Abstract
This study develops several chemical and physical methods to evaluate the quality of a traditional Chinese formulation, Jia-Wei-Xiao-Yao-San. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) coupled with electrospray ionization was used to measure the herbal biomarkers of saikosaponin A, saikosaponin D, ferulic acid, and paeoniflorin from this herbal formula. A scanning electron microscope (SEM) and light microscopy photographs with Congo red staining were used to identify the cellulose fibers if raw herbal powder had been added to the herbal pharmaceutical product. Moreover, water solubility and crude fiber content examination were used to inspect for potential herbal additives to the herbal pharmaceutical products. The results demonstrate that the contents of the herbal ingredients of saikosaponin A, saikosaponin D, ferulic acid, and paeoniflorin were around 0.351 ± 0.017, 0.136 ± 0.010, 0.140 ± 0.005, and 2.281 ± 0.406 mg/g, respectively, for this herbal pharmaceutical product. The physical examination data demonstrate that the raw herbal powder had rough, irregular, lumpy, filamentous, and elongated shapes, as well as strong Congo red staining. In addition, water solubility and crude fiber content were not consistent in the herbal pharmaceutical products.
Highlights
Decocting and concocting herbal formulas are an important part of traditional Chinese medicine [1]
Analytes were quantified by multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode performing the following precursor ion (MS 1) to a specific fragment of the product ion (MS 2) pairs of the transitions m/z: saikosaponin A, m/z 781.40 [M+H]+→ m/z 455.35 (CE −25.0 eV), saikosaponin D, m/z 781.40 [M+H]+→ m/z 455.35 (CE −25.0 eV), ferulic acid, m/z 193.00 [M-H]−→ m/z 134.00 (CE 15.0 eV), and paeoniflorin, m/z 498.20 [M+NH4]+→ m/z 179.10 (CE −25.0 eV) (Table 1) (Figure 1)
The results demonstrate that the contents of saikosaponin A, ferulic acid, and paeoniflorin among samples for the pharmaceutical manufacturers of A–E were situated between 0.116 to 0.351 mg/g, 0.046 to 0.140 mg/g, and 2.128 to 3.497 mg/g, respectively
Summary
Decocting and concocting herbal formulas are an important part of traditional Chinese medicine [1]. Based on the ancient process of cooking traditional Chinese medicines, the herbs are placed in water and cooked in a ceramic or stainless pot, preferably not cast iron or aluminum. The extract is collected, with the residue left in the pot, and another equal volume of water is added. This procedure of bringing the mixture to boil is repeated, and the two decoctions are mixed together for administration. This complicated and time-consuming process may not be suitable for current lifestyles. Edible gum, lactose, and carboxymethyl cellulose are used for granulation to make herbal pharmaceutical product in the dosage forms of granule, powder, pill, pellet, tablet, capsule, or medicinal liquor
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