Rapid Classification and Identification of Chemical Components of Schisandra Chinensis by UPLC-Q-TOF/MS Combined with Data Post-Processing.

Shenshen Yang,Yubo Li,Xue Sheng,Houmin Luo,Jun Du,Lanlan Shan

doi:10.3390/molecules22101778

Abstract

Schisandra chinensis (known in Chinese as WuWeiZi, WWZ) has observable effects such as astringing the lung to stop coughs, arresting sweating, preserving semen and preventing diarrhea. The major components of WWZ include lignans, triterpenoids, organic acids and fatty acids. In this paper, a reliable method for the rapid identification of multiple components in WWZ by their characteristic fragments and neutral losses using UPLC-Q-TOF/MS technology was developed. After review of the literature and some reference experiments, the fragmentation pattern of several compounds were studied and summarized. Then, according to the corresponding characteristic fragments coupled with neutral losses in the positive or negative ion mode produced by different types of substances a rapid identification of target compounds was achieved. Finally, a total of 30 constituents of WWZ were successfully identified, including 15 lignans, nine triterpenoids, three organic acids and three fatty acids. The method established in this study not only provides a comprehensive analysis of the chemical ingredients of WWZ, providing a basis for further phytochemical studies on WWZ but also provides a more efficient way to solve the problem of identification of complex chemical constituents in traditional Chinese medicines.

Highlights

Schisandra chinensis (the dried mature fruits of Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill or Schisandra sphenanthera Rehd et Wils) is commonly used as a tonic, sedative and an anti-aging drug in clinical practice, for it has good anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, immunomodulatory and anti-hepatic injury effects [1,2].The main components in Schisandra chinensis contain lignans, triterpenoids, organic acids and fatty acids, volatile oils, and sugars
The Establishment of Data Post-Processing Technology Based on UPLC-Q-TOF/MS
In this study, based on a powerful integrated approach that UPLC-Q-TOF/MS combined with data post-processing technology, 30 compounds were screened successfully

Summary

Introduction

Schisandra chinensis (the dried mature fruits of Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill or Schisandra sphenanthera Rehd et Wils) is commonly used as a tonic, sedative and an anti-aging drug in clinical practice, for it has good anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, immunomodulatory and anti-hepatic injury effects [1,2].The main components in Schisandra chinensis (named WuWeiZi, WWZ) contain lignans, triterpenoids, organic acids and fatty acids, volatile oils, and sugars. Triterpenoids show anti-HIV effects and inhibitory activities toward cholesterol biosynthesis [7]. Organic acids show antibiotic pharmacological activities [8], while fatty acids have been associated with anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, analgesic and anti-tumour properties [9]. Compared to the single compounds of Western medicine, the efficacy of traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) is characterized for its integrity and synergy resulting from the various components.

Methods

Results

Conclusion