A sensitive UPLC–MS/MS method for simultaneous determination of polyphenols in rat plasma: Application to a pharmacokinetic study of dispensing granules and standard decoction of Cinnamomum cassia twigs

This study established a rapid and reliable approach using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry for the simultaneous determination of cinnamic acid, vanillic acid and protocatechuic acid in rat plasma. This is the first report on a comparative pharmacokinetic study of dispensing granules and standard decoction of Cinnamomum cassia twigs in rats. After liquid–liquid extraction by ethyl acetate, the plasma samples were subjected to LC–MS/MS for multiple reaction monitoring. The standard curves showed good linear regression (r² > 0.9991) in the range of 10.0–16000 ng/mL. The intra‐ and inter‐day accuracy and precision were found to be within 15% of the nominal concentration. The recoveries of the three phenolics ranged from 88.7 to 105.7%. Finally, this approach was successfully applied to pharmacokinetic analysis of the three phenolics after oral administration of standard decoction and dispensing granules of C. cassia twigs in rats. Although the values of AUC_0–t of vanillic acid and protocatechuic acid in standard decoction group were larger than those of the dispensing granule group, no significant difference was observed for the two groups. Of note, the elimination rates of vanillic acid were slower in the standard decoction group than the dispensing granule group.     

Fingerprint Comparison Between Gegen Qinlian Preparations of Three Different Pharmaceutical Forms Including Decoction, Dispensing Granule and Pill

Gegen Qinlian decoction, a favorite composite formula of Chinese medicine, has been made into various formulations. Pill and dispensing granule are currently very popular dosage forms for oral application. To ensure consistent therapeutic effects, fingerprint comparison between Gegen Qinlian preparations of three pharmaceutical forms including decoction, dispensing granule and pill is carried out to investigate influence of dosage forms on patterns of components in the composite formula. The fingerprint analysis demonstrates that, in relationship to baicalin with its area set to 1, most of the area ratios of 20 common peaks in decoction and dispensing granule vary little except the area ratio of puerarin (0.805 in decoction vs. 0.593 in dispensing granule), berberine (0.400 in dispensing granule vs. 0.283 in decoction) and the peak of baicalein, which originally observed in dispensing granule decrease substantially in decoction. However, in pills the area ratios of the common peaks are significantly different from those in dispensing granule except for peak 29. The inconsistencies among patterns of components in three types of Gegen Qinlian preparations, especially between dispensing granule and pill, may result in different pharmacological effects.     

相似系统理论用于中药色谱指纹图谱的相似度评价

研究了中药色谱指纹图谱相似度的评价方法,提出了改良的程度相似度的计算方法。以模拟数据和实验数据研究了相关系数、夹角余弦和改良程度相似度的优劣,发现相关系数和夹角余弦对数据的差异不够敏感,经预处理之后仍然不灵敏;采用改良的程度相似度可以反映数据的差异,因此可以将其用于评价中药色谱指纹图谱共有峰的相似度。     

Metabolomics approach based on ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole‐time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry to identify the chemical constituents of the Traditional Chinese Er‐Zhi‐Pill

Er‐Zhi‐Pill, which consists of Ligustri lucidi fructus and Ecliptae prostratae herba , is a classical traditional Chinese medicinal formulation widely used as a liver‐nourishing and kidney‐enriching tonic. To identify the bioactive ingredients of Er‐Zhi‐Pill and characterize the variation of chemical constituents between co‐decoction and mix of individually decocted L. lucidi fructus and E. prostratae herba , a novel metabolomics approach based on ultra high performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry in both positive and negative ion modes, was established to comprehensively analyze chemical constituents and probe distinguishable chemical markers. In total, 68 constituents were unambiguously or tentatively identified through alignment of accurate molecular weights within an error margin of 5 ppm, elemental composition and fragmentation characteristics, including eight constituents, which were confirmed by comparing to reference standards. Furthermore, principal component analysis and partial least squares discriminant analysis using Simca‐p+ 12.0 software were applied to investigate chemical differences between formulations obtained by co‐decoction and a mixture of individual decoctions. Global chemical differences were found in samples of two different decoction methods, and 16 components, including salidroside, specneuzhenide and wedelolactone, contributed most to the observed differences. This study provides a basic chemical profile for the quality control and further mechanism research of Er‐Zhi‐Pill.     

高效液相色谱-线性指纹定量法评价人参归脾丸的三波长指纹图谱

以样品指纹向量与对照指纹向量的多元化学组分间存在线性函数关系为基础,引入相关系数r、斜率a、截距b及线性定性相似度S_L、线性定量相似度M_L等概念,建立线性指纹定量法(linearly quantified fingerprint method, LQFM)模型以定性、定量控制中药质量。用高效液相色谱-二极管阵列检测法(HPLC-DAD)同时测定了10批人参归脾丸(Renshen Guipi Wan, RSGPW)分别在203、228和326 nm下的高效液相色谱指纹图谱,运用LQFM理论模型,鉴定RSGPW质量。LQFM能显著区别不同来源的产品,同一厂家产品质量控制一致。鉴定结果与已知的系统指纹定量法评价结果对比,LQFM对中药多元化学成分的复杂系统能实现客观的定性、定量评价。多波长指纹图谱能最大限度地兼顾中药各成分的紫外吸收特征,对中药质量控制具有更全面和可靠的特点。     

Chemical composition differentiation of Shen‐Shuai‐Ning granule between combined decoction and separated decoction using HPLC‐DAD‐ESI‐QTOF‐MS

Shen‐Shuai‐Ning (SSN) granule, a traditional Chinese medicine formula, is widely used in clinical practice for treating chronic renal failure. However, its detailed chemical profile is unknown. Here, HPLC‐ESI‐QTOF‐MS was employed for the systematic chemical analysis of SSN. A total of 52 compounds were identified and the characteristic ions of the compounds were described. Furthermore, chemical consistency between the combined decoction and the separated decoction of SSN was evaluated using HPLC‐DAD. A chemical comparison between two preparations of SSN granule (combined decoction and separated decoction of Coptides Rhizoma) indicated a significant difference in the content of many compounds, including salvianolic acid A, salvianolic acid B, berberine, palmatine and epiberberine. As a result, separated decoction of Coptides Rhizoma would lead to a significantly decrease in depsides in Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma and an increase in alkaloids in Coptidis Rhizoma.     

Comprehensive comparison of the anti‐inflammatory activity and chemical consistency of traditional Chinese medicine formula granules with Ge‐Gen decoction as a representative sample

Traditional Chinese medicine formula granules (TCMFGs), an advanced dosage form of traditional Chinese medicine, are entering the market on a large scale. However, little attention has been paid to the simultaneous efficacy assessment and quality control of this advanced dosage form. In this study, a comprehensive comparison of the pharmacological activity and chemical consistency of TCMFGs from different manufacturers was performed. Ge‐Gen decoction (GGD) samples were used as the target TCMFG. The in vitro anti‐inflammatory effects among different types of GGDs indicate that all of them showed different abilities to reduce the lipopolysaccharide‐activated production of nitric oxide, interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), IL‐6 and tumor necrosis factor‐α. The results from a dimethylbenzene‐induced inflammation model in mice indicated that the nine samples in this study showed significant in vivo anti‐inflammatory effects. Qualitative and quantitative analyses were performed by multiwavelength ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection and electrospray ionization with quadrupole time‐of‐flight–tandem mass spectrometry. To visually interpret the differences in the chemical materials, a scatter plot analysis was performed. According to the scatter plot analysis, nine compounds were evaluated as important contributors to the differences. This is the first report of TCMFGs on the basis of the spectrum‐effect consistency.     

Evaluation of the chemical consistency of Yin‐Chen‐Hao‐Tang prepared by combined and separated decoction methods using high‐performance liquid chromatography and quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry coupled with multivariate statistical analysis

In this study, Yin‐Chen‐Hao‐Tang prepared by two decoction methods, namely, combined decoction (modern decoction method) and separated decoction (traditional decoction method), was analyzed by high‐performance liquid chromatography with quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry. The acquired datasets containing sample codes, t_R‐m/z pairs and ion intensities were processed with multivariate statistical analyses, such as principal component analysis and an orthogonal partial least squared discriminant analysis model, to globally compare the chemical differences between the different decoction samples. Then, the chemical differences between the combined and separated decoctions were screened out by S‐plots generated from the orthogonal partial least squared discriminant analysis model and compared with chemical information from an established in‐house library. The six components that contributed the most to the chemical differences were identified as chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, geniposide, genipin, scopoletin, and 3,5‐dicaffeoylquinic acid. The concentrations of genipin and caffeic acid from the separated decoction were higher than those from the combined decoction, indicating that the separated decoction may present a stronger hepatoprotective effect. However, the results still require further investigation through pharmacological and clinical studies. Our findings not only establish a strategy to evaluate chemical consistency of Yin‐Chen‐Hao‐Tang but also provide the scientific basis for using traditional separated decoction method.     

灯盏花素注射液的HPLC指纹图谱相似性评价

指纹图谱相似性评价是中药质量控制的关键所在。本文讨论了相似度计算在中药质量评价中的应用,采用夹角余弦法和相关系数法计算相似度,并对其进行了系统聚类,得到了满意的结果。可以作为评价中药质量的一个指标。     

Quality control and discrimination of pericarpium citri reticulatae and pericarpium citri reticulatae viride based on high-performance liquid chromatographic fingerprints and multivariate statistical analysis

High-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) fingerprints of Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae (PCR) and Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae Viride (PCRV) were firstly measured for deliberately collected 39 authentic samples and 21 commercial samples. Both correlation coefficients of similarity for chromatograms and absolute peak areas of characteristic compounds were calculated for quantitative expression of the HPLC fingerprints. After principal component analysis (PCA) successfully distinguished the ‘mixed peels’ samples from authentic samples, partial least squares-linear discrimination analysis (PLS-LDA) was then effectively applied to class separation between authentic PCR and PCRV. Furthermore, the unequivocally determined compounds, hesperidin, nobiletin and tangeretin, were screened out by loadings plots of PCA and PLS-LDA. The results indicated that they could be used as chemical markers for discrimination among different groups of samples. The proposed method shows an efficient strategy for quality control of PCR and PCRV, which cannot only distinguish the ‘mixed peels’ but also discriminate authentic PCR and PCRV. This method has potential perspective for quality control of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).     

Chemical profiling and marker characterization of Huangqin decoction prepared with three types of peony root by liquid chromatography with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry

Clarification of the quality and biological effect equivalence of traditional Chinese medicines containing multi‐origin species is essential to improve their current quality standards, and also is the core problem to clarify the origins of single herbs with multi‐species in Chinese formulas that will guarantee their clinical application. Huangqin decoction is the typical one of multi‐origin formulas frequently used in traditional Chinese medicine and Kampo medicine. An ultra high performance liquid chromatography with electrospray ionization–tandem mass spectrometry was developed for chemical profiling and marker quantification of Huangqin decoction prepared with two different original types of peony root, white and red peony root. Forty‐seven main peaks in chemical profiling of Huangqin decoction prepared with white and red peony root were identified: nine were from peony root, 20 from baical skullcap root, 17 from licorice root, and one from jujubae fruit. The markers characteristics of the respective types of peony root in Huangqin decoction differ from that in single herbs, especially in terms of monoterpenoids and hydrolysable tannins. Subsequently, 17 representative markers in Huangqin decoction prepared with three types of peony root and their chemical characteristics and content distribution were carried out.     

A study for quality evaluation of Taxilli Herba from different hosts based on fingerprint-activity relationship modeling and multivariate statistical analysis

In this study, a fingerprint-activity relationship modeling between chemical fingerprints and antirheumatic activity was established, and multivariate statistical analysis was used to evaluate the quality of Taxilli Herba (TH) from different hosts. Characteristic fingerprints of 20 batches of TH samples were generated by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with triple quadrupole-time of flight tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-Triple TOF-MS/MS), and the similarity analysis was calculated based on thirteen common characteristic peaks by hierarchical clustering analysis (HCA). Subsequently, nine efficacy markers were discovered by combining fingerprints and antirheumatic activity through grey correlation analysis (GCA) and bivariate correlation analysis (BCA). Meanwhile, the content of 5 constituents in 9 markers was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with triple quadrupole-linear ion trap tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-QTRAP-MS/MS). The comprehensive quality of TH was assessed using multivariate statistical analysis, including principal components analysis (PCA) and technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS). The results showed that a high dose of TH extract could markedly ameliorate arthritis damage compared to other doses, with flavonoids playing an important role in the antirheumatic activity. The comprehensive quality of samples from Morus alba L. (SS) was superior to those from Liquidambar formosana Hance (FXS). The present study will demonstrate the markers associated with efficacy, and provide an applicable strategy for more comprehensive quality control and evaluation of TH.     

丹荷颗粒治疗高脂血症质量标志物发现研究

为寻找丹荷颗粒治疗高脂血症的质量标志物,该研究基于丹荷颗粒体内成分分析结果,采用Cyto-scape软件构建高脂血症-共有靶点-丹荷颗粒体内成分作用网络,利用DAVID及String数据库分别对共有靶点进行生物过程、通路富集及网络拓扑分析,明确丹荷颗粒降脂作用关键靶点及成分,再建立油酸诱导的HepG2细胞脂质堆积模型验...     

Qualitative and quantitative assessment of the HPLC fingerprints of Ginkgo biloba extract by the involution similarity method.

In this paper, we develop a new method for evaluating chromatographic fingerprints of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) by the average involution similarity and the quantitative involution similarity. To validate this novel approach, we studied the chromatographic fingerprints of Ginkgo biloba extract by the new similarity parameters. The results were compared with those of the cosine of vectorial angle (S(F)), the correlative coefficient (r) and some other quantitative parameters, such as the apparent quantitative similarity of fingerprint R% and the average mass percentage M%. The approach represented in this paper was proved to well reflect the similarity alteration of each batch of Ginkgo biloba extract and the quantitative differences of the extracted constituents. The S(gxq) and S(gxsq) are the best qualitive and quantitative similarity parameters of all those mentioned in this paper; they can be profitably used for the qualitative and quantitative assessments of TCM chromatographic fingerprints. Through this study, the quality evaluation of TCM can be simplified by using only one parameter of with the qualitive and quantitative functions proposed in this paper.     

Near Infrared Spectral Similarity Combined with Variable Selection Method in the Quality Control of Flos Lonicerae: A Preliminary Study

This paper indicates the possibility to use near infrared (NIR) spectral similarity as a rapid method to estimate the quality of Flos Lonicerae. Variable selection together with modelling techniques is utilized to select representative variables that are used to calculate the similarity. NIR is used to build calibration models to predict the bacteriostatic activity of Flos Lonicerae. For the determination of the bacteriostatic activity, the in vitro experiment is used. Models are built for the Gram‐positive bacteria and also for the Gram‐negative bacteria. A genetic algorithm combined with partial least squares regression (GA‐PLS) is used to perform the calibration. The results of GA‐PLS models are compared to interval partial least squares (iPLS) models, full‐spectrum PLS and full‐spectrum principal component regression (PCR) models. Then, the variables in the two GA‐PLS models are combined and then used to calculate the NIR spectral similarity of samples. The similarity based on the characteristic variables and full spectrum is used for evaluating the fingerprints of Flos Lonicerae, respectively. The results show that the combination of variable selection method, modelling techniques and similarity analysis might be a powerful tool for quality control of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).     

中药质量评价关键问题与分析方法探讨

该文针对我国目前中药质量评价体系现状,总结了中药质量评价的关键科学问题,并围绕"发现"与"控制"有效成分的中药质量评价方法进行探讨.笔者结合多年中药质量分析研究工作经验,分析了中药"谱-效"关系研究、全时段等基线多波长融合指纹图谱、生物活性测定法3种质量评价与检测方法的研究内容、手段、适用范围等,为丰富、完善中药质量控...     

基于超高效液相色谱-紫外检测定量指纹图谱结合化学模式识别的复方金钱草颗粒质量评价

复方金钱草颗粒具有利尿、抑制泌尿系结石形成、抗炎、抗氧化作用,且具有较大的市场需求。因此,采用超高效液相色谱-紫外检测(UPLC-UV)法建立定量指纹图谱,并结合化学模式识别技术对不同年份的复方金钱草颗粒进行质量评价,可为其质量控制提供依据。采用聚类分析(HCA)和主成分分析(PCA)等化学模式识别技术对35批复方金钱草颗粒样品的指纹图谱数据进行分析,筛选出质量差异标志物芒果苷和异芒果苷,并对二者进行含量测定。在复方金钱草颗粒指纹图谱中共指认出12个共有峰,且35批样品的相似度均在0.952以上。在HCA中,将35批样品分为了两类,其中2018年和2019年的样品为一类,2020年和2021年的样品为一类。此外,PCA结果显示了与聚类分析相同的聚类趋势。在此基础上,进一步通过正交偏最小二乘法分析 (OPLS-DA)筛选出了导致2018年、2019年与2020年、2021年的样品产生差异的差异标志物芒果苷和异芒果苷。以两个差异标志物芒果苷和异芒果苷为指标进行含量测定,结果显示色谱峰的分离度良好,线性关系良好,平均加标回收率分别为101.7%~105.6%和103.4%~105.5%,且相对标准偏差(RSD)均低于1.43%。在35批样品中,2020年、2021年的样品与2018年、2019年的样品相比,芒果苷与异芒果苷含量更高且波动范围更小。该研究建立了准确、可靠的复方金钱草颗粒质控方法,实现了对不同年份的复方金钱草颗粒样品合理、有效的质量评价,可为建立更系统、更全面的质量控制标准提供借鉴与参考。     

A novel method for quality consistency evaluation of Glycyrrhiza formula granules based on a spectrum-effect study

Quality consistency of Glycyrrhiza formula granules is essential for guaranteeing clinical efficacy. However, a suitable method to accurately and conveniently evaluate the consistency of the clinical efficacy of Glycyrrhiza formula granules is currently not available. This study established a method for the simultaneous determination of 12 active components in Glycyrrhiza formula granules using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole-time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry. The rate of inhibition of cyclooxygenase-2 by different batches of Glycyrrhiza formula granules was determined. Near-infrared spectra were collected for different batches of Glycyrrhiza formula granules to detect their biological activity in the inhibition of cyclooxygenase-2. The quality consistency of the 11 batches of Glycyrrhiza formula granules was evaluated using principal component and correlation analyses. The results showed significant differences in the formula granules of Glycyrrhiza uralensis produced by the different manufacturers. Some differences were also observed among batches of formula granules produced by the same manufacturer. Correlation analysis of the chemical components and cyclooxygenase-2 activity showed that glycyrrhizic acid, liquiritin, and isoliquiritin were the main active components of Glycyrrhiza. Correlation analysis of the near-infrared spectra and cyclooxygenase-2 inhibition activity showed a high correlation between the active components and three characteristic bands: 3383–3995, 4227–4651, and 5315–5878 cm⁻¹. In this study, the main active anti-inflammatory components of Glycyrrhiza granules were screened. Thus, the near-infrared spectrum and characteristic active band of multi-index active components can be used to quickly detect the quality consistency of Glycyrrhiza formula granules, thereby improving the ability to control the quality and consistency of these granules.     

Screening and characterizing the quality markers of Selaginella tamariscina (P. Beauv.) Spring using metabonomics and molecular networking

Quality control of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) should be linked with the authentication and efficacy of TCM. Selaginella tamariscina is a frequently used traditional Chinese herbal medicine. However, its quality control is still difficult due to its multiple adulterants. We established quality markers (Q-markers) of S. tamariscina by using metabolomics, molecular networking and network pharmacology to improve the authenticity study and quality control of S. tamariscina. In this study, ultra high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrum (UHPLC-MS) coupled with multivariate statistical analyses was applied to distinguish between S. tamariscina samples and their confusing adulterants. Principal component analysis, hierarchical clustering analysis (PCA), hierarchical clustering analysis (HCA) and partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) were employed to screen the distinguishing markers from S. tamariscina samples and their adulterants. The top-2 distinguishing markers were isolated from S. tamariscina and identified by molecular networking together with nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR). Network pharmacology predicted the bioactivity and cytotoxicity of the top-2 distinguishing markers. The top-2 distinguishing markers were adopted as Q-markers of S. tamariscina for content determination. Based on the results of ultra performance liquid chromatography-quardrupole-time of flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QTOF-MS) metabolomics, we revealed that selaginellins could only be detected in S. tamariscina samples and contributed greatly to discriminating S. tamariscina samples from their confused species. The top-2 distinguishing markers were isolated and purified from S. tamariscina extract. Then, they were further identified as selaginellin and selaginellin A by molecular networking and NMR. Network pharmacology predicted the antitumor activity of selaginellin and selaginellin A, while the cytotoxicity assay verified their bioactivity. In conclusion, selaginellin and selaginellin A were selected as Q-markers for the determination and quality evaluation of S. tamariscina based on ultra performance liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QQQ-MS). The ranges of the concentrations of selaginellin and selaginellin A were 41.57–44.89 μg/g and 15.09–16.75 μg/g, respectively. This study provides a novel strategy combining Ultra performance liquid chromatography mass spectrometry based (UHPLC-MS-based) metabolomics with molecular networking for rapid species identification of S. tamariscina and discovery of the Q-markers of TCM.     

Chemical profiling approach to evaluate the influence of traditional and simplified decoction methods on the holistic quality of Da‐Huang‐Xiao‐Shi decoction using high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode‐array detection and time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry

Da‐Huang‐Xiao‐Shi decoction, consisting of Rheum officinale Baill, Mirabilitum, Phellodendron amurense Rupr. and Gardenia jasminoides Ellis, is a traditional Chinese medicine used for the treatment of jaundice. As described in “Jin Kui Yao Lue”, a traditional multistep decoction of Da‐Huang‐Xiao‐Shi decoction was required while simplified one‐step decoction was used in recent repsorts. To investigate the chemical difference between the decoctions obtained by the traditional and simplified preparations, a sensitive and reliable approach of high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode‐array detection and electrospray ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry was established. As a result, a total of 105 compounds were detected and identified. Analysis of the chromatogram profiles of the two decoctions showed that many compounds in the decoction of simplified preparation had changed obviously compared with those in traditional preparation. The changes of constituents would be bound to cause the differences in the therapeutic effects of the two decoctions. The present study demonstrated that certain preparation methods significantly affect the holistic quality of traditional Chinese medicines and the use of a suitable preparation method is crucial for these medicines to produce special clinical curative effect. This research results elucidated the scientific basis of traditional preparation methods in Chinese medicines.