Characterization and identification of steroidal alkaloids in the Chinese herb Veratrum nigrum L. by high-performance liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization with multi-stage mass spectrometry

Electrospray ionization multi-stage mass spectrometry (ESI-MS(n)) was performed to study the fragmentation behaviour of seventeen steroidal alkaloids (4 protoverine-type alkaloids, 10 germine-type alkaloids and 3 zygadenin-type alkaloids) from the Chinese herb Veratrum nigrum L. The MS(n) spectra of the [M+H](+) ions for steroidal alkaloids provided a wealth of structural information on the substituted groups. In positive ion mode, the three types of alkaloids showed very different characteristic ions: m/z 436 or 418 for protoverine-type alkaloids; m/z 438, 420 or 402 for germine-type alkaloids; m/z 440 or 422 for zygadenin-type alkaloids. These fragments were used to deduce their mass spectral fragmentation mechanisms. Furthermore, the primary compounds in methanolic extracts of the herb of Veratrum nigrum L. were investigated by using liquid chromatography (LC)/ESI-MS(n). As a result, 21 steroidal alkaloids (5 protoverine-type alkaloids, 14 germine-type alkaloids and 2 zygadenin-type alkaloids) were selectively identified from 27 determined peaks. Eleven compounds were unambiguously identified by comparing with standard compounds and ten compounds were tentatively identified or deduced according to their MS(n) data. Two of these compounds (xingangermine and deacetyl xinganveratrine) were found to be novel steroidal alkaloids. In addition, the chemical structures of two pairs of steroidal alkaloid isomers were deduced by comparing their fragment ions. Given the important structural information of known and unknown steroidal alkaloids in crude herbal extracts, this study is useful for identifying these types of steroidal alkaloids in crude materials rapidly and selectively.     

Selective separation of structure-related alkaloids in Rhizoma coptidis with "click" binaphthyl stationary phase and their structural elucidation with liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry

It is a new task to separate structure-related compounds into a fraction according to their structural characteristics in a complex traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). This method makes separation of the components of the sample simple and structural elucidation easy. In this study, selective separation of alkaloids in Rhizoma coptidis was realized on a "click" binaphthyl column possessing a planar conjugate structure. Three kinds of alkaloids, aporphine, tetrahydroprotoberberine and protoberberine in Rhizoma coptidis showed better retention than other compounds by virtue of π-π interactions with the stationary phase. Moreover, the "click" binaphthyl column could distinguish the aporphine and tetrahydroprotoberberine alkaloids possessing two benzene rings from the protoberberine alkaloids possessing three benzene rings. After separating on the "click" binaphthyl column, the fractions containing the alkaloids were collected and then analyzed with liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Totally, 23 alkaloids were identified, and among these alkaloids, three tetrahydroprotoberberine, two aporphine and seven protoberberine alkaloids were first found in Rhizoma coptidis. These newly found alkaloids are minor compounds, and they are always neglected without eliminating the interference of compounds in large amounts by pre-separation on the "click" binaphthyl column. The typical fragmentation pathways of each class of alkaloids were summarized to illustrate their structures. In the MS(2) spectrum, the loss of a molecule of dimethylamine ((CH(3))(2)NH) was observed as the characteristic loss of aporphine alkaloids. All the tetrahydroprotoberberine alkaloids would undergo the Retro-Diels-Alder (RDA) fragmentation reaction in the MS(2) fragmentation. For protoberberine alkaloids, different characteristic fragmentations were observed with different skeleton structures.     

草乌中二萜类生物碱的电喷雾串联质谱研究

利用电喷雾质谱技术对传统中药草乌中的二萜类生物碱进行直接分析鉴定.通过实验数据并对比文献发现,草乌中含有单酯型、双酯型、三酯型和脂类等共4种类型生物碱,其中三酯型和脂类生物碱在草乌中为首次发现.由于这些生物碱的结构相似,在电喷雾串联质谱中碎裂方式相同,因此根据电喷雾串联质谱结果确定了这些生物碱的结构.     

Diterpenoid alkaloids from the Chinese traditional herbal "Fuzi" and their cytotoxic activity

Ten diterpenoid alkaloids, including eight aconitine-type C??-diterpenoid alkaloids and two hetisine-type C??-diterpenoid alkaloids, were isolated from the secondary roots of Aconitum carmichaeli Debx., known as "Fuzi" in Chinese traditional herbal medicine. Their structures were established on the basis of their spectroscopic data and comparison with those of the literature. Among these alkaloids, chasmanine, oxonitine and 15-acetylsongoramine were isolated for the first time from this medicinal plant. The cytotoxic activity of the alkaloids were tested against several cell lines by the MTT method in which aconitine, hypaconitine, mesaconitne and oxonitine were found to strongly inhibit the growth of the HePG2 cell line, which showed that the existence and quantity of the ester groups have a significant influence on the cytotoxicity of the diterpenoid alkaloids.     

Structural characterization and identification of C19‐ and C20‐diterpenoid alkaloids in roots of Aconitum carmichaeli by rapid‐resolution liquid chromatography coupled with time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry

Aconite alkaloids from the roots of Aconitum carmichaeli (Fuzi, in Chinese) have been investigated by rapid‐resolution liquid chromatography coupled with time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (TOFMS) in positive mode. With dynamic adjustment of the key role as fragmentor voltage in TOFMS, an efficient transmission of the ions was achieved to obtain the best sensitivity for providing the molecular formula for each analyte, and abundant fragment ions for structural information. Fifteen authentic standards isolated from Fuzi with various structures were first characterized by TOFMS, including diester‐diterpenoid alkaloids (DDAs), monoester‐diterpenoid alkaloids (MDAs), alkylol amine‐diterpenoid alkaloids (ADAs), veatchine‐type alkaloids and atisine‐type alkaloids. Fragmentation rules and key diagnostic fragment ions have been summarized, and possible pathways of fragmentation have been proposed. By accurate mass measurements within 5 ppm error for each ion, 30 C₁₉‐diterpenoid alkaloids including 10 DDAs, 3 MDAs, 9 ADAs and 8 other type alkaloids, and 8 C₂₀‐diterpenoid alkaloids including 4 veatchine‐type alkaloids and 4 atisine‐type alkaloids could be identified in a methanolic extract of Fuzi. Some isomers of aconite alkaloids were also differentiated. Based on the differences between their fragmentation pathways and special fragment ions, each type of aconite alkaloids was differentiated. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

赣皖乌头生物碱的研究II. 江西兴国产赣皖乌头中其他生物碱的分离和鉴定

从江西兴国县赣皖乌头(Aconitum finetianum Hand-Mazz)根中分得五个二萜类生物碱,根据衍生物的制备、光谱分析及物理常数测定,证明其中两个为新生物碱,定名兴国乌头碱(finetianine)和1-去氢宋果灵(1-dehydrosongorine);其他三个为已知生物碱宋果灵(songorine)、诺密宁(nominine)和氨茴酰牛扁碱(anthranollycoctonine).     

Seven New Monoterpenoid Indole Alkaloids from Gelsemium elegans

Seven new indole alkaloids were isolated from the roots of Gelsemium elegans Benth. and their structures were determined by spectroscopic analysis and chemical transformation from known alkaloids. Kounaminal ( 1 ) is a new koumine‐type alkaloid that contains an unusual aminal moiety. Humantenoxenine ( 2 ) and 15‐hydroxyhumantenoxenine ( 3 ) are humantenine‐type alkaloids that contain a novel β‐amino‐α,β‐unsaturated ketone residue. The other four novel alkaloids are two gelsedilam‐related and two gelsenicine‐related alkaloids.     

生附片化学成分的HPLC/ESI-MSn研究

采用高效液相色谱与电喷雾质谱联用技术, 对生附片的化学成分进行了系统的研究. 并辅以提取离子色谱方法, 发现微量的化学成分. 通过保留时间, 质荷比及多级串联质谱数据, 共鉴定了48个成分, 其中双酯型生物碱8个, 单酯型生物碱7个, 脂型生物碱29个. 其中双酯型生物碱是生附片中的主要成分, 而单酯型和脂型生物碱的含量和种类较少.     

16-O-去甲基去氧乌头碱在肠内细菌中的生物转化研究

采用人肠内细菌和乌头碱体外温孵的方法,探讨乌头碱的代谢产物16-O-去甲基去氧乌头碱在人肠内的生物转化。利用离子阱电喷雾串联质谱(ESIMS/MSn)方法直接分析16-O-去甲基去氧乌头碱的代谢产物。乌头类生物碱在ESI正离子模式条件下形成质子化分子[M H] 。16-O-去甲基去氧乌头碱可被人肠内细菌转化,通过脱乙酰基、脱苯甲酰基、脱甲基、脱羟基以及酯化反应产生新型的单酯型、双酯型和脂类生物碱等10余种代谢产物。双酯型生物碱具有较高的毒性,相对应的单酯型和脂类生物碱毒性较低。16-O-去甲基去氧乌头碱被肠内细菌转化为单酯型和脂类生物碱会使其毒性降低。     

New bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloids from Cocculus laurifolius

Two new bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloids, alpha, alpha'-dioxo-7'-O-demethylstebisimine (1) and 7'-O-demethylstebisimine (2), along with 14 known alkaloids, were isolated from the roots of Cocculus laurifolius. These alkaloids were characterized mainly by spectroscopic methods.     

液相色谱-质谱法研究附子生物碱的煎煮减毒机理

建立了基于液相色谱-质谱分析的附子中生物碱指纹分析方法,并将其应用于附子煎煮减毒的机理研究。基于质谱特征鉴定了生物碱标准品在加热回流过程中产生的6种降解产物,确定了双酯型生物碱的煎煮条件降解规律。在此基础上研究了附子饮片煎煮不同时间条件下生物碱的指纹变化,结果表明,长时间煎煮可明显降低双酯型生物碱和生物脂碱的浓度,为附子的安全用药提供了科学依据。     

Two new alkaloids from Crinum asiaticum var. sinicum

Two new alkaloids (1, 2) were isolated from the whole plants of Crinum asiaticum var. sinicum together with seven known alkaloids. The structures of the new alkaloids were elucidated by spectroscopic analyses and chemical conversions from known alkaloids. New alkaloid 1 was isolated for the first time as a natural product, although it has been prepared as a synthetic product.     

Rigorous biogenetic network for a group of indole alkaloids derived from strictosidine

Strictosidine, the precursor of more than 2,500 indole alkaloids, was isolated from four species of three plant families. By searching the Dictionary of Natural Products on DVD it was found that about 150 indole alkaloids were obtained from the same species (coalkaloids), which is a direct proof of their common origin. On the base of their three-dimensional structure, taxonomic properties and standard reaction mechanisms an extended network was established which involved the four fundamental skeletons, the three types of carbon framework in the secologanin subunit and all major groups of indole alkaloids derived from secologanin and tryptamine (except a few minor groups, in which only less then 10 alkaloids were known). The system was extended to the heterodimer indole alkaloids and the quinoindole alkaloids as well.     

人参与藜芦配伍化学成分变化的HPLC-ESI-MS与ESI-MS研究

采用电喷雾质谱(ESI-MS)和高效液相色谱与电喷雾质谱联用技术(HPLC-ESI-MS), 对人参与藜芦配伍过程中人参皂苷和藜芦生物碱的变化规律进行了系统研究. 在人参与藜芦配伍的共煎液中鉴定出八种人参皂苷, 其中有六种人参皂苷含量有所降低, Rf和Rb₂的含量基本不变; 此外还鉴定出八种藜芦生物碱, 其中有六种生物碱的含量随人参加入而明显增高. 人参与藜芦配伍, 煎煮液中人参皂苷的含量下降, 藜芦总碱的含量上升. 人参的加入有利于藜芦生物碱的溶出. 因藜芦总碱的毒性较强, 所以人参“反”藜芦具有一定道理.     

Determination of tobacco alkaloids using solid phase microextraction and GC-NPD

Summary The sampling approaches using solid phase microextraction (SPME) were evaluated for the analysis of tobacco alkaloids. Because of their low volatility and ionic nature, sampling alkaloids from the headspace of dry or wet tobacco samples often required more effort to improve extraction efficiency. Directly dipping the SPME fiber coated with polydimethylsiloxane film into the tobacco extract was proved to be a simple, effective tool for sampling alkaloids from tobacco. When combined with the practice of fast GC and nitrogen-phosphorus detection, nicotine and a group of selected minor alkaloids (i.e., nornicotines, myosmine, anabasine and anatabine) were separated with baseline resolution within 3 min. The detection limits for these alkaloids are below 0.1 μg mL⁻¹. In addition, the carry-over problem frequently occurred in alkaloids analysis was eliminated. The influence of tobacco matrix and fiber aging on the partition of alkaloids, as well as the use of an internal standard to compensate these deviations, were also studied.     

复方中药四逆汤中乌头碱类二萜生物碱的电喷雾串联质谱研究

利用电喷雾串联质谱方法不经柱分离而直接分析复方中药四逆汤中二萜生物碱的组成,乌头碱类二萜生物碱在质谱条件下形成质子化分子,一种生物碱对应一个分子离子峰.检测到了苯甲酰单酯型、双酯型和脂类生物碱等18种二萜生物碱,其中苯甲酰中乌头原碱等单酯型生物碱是四逆汤中的主要生物碱成分.     

金线莲总生物碱的提取及含量测定

建立了金线莲总生物碱的提取和测定方法.将金线莲全草粉末用pH=2的水溶液提取,以阳离子交换树脂吸附后,经酸化,用氯仿/甲醇(体积比2∶1)对其进行索氏提取,蒸发有机溶剂.冷冻干燥即得金线莲总生物碱.以盐酸麻黄碱为对照品,酸性染料比色法测定总生物碱,折算为盐酸麻黄碱获得总生物碱含量.测得金线莲总生物碱含量是0.079 4%,线性回归方程A=0.009 2C-0.001 6(r=0.999 9),回收率103.13%.本提取及含量测定方法操作简单,总生物碱的提取率较高.     

Studies on alkaloids binding to GC-rich human survivin promoter DNA using positive and negative ion electrospray ionization mass spectrometry

Electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) was used to investigate the binding of 13 alkaloids to two GC-rich DNA duplexes which are critical sequences in human survivin promoter. Negative ion ESI-MS was first applied to screen the binding of the alkaloids to the duplexes. Six alkaloids (including berberine, jatrorrhizine, palmatine, reserpine, berbamine, and tetrandrine) show complexation with the target DNA sequences. Relative binding affinities were estimated from the negative ion ESI data, and the alkaloids show a binding preference to the duplex with higher GC content. Positive ion ESI mass spectra of the complexes were also recorded and compared with those obtained in negative ion mode. Only the 1 : 1 complex with berbamine was observed with lower abundance in the positive ion mass spectrum while complexes with the other alkaloids were absolutely absent. Collision-induced dissociation (CID) experiments indicate that the complexes with the protoberberine alkaloids (berberine, jatrorrhizine, and palmatine) dissociate via base loss and covalent cleavage. In contrast, product ion spectra of the complexes with the alkaloids reserpine, berbamine, and tetrandrine show the predominant loss of a neutral alkaloid molecule, accompanied by base loss and covalent cleavage to a lesser extent. A comparison of the gas-phase behaviors of complexes with the alkaloids to those with the traditional DNA binders has suggested an intercalative binding mode of these alkaloids to the target DNA duplexes.     

Mersinaline and mersirachine, novel quinolinic alkaloids of the mersinine group from Kopsia

Two quinolinic alkaloids belonging to the novel mersinine subclass were isolated from Kopsia singapurensis. The structures of these alkaloids were established by spectroscopic methods and possible biogenetic relationships between these and the mersinine alkaloids are presented.     

pH‐Zone‐refining counter‐current chromatography for two new lipo‐alkaloids separated from refined alkaline extraction of Kusnezoff monkshood root

An efficient and refined method for the separation of six aconitine‐type alkaloids from the alkaline prepared “Kusnezoff monkshood root” was established. It is the first study that two new lipo‐alkaloids were successfully isolated from refined sample by pH‐zone‐refining counter‐current chromatography rather than synthetic method. It was of interest that a great deal of lipo‐alkaloids was produced in crude extract from the alkalization of “Kusnezoff monkshood root.” A refined sample method was proposed to enrich two types of alkaloids by liquid–liquid extraction, i.e. lipo‐alkaloids and monoester‐diterpenoid alkaloids. The pH‐zone‐refining counter‐current chromatography was performed with an optimized two‐phase solvent system composed of n‐hexane‐ethyl acetate–methanol–water (3:5:4:5, v/v), where upper organic phase was added to 3 mmol/L triethylamine as a retainer and lower aqueous mobile phase was added to 3 mmol/L hydrochloric acid as an eluter. As a result, six aconitum alkaloids, including two lipo‐alkaloids (8‐lino‐14‐benzoylaconine, 8‐pal‐14‐benzoylaconine), three monoester‐diterpenoid alkaloids (14‐benzoylmesaconine, 14‐benzoylaconine, beyzoyldeoxyaconine), and one aconine alkaloid (neoline) were acquired from the plant at the same time. The anti‐inflammatory activities of the two new lipo‐alkaloids were compared to the six alkaloids in vitro, in cyclo‐oxygen‐ase‐2 inhibition assays. The separation mechanism of six alkaloids by pH‐zone‐refining counter‐current chromatography was illustrated.