Free radical scavenging activity and characterization of sesquiterpenoids in four species of Curcuma using a TLC bioautography assay and GC-MS analysis

The sesquiterpenoids are one of major groups of antioxidants in Curcuma besides curcuminoids. However, the real substances contributing to the antioxidant activity are still unknown. In this paper, the antioxidant activity of sesquiterpenoids in four species and two essential oils from Curcuma genus was determined and compared based on TLC separation and DPPH bioautography assay. Their antioxidant capacities were quantitatively evaluated using densitometry with detection at 530 nm (λ(reference )= 800 nm) using vitamin C as reference. The results showed that Curcuma longa rhizomes had the highest antioxidant capacity while C. phaeocaulis presented the lowest one among the four species of Curcuma. Moreover, essential oil of C. wenyujin showed higher antioxidant potential than that of C. longa. The main TLC bands with antioxidant activity of the four species of Curcuma were collected and characterized using GC-MS, and thus curzerene, furanodiene, α-turmerone, β-turmerone and β-sesquiphellandrene were determined as major sesquiterpenoids with antioxidant activity in Curcuma.     

Quality evaluation of Ganoderma through simultaneous determination of nine triterpenes and sterols using pressurized liquid extraction and high performance liquid chromatography

A method combining HPLC and pressurized liquid extraction was developed for simultaneous quantification of nine components, including eight triterpenes (ganoderic acid A, ganoderic acid Y, ganoderic acid DM, ganoderol A, ganoderol B, ganoderal A, methyl ganoderate D and ganoderate G) and a sterol (ergosterol), in Ganoderma. The determination was achieved by using a Zorbax ODS C18 analytical column (4.6 x 250 mm id, 5 microm) and gradient elution with diode-array detection. All calibration curves showed good linearity (r2 > 0.9997) within the test ranges. The developed method showed good repeatability for the quantification of the nine investigated components in Ganoderma with intra- and inter-day variations of less than 2.4% and 4.1%, respectively. The validated method was successfully applied to quantify the nine components in two species of Ganoderma, i.e. G. lucidum and G. sinense, used as Lingzhi in China. Furthermore, hierarchical clustering analysis based on the nine components in HPLC profiles from the tested 11 samples showed that chemical characteristics were significantly different between G. lucidum and G. sinense, which suggested that clinical investigation should be performed so as to ensure the safety and efficacy of medication.     

Simultaneous determination of 15 flavonoids in Epimedium using pressurized liquid extraction and high-performance liquid chromatography

Herba Epimedii (family Berberidaceae), Yinyanghuo in Chinese, is one of the commonly used Chinese medicines. Flavonoids are considered as its active components. In this study, a reliable pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) and HPLC method was developed for simultaneous determination of 15 flavonoids, namely hexandraside E, kaempferol-3-O-rhamnoside, hexandraside F, epimedin A, epimedin B, epimedin C, icariin, epimedoside C, baohuoside II, caohuoside C, baohuoside VII, sagittatoside A, sagittatoside B, 2'-O-rhamnosyl icariside II and baohuoside I in different species of Epimedium. The analysis was performed by using a Zorbax SB-C18 analytical column (250 mm x 4.6 mm I.D., 5 microm) at gradient elution of water and acetonitrile with diode-array detection (270 nm). All calibration curves showed good linearity (r(2)>0.9997) within test ranges. The LOD and LOQ were lower than 1.31 ng and 2.62 ng on column, respectively. The RSD for intra- and inter-day of 15 analytes was less than 3.8% at three levels, and the recoveries were 90.5-106.8%. The validated method was successfully applied for the analysis of 15 flavonoids in different species of Epimedium which had great variation on the contents of investigated flavonoids. Hierarchical clustering analysis based on the characteristics of 15 investigated compound peaks in HPLC profiles showed that 26 samples were divided into three main clusters, which were in accordance with their flavonoid contents. Four flavonoids including epimedin A, B, C and icariin were optimized as markers for quality control of the species of Epimedium used as Yinyanghuo.     

Fast determination of curcumol, curdione and germacrone in three species of Curcuma rhizomes by microwave-assisted extraction followed by headspace solid-phase microextraction and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry

Curcumol, germacrone and curdione are the main active ingredients in a common traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) of Rhizoma Curcuma, and commonly used as the TCM quality control markers. In the present work, microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) followed by headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was developed for the quantitative analysis of curcumol, curdione and germacrone in Rhizoma Curcuma. The MAE and HS-SPME parameters were studied, and the method was validated. The optimal MAE conditions obtained were: microwave power of 700 W and irradiation time of 4 min, and HS-SPME optimal conditions were: fiber coating of 100 microm PDMS, extraction temperature of 80 degrees C, extraction time of 20 min, stirring rate of 1,100 rpm, and salt concentration of 30% NaCl. The proposed method provided good precision (RSD less than 12%) and recoveries between 86% and 93%. The proposed method was applied to the determination of the three marker compounds in three species of Curcuma rhizomes (Curcuma wenyujin, Curcuma phaeocaulis, and Curcuma kwangsiensis). To demonstrate the proposed method reliability, a conventional technique of steam distillation was also used for the analysis of curcumol, germacrone and curdione in the TCMs. The results show that MAE-HS-SPME is a simple, rapid, solvent-free and reliable method for the determination of curdione, curcumol and germacrone in TCM, and also a potential and powerful tool for quality assessment of Rhizoma Curcuma.     

Simultaneous quantification of curcuminoids and xanthorrhizol in Curcuma xanthorrhiza by high-performance liquid chromatography

A new method for simultaneous quantification of curcuminoids and xanthorrhizol (XNT) in Curcuma xanthorrhiza was developed and validated using high-performance liquid chromatography with diode-array UV–Vis detector. The chromatographic separation was achieved on a Phenomenex C18 at room temperature with the mobile-phase acetonitrile ?0.001% formic acid in gradient elution system and delivered at a flow rate of 1?mL/min. Detection wavelength 425?nm was used for curcuminoids and 224?nm for XNT. System suitability, linearity, precision, accuracy, limit of detection, limit of quantitation, and stability were evaluated and were found in good agreement with Association of Official Analytical Chemists guidelines for single-laboratory validation. The proposed method was found to be precise, accurate, and reliable and also could be applied for the simultaneous quantitative analysis of curcuminoids and XNT in C. xanthorriza raw material and its herbal medicinal product.     

Chemical fingerprinting of valeriana species: simultaneous determination of valerenic acids, flavonoids, and phenylpropanoids using liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection

The roots and rhizomes of various valeriana species are currently used as a sleeping aid or mild sedative. A liquid chromatography method has been developed that permits the analysis of chlorogenic acid, lignans, flavonoids, valerenic acids, and valpotrates in various valerian samples. The best results were obtained with a Phenomenex Luna C18(2) column using gradient elution with a mobile phase consisting of water and 0.05% phosphoric acid and 2-100% acetonitrile-methanol (1 + 1) with 0.05% phosphoric acid. The flow rate was 0.8 mL/min and ultraviolet detection was at 207, 225, 254, 280, and 325 nm. Different valerian species and commercial products showed remarkable quantitative variations. Chlorogenic acid (0.2-1.2%), 3 lignans, linarin (0.002-0.24%), and valepotriates were detected in all the valeriana species analyzed. Highest amounts of valerenic acids were detected in V. officinalis L., trace amounts in V. sitchensis, and none in the other species analyzed.     

高效液相色谱法同时测定氧化型染发产品中33种染发剂

建立了高效液相色谱同时测定氧化型染发产品中33种禁限用染发剂含量的分析方法。采用Waters Atlantis^® T3 MV Kit色谱柱（250 mm×4.6 mm，5 μm），以磷酸盐缓冲液-乙腈为流动相，梯度洗脱，流速为1.0 mL/min，柱温为25℃；采用二极管阵列检测器（DAD），检测波长为235及280 nm，进样量为5 μL。结果表明，各成分在线性范围内线性关系良好，相关系数均高于0.999，各成分精密度实验相对标准偏差（RSDs）均小于2%；四氨基嘧啶硫酸盐和2，4-二氨基苯氧基乙醇盐酸盐在12 h内稳定性实验RSDs小于5%，其余31种成分在24 h内稳定性实验RSDs均小于5%；各成分在3个浓度水平下的加标回收率为77.6%~116.3%。该方法简便、快速、准确，适用于氧化型染发产品中多种染发剂的检测。     

Simultaneous determination of saponins and fatty acids in Ziziphus jujuba (Suanzaoren) by high performance liquid chromatography-evaporative light scattering detection and pressurized liquid extraction

The seed of Ziziphus jujube Mill. var. spinosa (Bunge) Hu ex H. F. Chou, Suanzaoren in Chinese, is one of commonly used Chinese medicines. Saponins and fatty oil contains several fatty acids in Suanzaoren are responsible for its therapeutic activities. In this study, a new HPLC coupled with evaporative light scattering detection (ELSD) and pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) method was developed for the simultaneous quantitative determination of 11 major components of 2 saponins and 9 fatty acids, namely jujuboside A, jujuboside B, lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, palmitoleic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, arachidic acid and docosanoic acid in Suanzaoren. Simultaneous separation of these eleven compounds was achieved on a C18 analytical column. The mobile phase consisted of (A) 0.1% aqueous acetic acid and (B) methanol with 0.1% acetic acid using a gradient elution. The drift tube temperature of ELSD was set at 75 degrees C, and nitrogen flow-rate was 1.8l/min. All calibration curves showed good linearity (r(2)>0.9955) within test ranges. This method showed good reproducibility for the quantification of these eleven components in Suanzaoren with intra- and inter-day variations of less than 3.41 and 4.37%, respectively. The validated method was successfully applied to quantify 11 investigated components in nine commercial samples of Suanzaoren.     

Classification of the medicinal plants of the genus Atractylodes using high‐performance liquid chromatography with diode array and tandem mass spectrometry detection combined with multivariate statistical analysis

Analytical methods using high‐performance liquid chromatography with diode array and tandem mass spectrometry detection were developed for the discrimination of the rhizomes of four Atractylodes medicinal plants: A. japonica, A. macrocephala, A. chinensis, and A. lancea. A quantitative study was performed, selecting five bioactive components, including atractylenolide I, II, III, eudesma‐4(14),7(11)‐dien‐8‐one and atractylodin, on twenty‐six Atractylodes samples of various origins. Sample extraction was optimized to sonication with 80% methanol for 40 min at room temperature. High‐performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection was established using a C₁₈ column with a water/acetonitrile gradient system at a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min, and the detection wavelength was set at 236 nm. Liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry was applied to certify the reliability of the quantitative results. The developed methods were validated by ensuring specificity, linearity, limit of quantification, accuracy, precision, recovery, robustness, and stability. Results showed that cangzhu contained higher amounts of atractylenolide I and atractylodin than baizhu, and especially atractylodin contents showed the greatest variation between baizhu and cangzhu. Multivariate statistical analysis, such as principal component analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis, were also employed for further classification of the Atractylodes plants. The established method was suitable for quality control of the Atractylodes plants.     

Qualitative and quantitative determination of Atractylodes rhizome using ultra‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with linear ion trap–Orbitrap mass spectrometry with data‐dependent processing

A quick and effective workflow based on ultra‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with electron spray ionization and LTQ‐Orbitrap mass spectrometry (UPLC‐LTQ‐Orbitrap MS) was established for compositional analysis and screening of the characteristic compounds of three species of Atractylodes rhizome for quality evaluation. This technique was employed to determine the seven main components in Atractylodes rhizome samples. Ultimately, 78 constituents were identified; of these, seven characteristic compounds were selected for species discrimination, comprising atractylodin (63), atractylenolide I (43), atractylenolide II (49), atractylenolide III (53), atractylon (69), methyl‐atractylenolide II (54) and (4E,6E,12E)‐tetradecadecatriene‐8,10‐diyne‐1,3‐diacetate (59). The seven main compounds, including six characteristic compounds, were simultaneously determined in 29 batches of Atractylodes rhizome samples. Thus, the method validation showed acceptable results. Quantitative analysis showed significantly different contents of the seven main components among the three species of Atractylodes rhizome, which indicates possible distinctions in the pharmacological effects. This established method can simultaneously provide qualitative and quantitative results for compositional characterization of Atractylodes rhizomes and for quality control.     

反相高效液相色谱法同时测定姜黄药材中3个组分的含量

建立了一种反相高效液相色谱方法,同时测定中药材姜黄块根中3组分的含量。采用KromasilTMC18柱(5μm,200mm×4.6mm),以磷酸水溶液(pH=2.5)和乙腈溶剂为流动相,梯度洗脱,流速0.9mL/min,柱温40℃,检测波长为425nm,10min内即可将3种组分分离测定。该方法快速、简便、准确,可为评价不同产地的姜黄质量提供依据。     

Determination and locational variations in the quantity of hydroxyanthraquinones and their glycosides in rhizomes of Rheum emodi using high-performance liquid chromatography

Locational variations in the quantity of five hydroxyanthraquinone derivatives (emodin glycoside (1), chrysophanol glycoside (2), emodin (3), chrysophanol (4) and physcion (5)) in the rhizomes of Rheum emodi are described. A simple and reliable method was developed for quantitation of compounds (1-5) in the methanolic extract of rhizomes of R. emodi using reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with photo-diode array detector (PDA). The separation was carried out using a Purospher((R))-Star RP-18 e column (4.6mm i.d.x 250 mm, 5 microm) under the following conditions: acetonitrile:methanol (95:5, v/v) (solvent A) and water:acetic acid (99.9:0.1, v/v) (solvent B) as mobile phase with a linear gradient elution at a flow rate of 0.8 mL/min. The detection wavelength was set at 290 nm. Regression equation revealed a linear relationship (r(2)>0.9901) between the mass of hydroxyanthraquinone derivatives injected and the peak areas. The detection limits (S/N=3) ranged from 0.56 to 3.50 ng/mL and the recoveries ranged from 95.7 to 103.5% for five hydroxyanthraquinone derivatives. Compound 2 was found in maximum quantity (up to 2.23%) in the rhizomes from all the three locations (L(1), L(2) and L(3)) while compound 5 was found in the least quantity (up to 0.19%).     

亲水/反相二维制备液相色谱法分离纯化络石藤中的化学成分

建立了亲水/反相二维制备液相色谱(Pre-2D-HILIC/RPLC)分离纯化络石藤中化学成分的分析方法。络石藤药材经醇提、活性炭脱色后用反相固相萃取柱除去色素和强极性物质,最终得到干燥的浅黄色粉末。一维亲水色谱选择Click XIon色谱柱(250 mm×20 mm,10μm)作为固定相,水和乙腈作为流动相,进行梯度洗脱,以紫外触发模式收集馏分,共得到15个组分。二维反相色谱选择C18色谱柱(250 mm×20 mm,5μm)作为固定相,水和乙腈作为流动相,进行梯度洗脱,最终得到14个高纯度化合物,并通过质谱和核磁共振对其进行确认。实验结果表明,该法具有良好的正交选择性,可以有效提高分离度和峰容量,对于分离络石藤等复杂样品具有重要意义。     

高效液相色谱快速测定草本植物饮料中28种外源性药物和内源性成分

建立了高效液相色谱快速测定草本植物饮料中28种外源性药物和内源性成分的分析方法。样品经甲醇-水（70：30,v/v）超声提取后,使用Thermo Accucore C18色谱柱（100 mm×4.6 mm,2.6 μm）,以甲醇、乙腈和20 mmol/L乙酸铵溶液（pH 4.2）为流动相进行梯度洗脱,流速为1.2 mL/min,柱温为35℃,采用二极管阵列检测器,检测波长为254和220 nm,外标法定量。结果表明,28种成分在1~100 mg/L范围内线性关系良好,相关系数（r）均不小于0.999。液体样品和固体样品的检出限（LODs）分别为1~10和20~200 mg/kg。28种成分在液体和固体样品中的加标回收率分别为88.8%~118.6%和92.7%~112.3%,相对标准偏差（RSDs）分别为0.1%~6.7%和0.1%~6.4%。按上述方法检测草本植物饮料456批,检出阳性样品55批次,检出率为12.1%。该法简便快速、准确可靠,适用于草本植物饮料中28种成分的测定。     

高效液相色谱法测定染发剂中的22种染料成分

建立了染发剂中22种染料成分的高效液相色谱测定方法。使用Discovery RP-Amide C16柱(250 mm×4.6 mm,5 μm),以乙腈-0.025 mol/L磷酸盐缓冲液(pH 6.0,含0.1%的庚烷磺酸钠离子对试剂)为流动相,流速为1.0 mL/min;使用二极管阵列检测器(DAD),检测波长为260 nm和280 nm,柱温为25 ℃。该方法除了对低浓度的甲苯-2,5-二胺硫酸盐、2-甲基雷锁辛和N,N-二乙基甲苯-2,5-二胺HCl外,对其他各组分的含量测定值的相对标准偏差(RSD)均小于10%,加标回收率为77.6%～122.8%。该方法简便、准确、快速,适于氧化型染发剂中染料成分的检测。     

高效液相色谱法同时测定防晒类化妆品中15种紫外线吸收剂

建立了一种反相高效液相色谱同时测定防晒类化妆品中15种紫外线吸收剂的分析方法。化妆水、乳液、膏霜和蜡质样品中首先加入四氢呋喃(含2 g/L氢氧化铵),涡旋、振荡、混匀(若蜡质样品仍分散不完全,可超声振荡加热至50 ℃),再加入80%(v/v)甲醇水溶液振荡混匀、超声提取、离心、过滤后,采用XTerra MS C₁₈柱分离,经水(含0.1%(v/v)甲酸)和甲醇(含0.1%(v/v)甲酸)梯度洗脱,以二极管阵列检测器检测,检测波长为280 nm和311 nm,外标法定量。实验中对不同基质类型样品的前处理条件(样品分散溶剂、萃取溶剂和萃取时间等)进行了重点优化。结果表明,15种紫外线吸收剂在各自的线性范围内呈良好的线性关系(r²≥0.9991),方法的定量限为1.2~5.1 μg/g,在低、中、高3个添加水平下的回收率为84.2%~100.7%,相对标准偏差(RSD)为0.9%~9.5%。该分析方法分离效果好、灵敏度高、定量准确,可用于防晒类化妆品的实际检测。     

超高效液相色谱-串联质谱法定性和高效液相色谱法定量分析天南星中氨基酸成分

为建立中药材中氨基类极性非紫外活性成分的定性与定量分析方法,以中药材天南星为研究对象,采用柱前衍生化技术,以异硫氰酸苯酯(PITC)为衍生化试剂,经C₁₈色谱柱(100 mm×2.1 mm, 3.5 μm)分离和超高效液相色谱-串联质谱(UHPLC-MS/MS)分析,共解析了天南星中20个成分,包括18个氨基酸和2个胺类化合物。经优化衍生化条件,应用高效液相色谱法(HPLC),以Diamonsil C₁₈色谱柱(250 mm×4.6 mm, 5 μm)分离,以乙腈和0.05 mol/L醋酸铵-醋酸缓冲液(pH 6.5)为流动相,梯度洗脱,在254 nm下检测,建立了同时测定15种氨基酸含量的方法,经方法学考察符合含量测定要求。谷氨酸、色氨酸在2~100 mg/L范围内、精氨酸在6~300 mg/L范围内、其余各氨基酸在0.8~40 mg/L范围内均呈良好的线性关系,相关系数均不小于0.9995;平均回收率在95%~105%之间,RSD均小于3%;并成功应用于12批中药材的测定。本方法简便、灵敏、准确,具有可操作性,可用于快速鉴定中药中的氨基类成分以及进行含量测定。