Evaluation of free hydroxyl radical scavenging activities of some Chinese herbs by capillary zone electrophoresis with amperometric detection

Due to the severe damage caused by free hydroxyl radicals (OH·) to cells and tissues, there is much interest in finding and studying effective and non-toxic OH· scavengers, including traditional Chinese herbs. In this paper, the simple and highly-sensitive technique of capillary zone electrophoresis with amperometric detection (CZE-AD) was used to study the OH· scavenging activities of aqueous extracts from some traditional Chinese herbs. Salicylic acid (SAL) was used as an OH· trap, and the content of OH· could be determined by assaying their products, 2,3-dihydroxybenzoic acid (2,3-DHBA) and 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid (2,5-DHBA). The optimum conditions for CZE-AD for the determination of 2,3-DHBA and 2,5-DHBA were explored. The linearity ranges of 2,3-DHBA and 2,5-DHBA were 1.0 ×10^–7~1.0 ×10^–4 mol L^–1, and their detection limits were as low as 2×10^–8 mol L^–1, which were much better than the CE-UV method often used. The traditional Chinese herbs studied included Radix angelicae sinensis, Rhizoma coptidis, Ligustrum lucidum, Ligusticum wallichii, Radices glycyrrhizae and Semen plantaginis. The experiments showed that the aqueous extracts from all of the above traditional Chinese herds had free OH· scavenging activities, although to different degrees.     

The difference between blood‐associated and water‐associated herbs of Danggui‐Shaoyao San in theory of TCM,based on serum pharmacochemistry

Danggui‐Shaoyao San (DSS) is a famous Chinese formula for activating blood circulation and promoting urination. This study was to investigate the difference of material basis between a blood‐associated herbs group and a water‐associated herbs group. According to the theory of traditional Chinese medicine, the formula can be divided into a blood‐associated herbs group (Angelica sinensis, Paeonia lactiflora and Ligusticum chuanxiong) and a water‐associated herbs group (Atractylodes macrocephala, Alisma orientale and Poria cocos). The HPLC fingerprint of the formula was established for quality control. Serum samples from rats, orally administrated DSS, and the decomposed recipes of DSS, were analyzed by HPLC‐DAD and the transitional blood components of DSS were identified. Twenty‐one common peaks were identified in the fingerprint of DSS. Contents of paeoniflorin, albiflorin, ferulic acid and alisol B 23‐acetate in co‐decoction were significantly higher than those in individual decoction. Eleven peaks belonged to the blood‐associated herbs group (four metabolites and seven prototype components; paeoniflorin and ferulic acid appeared in prototype components), whereas six peaks belonged to the water‐associated herbs group (three metabolites and three prototype components). It was concluded that the serum pharmacochemistry is a meaningful approach for clarifying the difference between blood‐associated and water‐associated herbs in chemical composition. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Determination of 16 insect growth regulators in edible Chinese traditional herbs by liquid chromatography electrospray tandem mass spectrometry

A new sensitive multiresidue liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analytical method for the determination of 16 insect growth regulator (IGR) residues—RH-5849 (1,2-dibenzoyl-1-tert-butylhydrazine), halofenozide, methoxyfenozide, chromafenozide, fufenozide, tebufenozide, diflubenzuron, chlorbenzuron, triflumuron, hexaflumuron, novaluron, lufenuron, teflubenzuron, flucycloxuron, flufenoxuron, and chlorfluazuron—in herbs (Perilla frutescens, flos chrysanthemi, lily bulbs, and ginger) has been developed. After the herbs had been extracted with acetonitrile, a combined graphitized nonporous carbon/aminopropyl (ENVI-Carb/LC-NH₂) cartridge and a Florisil cartridge were used to clean up the extracts. LC-MS/MS was performed in multiple reaction monitoring mode with two specific precursor ion–product ion transitions per IGR to confirm and quantitate the residues in herbs. Quantitation was performed on the basis of matrix-matched calibrations. The method showed excellent linearity (r ² > 0.99) and precision (relative standard deviations of 13.6 or lower) for all the target insecticides. The limits of quantitation were 0.6-10 μg kg^-1 for the 16 insecticides in the four herbs. The average recoveries, measured at three concentrations (0.01, 0.1, 1 mg kg^-1), were in the range 74.8-105.3%. The method was satisfactorily applied for the analysis of 60 herb samples (Perilla frutescens, flos chrysanthemi, lily bulbs, and ginger). Hexaflumuron was detected at concentrations of 0.029 and 0.051 mg kg^-1 in Perilla frutescens.     

Comparative investigation of phytochemicals among ten citrus herbs by ultra high performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry and evaluation of their antioxidant properties

The citrus herbs have proved their important medicinal and nutritional values as medicine–food dual‐purpose herbs, functional foods, or medical herbs in China. In this study, phytochemicals and antioxidant activity among ten typical citrus herbs (ethanol extracts) were investigated comprehensively. The major ingredients and their contents were analyzed by high‐resolution mass spectrometry, and the differences of typical fragment ions between flavanone‐7‐O‐rutinoside(s) and flavanone‐7‐O‐neohesperidoside(s) were discriminated properly in negative electrospray ionization mode. Total polyphenols, total flavonoids, 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl, 2,2′‐azino‐bis(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulphonic acid), and ferric reducing antioxidant power tests were performed, which indicated their beneficial values and antioxidant effects. The medicine–food dual‐purpose herbs including Chenpi, Juluo, Daidaihua, Huajuhong, Xiangyuan, and Foshou exhibited antioxidant capacities significantly by decreasing intracellular reactive oxygen species intensity (P < 0.01), enhancing superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase activities (P < 0.01) in H₂O₂‐induced RIN‐m5F cells. Moreover, the functional foods Zhishi, Zhiqiao, and Qingpi showed moderate antioxidant bioactivity, while the medical herb Juhe showed weak antioxidant bioactivity, which were consistent with the multivariate analysis of their major flavonoids. The study provided a new sight for the chemical differentiation and practical application of citrus herbs as medicine–food dual‐purpose herbs, functional foods, or medical herbs.     

Characterization of trace elements in medicinal herbs by instrumental neutron activation analysis

Medicinal herbs are often used as alternative medicines for healing and controlling some diseases in the world. This study focuses on the content of heavy and trace elements of some widely consumed herbs in Libya. Nine most popular herbs were analyzed by k ₀-instrumental neutron activation analysis. All the samples, SRM and flux monitors were irradiated for 7 and 10 hours under thermal neutron flux of 1.3·10¹³ cm⁻²·s⁻¹ at Tajoura nuclear reactor. In total, 33 elements were analyzed in different herbs. The variations in the concentration of the elements are attributed to soil composition and the climate in which the plant grows. The study showed that the toxic elements found in the samples were below the levels prescribed by health regulations. The precision and the accuracy of the results were evaluated by analyzing the reference materials Pine Needles SRM 1575 and Citrus Leaves SRM1572.     

Application of calibration standardization method to the analysis of diuretic pharmaceutical herbs

Calibration standardization of X-ray fluorescence method was carried out for the determination of the anorganic contents in diuretic herbs as calledFolia Betulae, Stylus Maydis, Flores Verbasci, Equisetum Arvense andFlos Helichrysi, growing in Turkey. These herbs are widely used in pharmacy and public health for kidney disease theraphy. Herb samples were steeped in the water and mixed through the pure cellulose, then pelletized in the intermediate thickness. An annular source of¹⁰⁹Cd (3.7 MBq) was used for excitation of fluorescent K lines of elements lying between potassium and zirconium. Toxic elements in considerable amounts were not found.     

High-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry for simultaneous detection of aflatoxins B1, B2, G1 and G2 in Indian medicinal herbs using QuEChERS-based extraction procedure

Since the discovery of aflatoxins (AFs) in the 1960s, much research has focused on detecting the toxins in contaminated food and feedstuffs. But the quality determination in medicinal plant matrices with respect to AFs is scare. Hence, a simple, accurate and sensitive high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) method was developed for simultaneous determination of AFs AFB₁, AFB₂, AFG₁ and AFG₂ in two Indian popular medicinal herbs i.e. senna (Cassia angustifolia) and kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata). AFs have been extracted from herb matrix using a QuEChERS (quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged and safe)-based extraction procedure followed by applying primary secondary amine and C18 for further clean-up step and then were quantified under the multiple reaction monitoring together with positive ionisation modes. Matrix-matched calibration was used for quantification in order to reduce the matrix effect. Validation of the method was carried out in herbs by recovery experiments. Recoveries of the spiked samples were in the range of 61.9–111.5% with an inter-day and intraday relative standard deviation lower than 20.0%. Limits of detection and quantification ranged from 0.41 to 0.95 ng mL^?1 and 1.2 to 3.8 μg kg^?1, respectively. The expanded uncertainty of the method was <21% for all the toxins in both the herbs. Finally, the proposed method was successfully applied to determine AF residues in real field samples of senna and kalmegh obtained from different locations in India.     

Polyphenol composition and antioxidant activity of selected medicinal herbs

The aim of this study was to characterize aqueous and alcoholic extracts [30%, 50% and 70% (w/v)] obtained from medicinal herbs (Calendula officinalis, Hypericum perforatum, Galium verum, and Origanum vulgare) used in traditional medicine from our country. Samples were examined for total and individual content of phenolics and antioxidant activities. The highest content of total polyphenols (9.9 ± 0.02 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE) L^–1 extract) and antioxidant activities expressed as Trolox Equivalent Antioxidant Capacity [307.51 TEAC mmol g^–1DW by the ABTS (2,2′-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) method and 20.90 TEAC mmol g^–1 DW by the DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) method] was found in Origanum vulgare (50%) extract. Polyphenolic compounds were quantified using RP-HPLC.     

Availability of essential trace elements in medicinal herbs used for diabetes mellitus and their possible correlations

Four plant parts (leaves, roots, fruits and seeds) of twenty samples of sixteen antidiabetic herbs including three commercially marketed capsules have been analyzed for 6 minor (Na, K, Ca, Cl, Mg, and P) and 21 trace (As, Ba, Br, Ce, Co, Cr, Cs, Cu, Eu, Fe, Hg, La, Mn, Rb, Sb, Sc, Se, Sm, Th, V and Zn) elements by instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA). Further, Ni, Cd and Pb contents were determined by AAS. Elemental data were validated by simultaneously analyzing reference material (RM), MPH-2 Mixed Polish Herbs. Several elements such as Cr and V (1–2 μg/g), Rb (10–40 μg/g), Cs (80–300 ng/g), Se (∼100 ng/g) and Zn (25–60 μg/g) play an important role in diabetes mellitus. Interelemental linear correlations have been observed for Cu vs. Zn (r = 0.89) and Rb vs. Cs (r = 0.87). K/P ratio varies in a narrow range with a mean value of 6.2 ± 1.4. Toxic elements As and Hg were found in <1 μg/g whereas Cd and Pb were in ∼5 μg/g and <10 μg/g, respectively.     

Elemental composition of herbal medicines sold over-the-counter in São Paulo city,Brazil

In Brazil, the use of herbal medicines is very popular due to its immense flora, cultural aspects and to the popular belief that herbs, which are of natural origin, are safe and without undesirable side effects. Aside from that public interest in natural therapies, the use of herbal medicines has increased expressively due to the high cost of synthetic medicines. In this study, elemental compositions of herbal medicines from the species Ginseng, Ginkgo biloba, Centella asiatica, Mulberry and Aloe vera supplied by different suppliers were evaluated by neutron activation analysis. The concentrations of As, Ba, Br, Ca, Cl, Co, Cr, Cs, Fe, Hf, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Rb, Sb, Sc, Th, Zn and some lanthanides were determined in these samples. Comparisons made between the results indicated differences in their elemental contents depending on the plant species, origins of the samples and the age of the leaves. The results also showed that the herbal medicines contain elements such as Ca, Co, K, Fe, Mg and Zn known as essential to humans and for treatment and prevention of diseases. Toxic elements such as Hg, Cd and Cu were not detected. Elements As and Sb were detected in some samples but at very low concentrations at the μg kg⁻¹ levels. Herbal medicine results were also compared to literature values. Biological certified reference material was analyzed for quality control of the analytical results.     

Dibromo and diiodo derivatives of [4.4]dibenzo-24-crown-8 as novel efficient sorbents of elements from mineral acid solutions

The sorption behavior of novel functionalized endoreceptors, halogen (Br, I) derivatives of [4.4]dibenzo-24-crown-8, with respect to sorption of 34 elements from 1–5 M HNO₃ solurions and 29 elements from 1–5 M HCl solutions were studied. The receptors poorly extract elements from nitric acid solutions but are strong sorbents of some elements from concentrated hydrochloric acid solutions. The highest distribution ratios of elements (D, cm³/g) for sorption from 5 M HCl were observed for 4′,4″,5″[4.4]dibromodibenzo-24-crown-8: Au (D = 880) > Ga (469) > Sb (70) > Fe (55) > Sn (14.3) > Mo (10.3) > Re (2.9) > Cd (1.4) > Ge (0.61) > In (0.33) ≈ Zn (0.32) ≈ Ni (0.31) > Zr (0.29) ≈ Cr (0.28) > Sr, Tl (0.25) > Be (0.24) > Mn (0.22) ≈ La (0.21) ≈ Ba (0.20) > Ca, K, Mg, Si (< 0.1). A new way for increasing the sorption properties of dibenzocrown ethers by introducing bromine substituents into the polyether benzene rings was established. The sorption of elements from concentrated hydrochloric acid solutions follows an anion exchange mechanism by analogy with extraction of these elements.     

A multitracer Study on the Adsorption of 36 Elements on a Silica: Effects of pH and Fulvic Acid

The distribution coefficients,K _d of 36 elements from Na to Bi on a silica were determined at pH 4, 7, 9 and in the absence and presence of fulvic acid (FA) using a multitracer technique. The multitracer solution was prepared by irradiation of Th(NO₃)₄ with ⁴⁰Ar ion beam. The effects of pH and fulvic acid on the K _d values of 36 elements were studied. It was found that the sequences of the K _d values of alkali elements (Cs>Rb>K>Na) and of alkaline earth elements(Ba>Ca>Mg) in the absence of FA can be qualitatively explained in terms of chemical bond formation and hydration. Various effects of pH and the negative or positive effect of FA on the adsorption of 36 elements were observed and are probably related to the species of 36 elements in the aqueous solutions containing CO₃ ^2–, OH^–, Cl^– and FA. For most of the elements studied here the K _d values are increased with increasing pH and are decreased with adding FA.     

Chemical correlation between Shuanghuanglian injection and its three raw herbs by LC fingerprint

Shuanghuanglian injection, a famous composite formula in China, is a combination of Flos lonicerae japonicae, Radix scutellariae and Fructus forsythiae. To develop a method to overall evaluate the correlation between the formula and its three raw herbs, the representative LC fingerprint of Shuanghuanglian injection was established from 12 batches of samples. Ten peaks were selected as the common peaks to evaluate the similarities of different samples from different manufacturers. Hierarchical clustering analysis was used as a powerful pattern recognition tool to identify and classify Shuanghuanglian injection from different factories. In addition, chemical correlation between the formula and the three raw herbs was evaluated qualitatively through comparison of their chromatograms under the same HPLC conditions. The results showed that peak 1, 2, 3 and 9 in the formula fingerprint were characteristic components of Flos lonicerae japonicae, peaks 5, 6 and 8 were that of F. forsythiae, peak 10 was that of R. scutellariae, while peak 7 was the common component of Flos lonicerae japonicae and F. forsythiae, peak 4 was addressed to F. forsythiae and it was also the product of the manufacturing procedure.     

Phosphorus and Its Water-Extractable Inorganic Form in Medicinal Herb Infusions

Abstract

The concentration of total phosphorus (P), its water-extractable inorganic form (P-PO₄), and Mg, Mn, Cu, Zn, and Fe, was established in 57 samples of Polish medicinal herbs originating from 6 plant species—Mentha piperita, Urtica dioica, Salvia officinalis, Melissa officinalis, Tussilago farfara, and Betula sp. Total P, P-PO₄, and Mg were determined at average levels of mg/g, whereas the other elements were at mg/kg of dry plant weight. A higher level of P and P-PO₄ was detected in Menthae piperitae folium and Salviae folium—plants of the same Labiatae family. With the other elements, an extremely high level of total Mn and Zn was found in Betulae folium. Analysis of relations between P, P-PO₄, and the essential elements in the study showed that an especially strong inter-relation occurred in the pairs: P and P-PO₄, P-PO₄ and Mg, Mn and Zn, both between their total concentrations and extractable forms. This would indicate synergistic activity on the part of these elements in the physiology of plants.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT      

Characterization of volatile compounds of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Daucus crinitus</Emphasis>Desf. Headspace Solid Phase Microextraction as alternative technique to Hydrodistillation

Background  

Traditionally, the essential oil of aromatic herbs is obtained using hydrodistillation (HD). Because the emitted volatile fraction plays a fundamental role in a plant's life, various novel techniques have been developed for its extraction from plants. Among these, headspace solid phase microextraction (HS-SPME) can be used to obtain a rapid fingerprint of a plant's headspace. Daucus crinitus Desf. is a wild plant that grows along the west coast of Algeria. Only a single study has dealt with the chemical composition of the aerial part oils of Algerian D. crinitus, in which isochavicol isobutyrate (39.0%), octyl acetate (12.3%), and β-caryophyllene (5.4%) were identified. Using GC-RI and GC-MS analysis, the essential oils and the volatiles extracted from separated organs of D. crinitus Desf. were studied using HS-SPME.     

Characterisation of some exotic fruits (Morus nigra, Morus alba, Salvadora persica and Carissa opaca) used as herbal medicines by neutron activation analysis and estimation of their nutritional value

In the under developed countries, the people of far-flung rural areas still depend to a large extent upon herbal medicines. At the foundation of usage of herbal medicine is the experience of thousands of years. The present paper deals with the characterisation of exotic fruits for essential and toxic elements. The samples include Morus nigra, Morus alba, Salvadora persica and Carissa opaca (from low and high altitude). Two standardizations of neutron activation analysis, that is, semi-absolute k ₀-instrumental neutron activation analysis (k ₀-INAA) and epithermal neutron activation analysis (ENAA) were employed for the quantification of elements. The analysis methodologies were validated by analyzing the IAEA-336 (lichen) and NIST-SRM-1572 (citrus leaves). Sixteen elements including Br, Ca, Cl, Co, Cr, Fe, I, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Rb, Sb, Sc Sr, and Zn were determined in all samples. Daily intakes of various elements from the samples were measured and compared with the dietary reference intakes. Additionally, principal component analysis was performed to extract information regarding samples and elements.     

Compatibility effects of herb pair Phellodendri chinensis cortex and Anemarrhenae rhizoma on benign prostatic hyperplasia using targeted metabolomics

Phellodendri chinensis cortex (P. C. cortex) and Anemarrhenae rhizoma (A. rhizoma) herb pair is a core component of traditional Chinese medicines used to treat inflammation and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The present study was designed to profile the arachidonic acid (AA) metabolomic characteristics in rat plasma and prostate after being treated with P. C. cortex and A. rhizoma as well as their combination. Plasma and prostate samples from sham group, BPH model group, herb pair group and two single herb groups were collected on days 7, 14, 21 and 28. Then, a systemic metabolomic analysis based on UFLC‐MS/MS was employed to quantify AA and its cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase pathway metabolites (15‐HETE, 12‐HETE, 5‐HETE, AA, PGI₂, PGF_2α, 8‐HETE, PGD₂, PGE₂ and LTB₄). The results demonstrated that BPH led a significant increase of 10 biomarkers in plasma and tissue (p < 0.05). The clusters of herb pair group and single herb groups showed a tendency to return to the initial space, and the AA and its metabolites from those groups were differently downregulated to a healthier level, with the combination of single herbs most obvious. The present study demonstrated that P. C. cortex–A. rhizoma herb pair might produce synergistic or complementary compatibility effects on suppressing inflammatory processes occurring in BPH.     

Studies on the redox properties of the heteropolytungstosilicates substituted by transition elements

The redox properties of the tri-heteropolytungstosilicates of transition elements K_nSiZ(H₂O)W₁₁O₃₉ (Z ? Mn²⁺, Fe³⁺, Co²⁺, Ni²⁺, Zn²⁺, Cd²⁺). In solution have been studied with polarography and cyclic voltammetry as well as with ultraviolet spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The order of the polarographic half-wave potentials (E_1/2) of these heteropolyanions is as follows: Z?Ni²⁺>Co²⁺>Zn²⁺>Fe²⁺>Mn²⁺. We have found that the E_1/2 of heteropolyanions could be correlated linearly with both the electronegativities X of the transition elements and the logarithm of the rate constants (log k_e) of reaction of transition metal ions with hydrated electrons. The reduction mechanism and effects of transition elements on the redox properties of the heteropolyanions have been discussed.     

Chemical Composition of a Novel Distillate from Fermented Mixture of Nine Anti-Inflammatory Herbs and Its UVB-Protective Efficacy in Mouse Dorsal Skin via Attenuating Collagen Disruption and Inflammation

Since ancient times, various herbs have been used in Asia, including Korea, China, and Japan, for wound healing and antiaging of the skin. In this study, we manufactured and chemically analyzed a novel distillate obtained from a fermented mixture of nine anti-inflammatory herbs (Angelica gigas, Lonicera japonica, Dictamnus dasycarpus Turcz., D. opposita Thunb., Ulmus davidiana var. japonica, Hordeum vulgare var. hexastichon Aschers., Xanthium strumarium L., Cnidium officinale, and Houttuynia cordata Thunb.). The fermentation of natural plants possesses beneficial effects in living systems. These activities are attributed to the chemical conversion of the parent plants to functional constituents which show more potent biological activities. In our current study, the distillate has been manufactured after fermenting the nine oriental medical plants with Lactobacillus fermentum, followed by distilling. We analyzed the chemical ingredients involved in the distillate and evaluated the effects of topical application of the distillate on ultraviolet B (UVB)-induced skin damage in Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) mice. Topical application of the distillate significantly ameliorated the macroscopic and microscopic morphology of the dorsal skin against photodamage induced by UVB radiation. Additionally, our current results showed that topical application of the distillate alleviated collagen disruption and reduced levels of proinflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor alpha and interleukin 1 β expressions) in the dorsal skin against UVB radiation. Taken together, our current findings suggest that the distillate has a potential to be used as a material to develop a photoprotective adjuvant.