Identification of anti‐inflammatory active ingredients from Tumuxiang by ultra‐performance liquid chromatography/quadrupole time‐of‐flight‐MSE

The dried roots of Inula helenium L. (IH) and Inula racemosa Hook f. (IR) are used commonly as folk medicine as ‘tumuxiang’ (TMX). The mixing and sharing of IH and IR in clinical use is a universal phenomenon. Modern pharmacological studies confirmed that IH and IR display anti‐inflammatory activities. However, the difference in anti‐inflammatory pharmacodynamic substances between these two herbs is still unknown. In the present study, the fingerprints of 18 IH and nine IR samples were established using UPLC/QTOF‐MS^E. A dimethylbenzene‐induced mouse ear vasodilation model was applied in evaluating the anti‐inflammatory properties of all 27 samples. Then, the spectrum–efficacy model between chemical characteristic peaks and anti‐inflammatory activities was investigated using principal component regression and partial least squares. Finally, the combination of UNIFI Scientific Information System with a library search of traditional Chinese medicines was employed to automatically characterize the peaks. UNIFI identified a total of 80 chemical components. Among the components, the 53 characteristic peaks showed correlation with anti‐inflammatory activities, pointing to phenolic and organic acids as primary anti‐inflammatory ingredients of TMX. This approach can efficiently and intelligently facilitate the identification of bioactive components from traditional Chinese medicine.     

Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of 2‐substituted‐6‐(morpholinyl/piperidinyl)pyridazin‐3(2H)‐ones as Potent and Safer Anti‐inflammatory and Analgesic Agents

A series of 2‐substituted‐6‐(morpholinyl/piperidinyl)pyridazin‐3(2H )‐ones was synthesized and the structures were established using various spectroscopic techniques. The target compounds were screened for anti‐inflammatory and analgesic activities at 20 and 40 mg/kg. The safety of the synthesized derivatives was evaluated by assessing anti‐platelet activity and ulcer index. The obtained pharmacological data revealed that 6‐morpholinyl derivatives 4a–12a were found to be somewhat more potent than 6‐piperidinyl derivatives 4b–6b. The 6‐morpholinyl substituted pyridazinone 12a exhibited maximum anti‐inflammatory and analgesic activities. Homoveratrylamine substituted compounds 6a and 6b emerged as promising leads in both the series with good anti‐inflammatory and analgesic activities without any ulcerogenicity. Anti‐platelet activity results of the compounds of both the series showed significantly low bleeding time in comparison with standard drug aspirin indicating the cardiovascular safety of new pyridazinones.     

Qualitative and quantitative analysis of Alpiniae Oxyphyllae Fructus by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to Fourier transform-ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry

Alpiniae Oxyphyllae Fructus, as a homology of medicine and food, has been widely used in China for thousands of years. However, the existing qualitative and quantitative methods are difficult to evaluate the quality of Alpiniae Oxyphyllae Fructus samples from multiple sources. In this paper, an high-performance liquid chromatography fingerprint was established for assessing the quality of Alpiniae Oxyphyllae Fructus from different areas. Then, high-performance liquid chromatography was coupled to Fourier transform-ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry for characterization of the chemical compositions in Alpiniae Oxyphyllae Fructus. In fingerprint analysis, 54 common peaks were confirmed and six chromatographic peaks of them were identified. The similarity of 14 samples from different areas was between 0.990 and 1.000. Moreover, a total of 30 chemical components were characterized by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to Fourier transform-ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry method, six compounds of which were decisively identified. Finally, the content of nootkatone was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography. In conclusion, the methods used in this study are efficient for qualitative and quantitative analysis of Alpiniae Oxyphyllae Fructus. Also, these methods can be used to control the quality of other traditional Chinese medicines.     

Strategy for rapid screening of antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory active ingredients in Gynura procumbens (Lour.) Merr. based on UHPLC–Q‐TOF–MS/MS and characteristic ion filtration

Gynura procumbens (Lour.) Merr. is traditionally used as a raw material for making dumplings or steamed stuffed buns, and its fresh leaves are boiled with water for tea. Herein, we established an ultra‐high–performance liquid chromatography–quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC–Q‐TOF–MS/MS) combined with characteristic ion filtration (CIF) strategy to rapidly screen active ingredients with antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory properties in G. procumbens. This strategy involved screening the active part of G. procumbens using antioxidation and anti‐inflammatory activity assays; discovering the active compounds by speculating on the active site's chemical composition by UHPLC–Q‐TOF–MS/MS plus CIF; and verifying the active compounds' activities. The ethyl acetate extract (EEAF) of G. procumbens was the major active site. Eighty‐one compounds were identified from the EEAF using UHPLC–Q‐TOF–MS/MS plus CIF. Furthermore, polyphenols such as cynarine, isochlorogenic acids A and isochlorogenic acids C have excellent antioxidizing and anti‐inflammatory activities. This study provides a practical strategy for rapid in vitro screening of the antioxidizing and anti‐inflammatory activities of traditional vegetables and herbs and identification of active ingredients.     

Synthesis and Pharmacological Evaluation of 3‐propyl‐2‐substitutedamino‐3H‐quinazolin‐4‐ones as Analgesic and Anti‐Inflammatory Agents

A variety of novel 3‐propyl‐2‐substitutedamino‐quinazolin‐4(3H)‐ones were synthesized by reacting the amino group of 2‐hydrazino‐3‐propyl quinazolin‐4(3H)‐one with a variety of aldehydes and ketones. The starting material 2‐hydrazino‐3‐propyl quinazolin‐4(3H)‐one was synthesized from propylamine. The title compounds were investigated for analgesic and anti‐inflammatory activities. The compound 2‐(1‐ethylpropylidene‐hydrazino)‐3‐propyl‐quinazolin‐4(3H)‐one ( SR2 ) emerged as the most active compound of the series, and it is more potent in its analgesic and anti‐inflammatory activities when compared with the reference standard diclofenac sodium.     

Anti‐inflammatory bioactive equivalence of combinatorial components β‐carboline alkaloids identified in Arenaria kansuensis by two‐dimensional chromatography and solid‐phase extraction coupled with liquid–liquid extraction enrichment technology

Bioactive equivalent combinatorial components play a critical role in herbal medicines. However, how to discover and enrich them efficiently is a question for herbal pharmaceuticals researchers. In our work, a novel two‐dimensional reversed‐phase/hydrophilic interaction high‐performance liquid chromatography method was established to perform real‐time components trapping and combining for preparation and isolation of coeluting components. Arenaria kansuensis was taken as an example, and solid‐phase extraction coupled with liquid–liquid extraction as a simple and efficient method for enriching trace components, reversed phase column coupled with hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography XAmide column as two‐dimensional chromatography technology for isolation and preparation of coeluting constituents, enzyme‐linked immune‐sorbent assay as bio‐guided assay, and anti‐inflammatory bioactivity evaluation for bioactive constituents. A combination of 12 β‐carboline alkaloids was identified as anti‐inflammatory bioactive equivalent combinatorial components from A. kansuensis , which accounts for 1.9% w/w of original A. kansuensis . This work answers the key question of which are real anti‐inflammatory components from A. kansuensis and provides a fast and efficient approach for discovering and enriching trace β‐carboline alkaloids from herbal medicines for the first time. More importantly, the discovery of bioactive equivalent combinatorial components could improve the quality control of herbal products and inspire a herbal medicine based on combinatorial therapeutics.     

Synthesis,Characterization, and Screening for Analgesic and Anti‐Inflammatory Activities of Schiff Bases of 1,3,4‐Oxadiazoles Linked With Quinazolin‐4‐One

Sixteen Schiff bases of quinazolin‐4‐one‐linked 1,3,4‐oxadiazoles were synthesized by reaction with different aromatic aldehydes. Purity of newly synthesized derivatives was confirmed through thin‐layer chromatography, combustion analysis, and melting point. The structure of the derivatives was confirmed by determining infrared spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance, and mass spectroscopy. All the synthesized derivatives were evaluated for their analgesic and anti‐inflammatory activities in mice and rats, respectively. In animal studies, the derivative (E )‐3‐(5‐(4‐(4‐methoxybenzylideneamino)phenyl)‐1,3,4‐oxadiazol‐2‐yl)‐2‐phenylquinazolin‐4(3H )‐one showed more potent analgesic activity and the derivative (Z )‐3‐(5‐(2‐(2‐hydroxybenzylideneamino)phenyl)‐1,3,4‐oxadiazol‐2‐yl)‐2‐phenylquinazolin‐4(3H )‐one showed more potent anti‐inflammatory activity as compared with other derivatives. The results of the present study indicate that reactions of 3‐(5‐(4‐aminophenyl)‐1,3,4‐oxadiazol‐2‐yl)‐2‐phenylquinazolin‐4(3H )‐one and 3‐(5‐(2‐aminophenyl)‐1,3,4‐oxadiazol‐2‐yl)‐2‐phenylquinazolin‐4(3H )‐one with different aromatic aldehydes produce Schiff bases of quinazolin‐4‐one‐linked 1,3,4‐oxadiazoles with potent analgesic and anti‐inflammatory activities.     

Analgesic and Anti‐inflammatory Potential of Merged Pharmacophore Containing 1,2,4‐triazoles and Substituted Benzyl Groups via Thio Linkage

A plethora of non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs are available in the market with adverse side effects like gastrointestinal irritation, bleeding, and ulceration. Currently, the focus of researcher on the development of better, synergistic molecules by the hybridization of two or more active biomolecule or ligands to develop newer derivative possessing good anti‐inflammatory activity with minimum side effects. In line with this, the present study was designed to synthesize a series of merged pharmacophore contaning1,2,4‐triazoles and substituted benzyl groups via thio linkage. Purity of the derivatives was confirmed by thin‐layer chromatography, combustion analysis, and melting point. Structure of these derivatives was set up by determining infrared spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and mass spectroscopy. All the synthesized derivatives were evaluated for their analgesic and anti‐inflammatory activities in mice and rats, respectively. In animal studies, the derivative 3‐(5‐(4‐nitrobenzylthio)‐4H‐1,2,4‐triazol‐3‐yl) pyridine showed more potent analgesic activity, and the derivative 3‐(5‐(2,4‐dimethylbenzylthio)‐4H‐1,2,4‐triazol‐3‐yl) pyridine showed more potent anti‐inflammatory activity as compared with other derivatives. The results of the present study indicate that reaction of pyridine linked 1,2,4‐triazole‐3‐thiol with different substituted benzyl halides to produce merged pharmacophore contaning1,2,4‐triazoles and substituted benzyl groups with potent analgesic and anti‐inflammatory activities. Docking studies were performed by using Argus lab, and all the derivatives exhibited good docking scores between −10 and −12 kcal/mol and were better as compared with standard drugs aspirin and indomethacin against cyclooxygenase‐2. Among all compounds, 3j has shown the maximum docking score and found in agreement to in pharmacological activities.     

Synthesis,reactions, and biological study of some new thienopyrimidine derivatives as antimicrobial and anti‐inflammatory agents

Pyrimidine and thienopyrimidine derivatives play a very important role in organic chemistry because of their wide applications as bioactive compounds with multiple biological activities. However, a literature survey revealed that the merger of different groups in the thieno[2,3‐d]pyrimidine heterocyclic ring enhances its antibacterial, antifungal and anti‐inflammatory activities. This encouraged us to prepare a new series of thieno[2,3‐d]pyrimidine heterocyclic compounds and to test them as antimicrobial and anti‐inflammatory agents. These compounds have shown remarkable activity toward fungi, bacteria, and inflammation. Thus, these compounds have been prepared by the chloroacylation of 5‐amino‐4‐phenyl‐2‐(p‐tolylamino)thieno[2,3‐d] pyrimidine‐6‐carboxamide ( 4 ) using chloroacetyl chloride under neat condition to afford the target compound ( 6 ), which was used as precursor for the synthesis of a number of bioactive compounds. Thus reaction of the chloromethylpyrimidine derivative ( 6 ) with triphenylphosphine in dry benzene gave the corresponding ((4‐oxo‐9‐phenyl‐7‐(p‐tolylamino)‐3,4‐dihydropyrimido[4′,5′:4,5]thieno[2,3‐d]pyrimidin‐2‐yl)methyl) triphenylphosphonium chloride ( 7 ). Compounds 8a – 8c and 9a – 9c were obtained by the reaction of 7 with some selected aromatic aldehydes and ketones in methanol and sodium methoxide under Wittig reaction condition. The structures of the all new synthesized compounds were established on the basis of their analytical and spectral data (IR, ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, and MS).     

Facile synthesis,characterisation and anti‐inflammatory activities of ferrocenyl ester derivatives of 4‐arylidene‐5‐imidazolinones

This article describes the synthesis, optoelectronic properties and anti‐inflammatory activities of a series of seven ferrocenyl ester‐linked 4‐arylidene‐5‐imidazolinone conjugates. Three different types of ortho‐, meta‐ and para‐substituted ferrocenyl esters have been prepared. Their UV–Vis spectra and electrochemical studies are described. The structure of one of the conjugates was confirmed by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction study. These conjugates exhibited moderate anti‐inflammatory activities.     

Solidification of floating organic drop liquid‐phase microextraction cell fishing with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry for screening bioactive components from Amomum villosum Lour

In this study, a novel solidification of floating organic drop liquid‐phase microextraction cell fishing with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (SFOD‐LPME‐CF‐GC‐MS) method was established and used to screen, isolate and analyze bioactive components from Amomum villosum Lour. extract. Through comparision of its effect on the models of normal cell and inflammatory cells, anti‐inflammatory active components of essential oil from A. villosum Lour. were readily screened, and the components obtained are in agreement with related pharmacological articles. SFOD‐LPME‐CF‐GC‐MS was used to analyze the interaction of A. villosum Lour. extracts with normal and lipopolysaccharide‐stimulated RAW264.7 macrophage cells. The effect of A. villosum Lour. essential oil extracts in the LPS‐stimulated RAW264.7 model were also assessed in terms of cytotoxicity and nitric oxide production as an indication of bioactivity. Three potentially bioactive components were identified, demonstrating that SFOD‐LPME‐CF‐GC‐MS can be used successfully in the drug‐screening process. This approach avoids the requirement for protein precipitation, but more importantly, generates a high concentration ratio, allowing analysis of trace components in traditional Chinese medicines. SFOD‐LPME‐CF‐GC‐MS is a simple, fast, effective and reliable method for the screening and analysis of bioactive components, and it can be extended to screen other bioactive components from TCMs. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Anti‐inflammatory activities and glycerophospholipids metabolism in KLA‐stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophage cells by diarylheptanoids from the rhizomes of Alpinia officinarum

Alpinia officinarum is used for its anti‐inflammatory activity historically in China. Diarylheptanoids isolated from A. officinarum play important biological roles in the prevention and treatment of inflammatory disorders. Seven diarylheptanoids (1–7) were isolated from A. officinarum. The cell viabilities and anti‐inflammatory activities of diarylheptanoids were evaluated by MTT assay and tumor necrosis factor‐α production in Kdo2‐lipid A‐stimulated RAW 264.7 cells in vitro. The relationships between their anti‐inflammatories and structure‐activities are discussed. The results indicated that compounds 1 and 3–7 had significant anti‐inflammatory activities. The relationships between inflammation and phospholipids metabolism were elucidated by multivariate data analysis. Twenty‐two potential biomarkers were identified in inflammatory group vs. blank group, and 11 potential biomarkers were identified for inflammatory group vs. drug‐treatment groups. Ten common phospholipids were characterized. On the basis of a previous study in our laboratory, we found that phosphatidylethanolamine (18:0/18:1) might be the important glycerophospholipid biomarker in inflammation. In this study, we firstly combined anti‐inflammatory activities and glycerophospholipids changes of traditional Chinese medicine. This work suggests that the anti‐inflammatory activities of diarylheptanoids might be significantly related to glycerophospholipids and could provide a useful database for investigating the anti‐inflammatory effects of traditional Chinese medicine.     

Novel arylpyridine‐based 1,3,4‐oxadiazoles: Synthesis,antibacterial, and anti‐inflammatory evaluation

In view of developing novel bioactive compounds, a series of 2‐(5‐[2‐methyl‐6‐arylpyridin‐3‐yl]‐1,3,4‐oxadiazol‐2‐ylthio)‐1‐arylethanones (6a–n) were designed and synthesized in good yield. Novel compounds were evaluated for their antibacterial and anti‐inflammatory activities. All synthesized compounds were screened for their antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Bascillus subtilis, Eschericia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains. Compounds 6a , 6b , 6c , 6h , and 6i displayed the highest antibacterial activity with minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) values ranging from 6.25–12.5 μg/mL in comparison with the standard Ciprofloxacin. The results of anti‐inflammatory activity of carrageenan‐induced footpad edema assay indicated that tested compounds exhibited remarkable anti‐inflammatory activity with percentage of inhibition of 63.9–70.1% (potency 96.8–106.20% of indomethacin activity) after 3 hr. Particularly, 6c – e and 6j – l were found to be excellent inhibitors of inflammation, with potential higher than that of the standard, Indomethacin.     

Screening and identification of Caulis Sinomenii bioactive ingredients with dual‐target NF‐κB inhibition and β2‐AR agonizing activities

Caulis Sinomenii (CS) is a valuable traditional medicine in China. Its extract can act as an anti‐inflammatory agent and a vascular smooth muscle relaxant. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. In this study, we developed a simple dual‐target method based on ultra‐performance liquid chromatography/quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry combined with a dual‐target bioactive screening assay for anti‐inflammatory and antispasmodic activities to characterize the chemical structure of various bioactive compounds of CS rapidly. Seven potential NF‐κB inhibitors were identified, including laudanosoline‐1‐O‐xylopyranose, 6‐O‐methyl‐laudanosoline‐1‐O‐glucopyranoside, menisperine, sinomenine, laurifoline, magnoflorine and norsinoacutin. Furthermore, IL‐6 and IL‐8 assays confirmed the anti‐inflammatory effects of these potential NF‐κB inhibitors, in which laudanosoline‐1‐O‐d ‐xylopyranose and menisperine were revealed as novel NF‐κB inhibitors. Among the seven identified alkaloids, three potential β₂‐adrenergic receptor agonists, including sinomenine, magnoflorine and laurifoline, were characterized using a luciferase reporter system to measure for the activity of β₂‐adrenergic receptor agonists. Finally, sinomenine, magnoflorine and laurifoline were identified not only as potential NF‐κB inhibitors but also as potential β₂‐adrenegic receptor agonists, which is the first time this has been reported. Molecular dynamic simulation and docking results suggest that the three dual‐bioactive constituents could not only inhibit Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAK strain‐induced inflammatory responses via a negative regulation of the Braf protein that participates in MAPK signaling pathway but also activate the β₂‐adrenegic receptor. These results suggest that CS extract has dual signaling activities with potential clinical application as a novel drug for asthma.     

Bioactivity‐integrated ultra‐performance liquid chromatography/quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry for the identification of nuclear factor‐κB inhibitors and β2 adrenergic receptor agonists in Chinese medicinal preparation Chuanbeipipa dropping pills

A simple and dual‐target method based on ultra‐performance liquid chromatography/quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry combined with dual‐bioactive [nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) and β₂‐adrenergic receptor] luciferase reporter assay systems was developed to rapidly characterize the chemical structure of various bioactive compounds of TCM preparations. Chuanbeipipa dropping pills, a traditional Chinese medicine preparation used for the clinical therapy of chronic obstructive lung disease and cough caused by bronchial catarrh, was analyzed with this method. Potential anti‐inflammatory and spasmolytic constituents were screened using NF‐κB and β₂‐adrenergic receptor activity luciferase reporter assay systems and simultaneously identified according to the time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry data. One β₂‐adrenergic receptor agonist (ephedrine) and two structural types of NF‐κB inhibitors (platycosides derivatives and ursolic acid derivatives) were characterized. Platycodin D3 and E were considered new NF‐κB inhibitors. Further cytokine and chemokine detection confirmed the anti‐inflammatory effects of the potential NF‐κB inhibitors. Compared with conventional fingerprints, activity‐integrated fingerprints that contain both chemical and bioactive details offer a more comprehensive understanding of the chemical makeup of plant materials. This strategy clearly demonstrated that multiple bioactivity‐integrated fingerprinting is a powerful tool for the improved screening and identification of potential multi‐target lead compounds in complex herbal medicines. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Synthesis,Characterization and Biological Evaluation of a Novel Series of 1,2,4‐Triazolo‐[3,4‐b]‐1,3,4‐thiadiazines Containing an Amide Linkage

Two series of combinatorial library of 3,6‐disubstituted‐7H‐1,2,4‐triazolo‐[3,4‐b]‐1,3,4‐thiadiazines bearing an amide linkage were synthesized. All the newly synthesized compounds were characterized by spectral analyses. The newly synthesized compounds were screened for their cytotoxicity, anti‐inflammatory, and analgesic activities. Among the tested compounds, the compound 9g (Ar = 4‐(methoxybenzyl)piperazine) is the most promising molecule with half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) value of 14.24 μM in (MCF‐7) cells. Compounds 9f (Ar = 4‐(chlorobenzyl)piperazine), 9g , and 9k (Ar = 2‐(fluorophenyl)piperazine) exhibited excellent anti‐inflammatory activity at a dose level of 50 mg/kg, almost comparable with the standard drug. In case of analgesic activity among the tested compounds, the compounds 9f , 9g , and 9k showed more potent and consistent activity in both 100 and 200 mg/kg/po doses with less ulcerogenic risk.     

Screening and isolation of cyclooxygenase‐2 inhibitors from the stem bark of Phellodendron amurense Ruprecht by ultrafiltration with liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry,and complex chromatography

Nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs appear to reduce the risk of developing cancer. One mechanism through which nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs act to prevent carcinogenesis is inhibition of the activity of the enzyme cyclooxygenase‐2. The cyclooxygenase‐2 inhibitors are widely used to reduce the risk of developing cancer. Natural products are considered to be a promising source of several novel cyclooxygenase‐2 inhibitors. Ultrafiltration with liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry is an efficient method that can be applied to rapidly screen and identify the ligands from the barks of Phellodendron amurense Ruprecht. A continuous online method comprised of pressurized liquid extraction, countercurrent chromatography, and semi‐preparative liquid chromatography was developed for the efficient scaled‐up production of eight compounds with high purities. The bioactivities of the separated compounds were assessed by an in vitro enzyme inhibition assay. The use of bioactivity screening method combined with preparation method of bioactive compounds and an in vitro enzyme inhibition assay facilitated the efficient screening and isolation of the cyclooxygenase‐2 inhibitors from complex samples. This could be used as an efficient method for the large‐scale production of functional ingredients.     

Comparative pharmacokinetic study of two boswellic acids in normal and arthritic rat plasma after oral administration of Boswellia serrata extract or Huo Luo Xiao Ling Dan by LC‐MS

Huo Luo Xiao Ling Dan (HLXLD), a Chinese herbal formula composed of 11 different herbs, has been used traditionally for the treatment of arthritis and other chronic inflammatory diseases. However, the pharmacokinetic profile of its anti‐inflammatory bioactive compounds has not been elucidated. Boswellic acids are the bioactive compounds with potent anti‐inflammatory activity isolated from Boswellia serrate which is one of the 11 herbs of HLXLD. The objective of the study was to compare the pharmacokinetics of the two bioactive bowsellic acids: 11‐keto‐β‐boswellic acid and 3‐O‐acetyl‐11‐keto‐β‐boswellic following oral administration of HLXLD or Boswellia serrata extract alone in normal and arthritic rats. An LC‐MS method was developed and validated for the determination of 11‐keto‐β‐boswellic acid and 3‐O‐acetyl‐11‐keto‐β‐boswellic in the comparative pharmacokinetic study. The results showed that there were significant differences in pharmacokinetic parameters between normal and arthritic groups. Interestingly, the absorptions of two boswellic acids were significantly higher in HLXLD than Boswellia serrata extract alone, indicating the synergistic effect of other herbal ingredients in HLXLD. This comparative pharmacokinetic study provided direct evidence supporting the notion that the efficacy of a complex mixture such as HLXLD is better than that of single components in treating human diseases. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Bioactivity‐based ultra‐performance liquid chromatography‐coupled quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry for NF‐κB inhibitors identification in Chinese Medicinal Preparation Bufei Granule

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) preparations have become effective treatments for many diseases. However, their active ingredients are still uncertain and difficult to identify. In this study, we propose a strategy that integrates ultra‐performance liquid chromatography/quadrupole‐time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (UPLC/Q‐TOF‐MS) and bioactive (NF‐κB inhibitor) luciferase reporter assay systems for the rapid determination of various anti‐inflammatory compounds of TCM preparations. In this way, Bufei Granule (BFG), a TCM preparation used for the clinical therapy of asthma, was analyzed by the two ways of component identification and activity detection. Potential anti‐inflammatory constituents were screened by NF‐κB activity assay systems and simultaneously identified according to the mass spectrometry data. Three structural types of NF‐κB inhibitors (caffeic acid derivatives, flavonoids and Pentacyclic triterpenes) were characterized. Further cytokine detection confirmed the anti‐inflammatory effects of the potential NF‐κB inhibitors. Compared with conventional chromatographic separation and inhibitory activity detection, integrating UPLC/Q‐TOF‐MS identification and virtual validation was more convenient and more reliable. This strategy clearly demonstrates that MS data‐based fingerprinting is a meaningful tool not only in identifying constituents in complex matrix but also in directly screening for powerful trace ingredients in TCM preparations. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.