality control of R. coptidis.

[Studies on active ingredients in Corydalis, broken cell wall corydalis and its processed products]

OBJECTIVE

To compare the contents of tetrahydropalmatine and dehydrocorydaline in corydalis, broken cell wall corydalis and its different processed products.

METHOD

The broken cell wall technique was used to corydalis, and then both the corydalis and broken cell wall corydalis were processed. The method of chromatography which was used to determine the contents of tetrahydropalmatine and dehydrocorydaline in corydalis broken cell wall corydalis and its different processed products was performed by RP-HPLC with Kromasil ODS-C18 (4.6 mm x 250 mm, 5 microm) column was used at 35 degrees C, acetonitrile-acetate buffer solution (pH 6.0) (30:70) as mobile phase of 1 mL x min(-1) flow rate, detection wavelength was set at 280 nm.

RESULT

The contents of the two active components in broken cell wall corydalis were higher than that in corydalis, while that in broken cell wall and vinegar-fried corydalis was highest in the products of breaked cell wall corydalis.

CONCLUSION

Breaking the cell wall of corydalis can help to dissolute alkaloids.

Nonaqueous capillary electrophoresis coupled with laser-induced native fluorescence detection for the analysis of berberine, palmatine, and jatrorrhizine in Chinese herbal medicines

LIF detection is one of the most sensitive detection methods for CE. However, its application is limited because the analyte is usually required to be derivatized with a fluorescent label. As a result, LIF is seldom used to analyze active ingredients in plants. In this work, we introduce a rapid, simple, and sensitive method of nonaqueous CE (NACE) coupled with laser-induced native fluorescence detection for the simultaneous analysis of berberine, palmatine, and jatrorrhizine. This method skillfully utilizes the native fluorescence of these alkaloids and requires no troublesome fluorescent derivatization. As these alkaloids can fluoresce to some degree, they were simply detected by a commercially available 488 nm Ar+ laser. The native fluorescence of the analytes was greatly enhanced by nonaqueous media. Compared with the reported UV detection method, much lower LOD was achieved (6.0 ng/mL for berberine, 7.5 ng/mL for palmatine, and 380 ng/mL for jatrorrhizine). This method was successfully applied to analyze berberine, palmatine, and jatrorrhizine in two Chinese herbal medicines, Rhizoma coptidis and Caulis mahoniae.

[Optimal extraction of Dingxiang jiangqi granules]

OBJECTIVE

To screen and optimize the extraction of Dingxiangjiangqi granules.

METHOD

The extraction route was screened by using pharmacodynamic experiment and the extraction conditions were optimized by orthogonal design and taking extract yield, content of naringin and tetrahydropalmatine as indexes.

RESULT

The pharmacodynamic result showed that aqueous extract had the best effect to cure the esophagitis of rats and the optimized extraction technique was adding 12 times water, extracting 0. 5 hour for 3 times.

CONCLUSION

The optimum extraction was simple, reasonable, stable and useful for further development.

Conventional sample enrichment strategies combined with high-performance liquid chromatography–solid phase extraction–nuclear magnetic resonance analysis allows analyte identification from a single minuscule Corydalis solida plant tuber

Identification of putative biomarker molecules within the genus Corydalis (Papaveraceae) was pursued by combining conventional off-line sample enrichment with high-performance liquid chromatography-solid phase extraction-nuclear magnetic resonance (HPLC-SPE-NMR) based structure elucidation. Off-line reversed phase solid phase extraction (SPE) was used to enrich the desired analytes from a methanolic extract (93 mg dry weight) of a miniscule single tuber (233 mg dry weight) of C. solida. An aliquot of the SPE fraction (2.1 mg) was subjected to separation in the HPLC-SPE-NMR hyphenation. Chromatographic peaks bearing the metabolites under investigation were trapped in the SPE device in a single experiment and transferred to a 600 MHz NMR spectrometer equipped with a 30 microl cryofit insert fed into a 3 mm cryoprobe. Recorded homo- and heteronuclear 1D and 2D NMR data allowed the identification of the three analytes under investigation as protopine, allocryptopine, and N-methyl-laudanidinium acetate. The latter is a rare alkaloid, which has been isolated only once before.

Antimicrobial properties of berberines alkaloids in Coptis chinensis Franch by microcalorimetry

The growth thermogenic curves of Escherichia coli (E. coli) affected by berberine, coptisine and palmatine were determined quantitatively by microcalorimetry. The power-time curves of E. coli with and without the three berberines alkaloids (BA) were acquired, meanwhile the extent and duration of inhibitory effects on the metabolism were evaluated by growth rate constant (k), half-inhibitory ratio (IC50), peak time of maximum heat-output power (tp), total heat-production (Qt) and so on. The inhibitory effects of BA on E. coli revealed that the sequence of their antimicrobial activity was berberine > coptisine > palmatine. The functional groups methylenedioxy at C2 and C3 on phenyl ring improve antimicrobial activity more remarkably than methoxyl at C2 and C3 on phenyl ring. However, the antimicrobial activity does not vary significantly with methylenedioxy or methoxyl at C9 and C10 on phenyl ring.

High performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis of protoberberine alkaloids in medicine herbs

RP-HPLC is the main method for the analysis of alkaloids. However, peak tailing is a problem that commonly occurs in the separation of alkaloids. In order to overcome this, three kinds of RP columns were compared for the analysis of protoberberine alkaloids in Coptidis Rhizoma and Phellodendri Cortex in this work. XTerra MS C18 column was the best one which gave the best symmetry factor under the same conditions. With this column, a good separation of the crude extracts of C. Rhizoma and P. Cortex was achieved using 0.1% v/v formic acid buffer and methanol as mobile phase. At the same time, the crude extracts of C. Rhizoma and P. Cortex were analyzed by the LC-ESI-MSn and LC-atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI)-MSn methods. In the analysis of HPLC-ESI/MSn, structures of five protoberberine alkaloids were elucidated, compared to authentic standards, and data from the literature. At the same time, the structure of a novel compound was elucidated. In the HPLC-APCI/ MSn analysis, there was an interesting phenomenon that the relative abundance of the ions M+ and [M + 2]+ was different for different alkaloids. The possible fragmentation pathways of protoberberine alkaloids in APCI/MS analysis were studied for the first time in the present work.

Identification of palmatine and its metabolites in rat urine by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry

Palmatine is an isoquinoline alkaloid that has been widely used in China for the treatment of various inflammatory diseases such as gynecological inflammation, bacillary dysentery, enteritis, respiratory tract infection, urinary infection, etc. In the study reported in this paper, a simple and rapid high-performance liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization (ESI) tandem mass spectrometric method (MS/MS) was developed for elucidation of the structures of metabolites of palmatine in rat urine after administration of a single dose (20 mg/kg). The rat urine samples were collected and purified through C18 solid-phase extraction cartridges, and then injected onto a reversed-phase C18 column with 60:40 (v/v) methanol/0.01% triethylamine solution (2 mM, adjusted to pH 3.5 with formic acid) as mobile phase and detected by on-line MS/MS. Identification of the metabolites and elucidation of their structures were performed by comparing changes in molecular masses (DeltaM), retention times and spectral patterns of product ions with those of the parent drug. As a result, six phase I metabolites, the parent drug palmatine and two phase II metabolites were identified in rat urine for the first time.

[Quality analysis and evaluation of Rhizoma Coptidis under different cultivation conditions]

AIM

To develop methods for the fingerprint analysis of Rhizoma Coptidis and the determination of berberine, palmatine and jatrorrhizine in Rhizoma Coptidis, and analyze the contents of these three alkaloids in Rhizoma Coptidis under different cultivation conditions, from different areas and processed with different methods.

METHODS

Two methods (HPLC-UV and HPLC-MS) have been developed and used in fingerprint analysis of Rhizoma Coptidis. An HPLC method was used to determine the contents of three alkaloids.

RESULTS

With HPLC-MS techniques, seven major chromatographic peaks in the fingerprint analysis of Rhizoma Coptidis were identified by their MS spectra and compared with the reference standards. In different cultivation conditions, shading conditions and growing ages have obvious influence on the contents of three alkaloids in Rhizoma Coptidis, while planting density was not the major factor that influenced the contents of three alkaloids. The contents of three alkaloids of Coptidis samples were almost higher than those of Coptidis reference material. For Coptidis samples from different cultivation area, the contents of these three alkaloids were different greatly. For Coptidis samples processed with different methods, the contents of three alkaloids were not influenced obviously by processing methods.

CONCLUSION

The results showed that the ecology cultivation method to replace the traditional shading method was feasible and provided the theoretical foundation for scientifically processing Rhizoma Coptidis.

[Determination of 3 kinds of components in huanglian jiedu decoction by HPLC under different UV wavelengths]

OBJECTIVE

To determinate 3 kinds of effective components (5 compounds) in Huanglian Jiedu decoction at the same time, namely berberine, palmtine, jatrorrhizine, baicalin and geniposide.

METHOD

A HPLC method detected by 3 different UV wavelengths 345 nm for berberine, palmtine and jatrorrhizine, 280 nm for baicalin, 238 nm for geniposide. Diamonsil C18 (4.6 mm x 250 mm, 5 microm) column was used, the mixture of H2O (A) , CH3OH (B) and 0.05% H3PO4 solution (C) as mobile phase in gradient mode. The column temperature was 35 degrees C and the flow rate was 1 mL x min(-1).

RESULT

This method was applied to determined 5 compounds in Huanglian Jiedu decoction rapidly and accurately.

CONCLUSION

The quality control method is convenient, reasonable and credible for Huanglian Jiedu decoction.

[Fingerprints of Rhizoma Coptidis from Shizhu by HPLC]

OBJECTIVE

To establish a sensitive and specific HPLC method for the quality control of Rhizoma Coptidis collected from shizhu in chongqing.

METHODS

The HPLC fingerprints of Rhizoma Coptidis from shizhu were obtained from Waters instrument. The methods was performed on a Diamonsil C18 column gradient eluted with acetonitrile-0.05 mol/L KH2PO4 (pH3 with H3PO4) at the flow rate of 0.8 m/min. The temperature of column was 25 degrees C and the UV detection wavelength was 270nm.

RESULTS

The HPLC fingerprint of Rhizoma Coptis, showing 16 characteristic peaks, was established from 10 lots of Rhizoma Coptis. By comparision of the retention time and the on-line UV spectra of chemical standards, peak 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15 were identified as Epiberberine, Jatrorrhizine, Coptisine, Palmatine and Berberine.

CONCLUSION

The HPLC fingerprint of Rhizoma Coptidis with high specificity can be used to control its quality.

[Study on the TLC-fingerprint of Xiatianwu]

OBJECTIVE

To develop a method that can well evaluate the quality of Xiatianwu.

METHODS

Methods are researched and discussed to construct the TLC-FP (thin-layer chromatography finger-print) of Xiatianwu to evaluate its quality.

RESULTS

The areas of six evident peaks in the thin-layer chromatography of Xiatianwu are compared with the area of dl-tetrahydropalmatine peak companied with them in the same chromatography. The Rr of every peak and its relative area were acquired to evaluate the quality of Xiatianwu and identify it.

CONCLUSION

The TLC-fingerprint of Xiatianwu can well evaluate the quality of Xiatianwu.

Determination of dl-tetrahydropalmatine in Corydalis yanhusuo by l-tetrahydropalmatine imprinted monolithic column coupling with reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography

A method for direct determination of DL-tetrahydropalmatine (DL-THP) in Corydalis yanhusuo, a traditional Chinese herb, by L-THP imprinted monolithic precolumn on-line/off-line coupling with reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) was developed. The L-THP imprinted monolithic column has been prepared by in situ polymerization using methacrylic acid (MAA) and ethylene dimethacrylate (EDMA) as functional monomer and cross-linker, respectively. With the optimization of chromatographic conditions, such as mobile phase composition, flow rate, column temperature and sample loading, for the separation of enantiomer, DL-THP was base-line separated on the MIP. The imprinted monolithic column was used as a precolumn for fractionation of the C. yanhusuo extract. Both the non-retained and retained fractions were separated by RP-HPLC. Meanwhile, the D-THP and L-THP can be detected in the non-retained and retained fractions, respectively. Additionally, direct determination of L-THP using molecularly imprinted monolith on-line coupling with a reversed-phase column was acquired.

A gold nanoparticle based approach for screening triplex DNA binders

Nanoparticle assemblies interconnected with DNA triple helixes can be used to colorimetrically screen for triplex DNA binding molecules and simultaneously determine their relative binding affinities based on melting temperatures. Nanoparticles assemble only when DNA triple helixes form between DNA from two different particles and a third strand of free DNA. In addition, the triple helix structure is unstable at room temperature and only forms in the presence of triplex DNA binding molecules which stabilize the triple helix. The resulting melting transition of the nanoparticle assembly is much sharper and at a significantly higher Tm than the analogous triplex structure without nanoparticles. Upon nanoparticle assembly, a concomitant red-to-blue color change occurs. The assembly process and color change do not occur in the presence of duplex DNA binders and therefore provide a significantly better screening process for triplex DNA binding molecules compared to standard methods.

[Qualitative and quantitative determination of the main components of huanglianjiedu decoction by HPLC-UV/MS]

AIM

To establish a comprehensive HPLC analytical method of Huanglianjiedu decoction.

METHODS

This study was performed by HPLC-UV/MS to identify the chemical constituents of the whole and individual herbs of the "Huanglianjiedu decoction". Zorbax Extend C18 (150 mm x 4. 6 mm ID, 5 microm) column was used; the mobile phase was composed of acetonitrile (A) and water (B, with 0.5% acetic acid) with gradient elution; the flow rate was 1.0 mL x min(-1) and the column temperature was setup at 25 degrees C. The detection wavelength was 254 nm.

RESULTS

The chromatogram of Huanglianjiedu decoction showed 21 main peaks. Peaks 1, 2, 5 and 18 were from Gardenia jasminoides Ellis, Peaks 8, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 19 and 21 from Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi. While 10 from Coptis chinensis Franch and 20 from Phellodendron amurense Rupr., Peaks 3, 4, 6, 9, 11 and 12 came from them together. Peak 7 presented in the chromatograms of the herbs except Gardenia jasminoides Ellis. By comparison of the retention time, the on-line UV spectra and MS spectra, 11 peaks were identified as 5 (geniposide), 9 (jatrorrhizine), 10 (coptisine), 11 (palmatine), 12 (berberine), 13 (baicalin), 15 (oroxin A), 17 (wogonoside), 19 (baicalein), 20 (obaculactone), 21 (wogonin), then eight of them were quantified by HPLC-UV.

CONCLUSION

The method could represent the characteristics of Huanglianjiedu decoction, and it could be used to evaluate the quality and quantity of Huanglianjiedu decoction. It distinguished between Coptis chinensis Franch and Phellodendron amurense Rupr. by HPLC for the first time.

[Effects of different types and standard of processing vinegaron inherent constituents in rhizoma of Corydalis yanhusuo]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of processing adjuvants-different types of processing vinegar on effective constituents in rhizoma of Corydalis yanhusuo, and evaluate the quality of different types of vinegar in China.

METHOD

The HPLC method was adopted to determine the extraction solubility of dl-tetrahydropalmation and total alkaloids in rhizoma of Corydalis yanhusuo processed by vinegar. The sample extracts were separated on kromasil ODS column with mobile phase of methanol-1% phosphoric acid solution(65:35) and detection wavelength was 280 nm.

RESULT

There was a remarkable increase in extraction solubility of dl-tetrahydropalmation and total alkaloids in the rhizoma of Corydalis yanhusuo processed by the vinegar products with high content of total acids or with known trademarks.

CONCLUSION

Some types of vinegar with known trademarks had been preliminarily selected for the process of Chinese traditional medicine and they also met the requitrement of processing adjuvants with medicine grade. The results will be benefited to the foundation of standardization of vinegar.

Chiral high-performance liquid chromatographic separation of the enantiomers of tetrahydropalmatine and tetrahydroberberine, isolated from Corydalis yanhusuo

HPLC methods have been developed for chiral resolution of the enantiomers of dl-tetrahydropalmatine (THP) and dl-tetrahydroberberine (THB), two active constituents of Corydalis yanhusuo W.T. Wang. On the analytical scale, good baseline separation of the enantiomers was achieved using cellulose tris(3,5-dimethylphenylcarbamate) chiral stationary phases in both normal-phase and polar organic modes. Validation of the analytical methods, including linearity, limits of detection, recovery, and precision, and semipreparative resolution of dl-THP and dl-THB, were achieved with methanol as mobile phase, without any basic additives, in polar organic mode using cellulose tris(3,5-dimethylphenylcarbamate) chiral stationary phases. On the semipreparative scale, small quantities of the individual enantiomers of THP and THB were isolated for study of the chiroptical properties of the individual enantiomers.

A rapid and simple determination of protoberberine alkaloids in cortex phellodendri by 1H NMR and its application for quality control of commercial traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions

Huangbai (cortex Phellodendri, the dried bark of Phellodendron amurense or Phellodendron chinense) is one of the important traditional Chinese medicines. Protoberberine alkaloids were reported to contribute to the biological activity of this species. A highly specific and sensitive method using (1)H NMR has been developed for the quantitative determination of protoberberine alkaloids in Phellodendron species and their commercial traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions. In the region of delta 8.6-8.9, the signals of H-13 of berberine (1) and palmatine (2), were well separated from other signals in methanol-d(4). The quantity of the compounds was calculated by the relative ratio of the integral values of the target peak of each compound to the known amount of internal standard anthracene. This method allows rapid and simple quantization of protoberberine alkaloids from Phellodendron species or the more complex commercial prescriptions in 5 min without any pre-purification steps. The recoveries of berberine and palmatine from P. amurense were in the range of 95-106%. Limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantitation (LOQ) of them were 1.0 and 1.8 microg/mL, respectively. The advantages of the method were that no reference compounds are required for calibration curves, the quantification could be directly realized on a crude extract, the better selectivity for protoberberine alkaloids and a very significant time-gain could be achieved, in comparison to conventional HPLC methods, for instance.