Flos Carthami Research Articles

Danhong Inhibits Oxidized Low-Density Lipoprotein–Induced Immune Maturation of Dentritic Cells via a Peroxisome Proliferator Activated Receptor γ–Mediated Pathway

Danhong injection (DHI), a Chinese Materia Medica standardized product extracted from Radix Salviae miltiorrhizae and Flos Carthami tinctorii, is effective in the treatment of atherosclerosis (AS)-related diseases. It is widely recognized that AS is a complex inflammatory disease of the arterial wall and the dendritic cells (DCs) is a major player in the pathogenesis of AS via mediating atherosclerotic antigen presenting and T lymphocytes. Here, we determined the effect and possible mechanism of DHI on oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL)-induced maturation and immune function of DCs. Human monocyte-derived DCs were incubated with DHI or ciglitazone and were subsequently stimulated with ox-LDL to induce maturation. Similar to ciglitazone, a peroxisome proliferator activated receptor (PPAR) γ agonist, DHI, could significantly reduce ox-LDL-induced expressions of mature markers, enhance the endocytotic function, and inhibit secretions of cytokine on DCs. These effects of DHI could be partly reversed by silencing the PPARγ. In conclusion, DHI could inhibit ox-LDL-induced maturation of DCs partly through activating a PPARγ-mediated signaling pathway.[Supplementary Methods and Figures: available only at http://dx.doi.org/10.1254/jphs.11226FP]

Effects of Flos carthami on CYP2D6 and on the Pharmacokinetics of Metoprolol in Rats

Flos carthami is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine. Clinically, the Flos carthami Injection has been used concomitantly with other Western drugs and may be used concomitantly with β-blockers, such as metoprolol, to treat cerebrovascular and coronary heart diseases, in China. Metoprolol is a CYP2D6 substrate and is predominantly metabolized by this isozyme. However, we do not know whether there is an effect of Flos carthami on CYP2D6 and the consequences of such an effect. Concern is raised regarding the possible herb-drug interaction. In this report, the effects of Flos carthami on the activity of CYP2D6 in vivo and in vitro and on the pharmacokinetics of metoprolol, in rats, are investigated. To assess the inhibitory potency of Flos carthami, the concentration associated with 50% inhibition (IC50) of dextromethorphan metabolism was determined based on the concentration-inhibition curves. The inhibitory effect of Flos carthami on CYP2D6 was also compared with cimetidine in vitro. Flos carthami could significantly inhibit CYP2D6 in rats both in vitro and in vivo (P < .05) and could slow down the metabolic rate of metoprolol as suggested by prolonged t1/2 (67.45%), by increased C max (74.51%) and AUC0−∞ (76.89%). These results suggest that CYP2D6 is a risk factor when Flos carthami is administered concomitantly with metoprolol or other CYP2D6 substrates.

Metabolic profiling of GuanXin II prescription based on metabolic fingerprinting and chemical analysis

A sensitive LC/MS method was established to investigate the in vivo metabolism of GuanXin II prescription, a five-component Chinese herbal medicine formulation. Rat plasma, bile, urine, and feces were collected and analyzed following oral administration of the water decoction. A total of 50 compounds were identified, including 17 prototypes and 33 metabolites underwent methylation, oxidation, hydrolysis, sulfate conjugation, glucuronide conjugation, and glutathion conjugation. In addition, the component herb of the formulation from which the metabolites were derived was also identified. Among the five component herbs, Rhizoma Chuanxiong, Flos Carthami, and Lignum Dalbergiae Odoriferae were actively metabolized, contributing 26 metabolites and 2 prototypes, while Radix Salviae Miltiorrhizae and Radix Paeoniae Rubra underwent less biotransformation, yielding 7 metatbolites and 15 prototypes. This is the first study on the metabolic profile of GuanXin II prescription. The results could be valuable to elucidate the material basis of this formulated Chinese medicine.

Comprehensive multiresidue method for the simultaneous determination of 74 pesticides and metabolites in traditional Chinese herbal medicines by accelerated solvent extraction with high-performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry.

In this paper, a multiresidue method for the simultaneous target analysis of 74 pesticides and metabolites in traditional Chinese herbal medicines (TCHMs) was developed using accelerated solvent extraction (ASE) coupled with HPLC/MS/MS. Pesticide residues were extracted from the different samples using ASE, then purified by gel permeation chromatography and graphitized carbon black/primary, secondary amine SPE. Gradient elution was used in conjunction with positive mode electrospray ionization MS/MS to detect 74 pesticides and metabolites from Cortex Cinnamomi, Flos Carthami, Folium Ginkgo, Herba Pogostemonis, Radix Ginseng, and Semen Ginkgo using a single chromatographic run. The analytical performance was demonstrated by the analysis of extracts spiked at three concentration levels ranging from 0.005 to 0.125 mg/kg for each pesticide and metabolite. In general, recoveries ranging from 70 to 110%, with RSDs better than 15%, were obtained. The recovery and repeatability data were in good accordance with European Union guidelines for pesticide residue analysis. The LOD for most of the targeted pesticides and metabolites tested was below 0.01 mg/kg.

In vitro & in vivo assessment of a herbal formula used topically for bone fracture treatment

Aim of the study A novel topical paste used for fracture healing (FH), consisting of the extracts of six herbs, Radix Dipsaci, Ramulus Sambucus Williamsii, Rhizoma Notoginseng, Flos Carthami, Rhizoma Rhei and Fructus Gardeniae, was developed according to the classical theory of traditional Chinese medicine. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of this formula, and some of its important chemical components in the promotion of fracture healing. The transdermal transport of FH was also examined. Materials and methods The osteogenic, angiogenic and nitric oxide suppressing effects of FH and its important chemical marker components were assessed by using osteoblastosacroma UMR-106 cells, human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) and murine macrophage RAW264.7 cells, respectively. The bone healing effects of the FH paste and its transdermal absorption were determined using a rabbit fracture model. The callus sizes, bone specific alkaline phosphatase levels and biomechanical properties of the healed bone were assessed. Results FH significantly increased the cell proliferation in UMR-106 and HUVEC cells and inhibited the nitric oxide production in murine macrophage in dose-dependent manner. Its important chemical components asperosaponin VI, ginsenoside Rg1 and emodin were shown to be acting positively in the respective in vitro studies. FH paste significantly improved the bone healing in the rabbit fracture model, as was indicated by the increases in callus size at weeks 2–5, and the elevations in bone specific alkaline phosphatase activities at weeks 5–6. The analysis using LC/MS/MS also showed the presence of important chemical marker components of the FH formula in the plasma after 8 weeks of topical treatment. Conclusion This study presents the first scientific evidence of the efficacy of a herbal paste in the promotion of fracture healing. There were evidences of transdermal transport of the chemical components, control the inflammation through nitric oxide inhibition, promotion of angiogenesis, and bone healing in the in vitro tests, as well as in the experimental animal.

Carthamus tinctorius L. prevents LPS-induced TNFα signaling activation and cell apoptosis through JNK1/2–NFκB pathway inhibition in H9c2 cardiomyoblast cells

Aim of the study Severe and potentially fatal hypotension and cardiac contractile dysfunction are common symptoms in patients with sepsis. In our previous study, we found that estradiol and estrogen-receptor α have cardio-protective effects in myocardial cells exposed to LPS. Estradiol supplementation has been shown to induce breast and cervical cancers. Flos Carthami, the flower of Carthamus tinctorius L. (Compositae) is an important traditional Chinese medicine used for the treatment of heart disease and inflammation, and therefore might be a potential alternative to Estradiol in the prevention of heart damage. This study investigated the effect of Flos Carthami (FC EtOH) ethanolic extract on LPS-induced apoptosis in H9c2 cardiomyoblast cells. Materials and methods H9c2 cells induced apoptosis with LPS administration (1 μg/mL). H9c2 cells were divided into five groups: Control, LPS (1 μg/mL), and three FC EtOH (31.25, 62.5,and 125 μg/mL). We detected apoptosis using MTT, LDH, TUNEL assay. JC-1 staining and Western blot were used to detect pro-apoptosis proteins, anti-apoptosis proteins, MAPK proteins (JNK, ERK, and P38), and NFκB expression. Results FC EtOH (62.5 μg/mL) inhibited LPS-induced apoptosis by suppressing JNK1/2 activity, which resulted in the reduction of both IκB degradation and NFκB activation. In addition, FC EtOH led to the activation of anti-apoptotic proteins, Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL, the stabilization of the mitochondria membrane and the down-regulation of extrinsic and intrinsic pro-apoptotic proteins, such as TNFα, active caspase-8, t-Bid, Bax, active caspases-9, and -3. Conclusions Carthamus tinctorius L. possesses the ability to suppress JNK activity and inhibit LPS-induced TNFα activation and apoptosis in H9c2 cardiomyoblast cells. Carthamus tinctorius L could potentially serve as a cardio-protective agent against LPS-induced apoptosis.

Clinical observation of Danhong Injection (herbal TCM product from Radix Salviae miltiorrhizae and Flos Carthami tinctorii) in the treatment of traumatic intracranial hematoma

Danhong Injection (DHI), a Chinese Materia Medica standardized product extracted from Radix Salviae Miltiorrhizae and Flos Carthami tinctorii, has the actions of promoting blood circulation and resolving stasis to promote regeneration. The clinical therapeutic effects of DHI on traumatic intracranial hematoma (TICH) were observed. Eighty patients with TICH were randomly assigned to trial group and a control group (40 patients per group), and all were administered with routine medication. Additionally, DIH was administered intravenously to patients in the trial group. Pre and post-treatment GCS was observed in the two groups, along with GOS after therapy. The intracranial hematoma absorption, hemorheological changes, and changes in coagulation indexes pre- and post-treatment were evaluated. The results indicated that GCS and GOS after therapy for the trial group were superior to those for the control group (p<0.05). There was a significant post-treatment difference in the intracranial hematoma absorption between the two groups (p<0.01). Each hemorheological index in the trial group improved significantly as compared with that of the control group (p<0.05 or p<0.01). The plasma levels of fibrinogen and D-dimer in the trial group were significantly decreased after therapy (p<0.01). These results suggest that DHI is conducive to the recovery of patients with TICH.

A novel compound from Flos carthami and its bioactivity

A novel compound, 4-{1′-hydroxy-1′-mercapto-1′-[1′′-2′′(N→O)-isoquinolyl]}yl-1-benzoic acid (1), together with six known compounds, 6-hydroxykaempferol-3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (2), rutin (3), quercetin-3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (4), kaempferol-3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (5), cartormin (6), hydroxysafflor yellow A (7), were isolated by chromatography from the n-BuOH fraction of 50% ethanol extraction of Flos carthami. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectral analysis and comparison with published data. Among them, compound 1 was shown to possess a weak protective effect against cerebral ischemic damage in rats.

Rapid separation and identification of 54 major constituents in Buyang Huanwu decoction by ultra‐fast HPLC system coupled with DAD‐TOF/MS

Buyang Huanwu Decoction (BYHWD), is a well-known traditional Chinese preparation consisting of Radix Astragali, Radix Angelicae Sinensis, Rhizoma Ligustici Chuanxiong, Radix paeoniae Rubra, Flos Carthami, Semen Persicae and Lumbricus. An ultra-fast high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method coupled with diode array detection (DAD) and electrospray ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (ESI-TOF/MS) has been developed for rapid separation and structural identification of constituents in BYHWD. Using an ultra-fast HPLC system with short columns (4.6 x 50 mm, 1.8 microm), the total analysis time for this complex prescription is less than 30 min. With various fragmentor voltages in TOF/MS, accurate mass measurements (less than 5 ppm error) for molecular ions and characteristic fragment ions could represent reliable identification criteria for these compounds. Fifty-four major constituents from BYHWD sample, including four C-glycosyl quinochalcones, four flavonoid O-glycosides, sixteen isoflavones, six monoterpene glycosides, eight saponins, four organic acids and five amino acids, were identified or tentatively characterized based on their retention times, DAD and TOF/MS data. All the compounds were further assigned in the seven individual crude drugs. In conclusion, the ultra-fast HPLC with DAD-TOF/MS is a highly useful and efficient technique to separate and identify constituents in complex matrices of herbal medicines or preparations.

Analysis of Trace Elements in Chinese Therapeutic Foods and Herbs

The bioactive elements in Chinese therapeutic foods and herbs that are frequently consumed by people in both the East and West are analyzed. These elements in their appropriate dosage range are considered to be beneficial to health. Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) and Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS) were applied to determine the concentrations of various elements. Twenty-two Chinese therapeutic foods and herbs, resourced from the traditional high therapeutic quality areas or provinces were selected. Bioactive analysis focused on Lanthanum (La), Strontium (Sr), Zinc (Zn) and Selenium (Se), especially in the prevention and treatment of hyperlipidemia and its associate disorders. The higher elemental concentration herbs, La in: Rhizoma Gastrodiae Elatae, Fructus Crataegi and Herba Hedyotidis Diffusae. Sr in: Radix Puerariae and Folium Ginkgo Biloba. Zn in: Flos Carthami Tinctorii and Fructus Crataegi. Se in: Flos Lonicerae Japonicae and Portulaca Oleracea. The results mainly showed that Chinese herbs which are also therapeutic foods may be used as nutritional supplements for preventing and treating elemental deficiency, e.g., hyperlipidemia. More attention in this regard should be paid to herbs that contain La and are traditionally used for regulating cardiovascular disorders. The knowledge of the effects and concentrations of bioactive elements in foods and herbs could guide the selection of Chinese herbs in clinical practice in conjunction with traditional Chinese medicine theories. Further studies should also be considered in relation to Sr, Zn and blood regulating herbs, which could prove to be beneficial.

High throughput chemiluminescence platform for evaluating antioxidative activity of total flavonoid glycosides from plant extracts

A high throughput chemiluminescence (CL) platform for rapidly evaluating antioxidant activity of total flavonoid glycosides from plant extracts was developed originally based on their inhibition effects on the CL reaction of 1,1-dipheny-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH )–luminol or H 2O 2–luminol system. With the method, total flavonoid glycosides extracts were screened through detecting the inhibited CL intensity, which was reversely correlative to antioxidant activity of the studied plant extracts. A complete analysis could be performed rapidly in a 96-well plate format, giving a very high throughput of 96 samples in about 10 min including sampling and detection. Owing to its automatic, rapid, sensitive and high throughput characteristics, the presented platform has been used to evaluate the antioxidant activity of pure compounds and eleven total flavonoid glycosides extracts from crude drugs ( Radix Scutellariae, Rhizoma Belamcandae, Fructus Aurantii Immaturus, Caulis Lonicerae, Flos Carthami, Pollen Typhae, Folium Apocyni Veneti, Flos Lonicerae, Radix Puerariae, Fructus Aurantii, Flos Chrysanthemi).

Identification of AFLP fragments linked to hydroxysafflor yellow A in Flos Carthami and conversion to a SCAR marker for rapid selection

Hydroxysafflor yellow A (HSYA), an important active compound in treating focal cardiac and cerebral ischemia, is uniquely present in flower petals of Carthamus tinctorius. In this study, inheritance and molecular marker analyses for HSYA trait in safflower were carried out. HSYA contents in parents, cross hybridized F1 and F2 individuals were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography. Results revealed that the presence/absence of HSYA was controlled by one major nuclear gene termed HSya. A total of 48 AFLP primer combinations were screened, and bulked segregant analysis was performed by preparing two pools of 10 present-HSYA and ten absent-HSYA plants selected from the 498 individuals of the F2 segregating population. Four AFLP markers, AFLP-5, AFLP-7, AFLP-15 and AFLP-16, were identified to be closely associated with HSya. Of those, AFLP-16 was the closest to HSya, estimated at about 9.4 cM in genetic distance. The dominant AFLP-16 marker was converted into a simple sequence characterized amplified region marker based on the sequence information of the cloned flanking regions of the AFLP fragment and was designated as SCM16. Our result has direct application for marker-assisted selection of quality breeding in safflower.

Study of vacuum microwave-assisted extraction of polyphenolic compounds and pigment from Chinese herbs

Vacuum microwave-assisted extraction (VMAE), in which microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) was performed in vacuum, was specially designed and applied for the extraction of polyphenolic compounds and pigments from Chinese herbs. The extraction conditions including solid/liquid ratio, extraction time, extraction temperature and degree of vacuum were optimized. Subsequently, VMAE, MAE, and conventional heating reflux extraction (HRE) were evaluated with resveratrol and emodin extraction from Rhizma Polygoni Cuspidati, myricetin and quercetin extraction from Myrica rubra leaves, and safflomin A extraction from Flos Carthami. In addition, the different microstructures of those rhizome, leaf, and flower samples were investigated before and after extraction. It was obvious that the extraction yields of resveratrol, myricetin and safflomin A (thermosensitive compounds) with VMAE were higher than that with MAE or HRE by increments of 6.4–9.4% and 7.9–29.5%, respectively. In contrast, there was no obvious difference among the extraction yields for emodin and quercetin (thermo-stable compounds) with VMAE, MAE and HRE, except that the solvent consumption in VMAE was decreased. The results suggest that VMAE is a good alternative for the extraction of polyphenolic compounds and pigments, especially thermosensitive compounds, from Chinese herbs.

Simultaneous determination of hydroxysafflor yellow A and ferulic acid in rat plasma after oral administration of the co‐extractum of Rhizoma chuanxiong and Flos Carthami by HPLC–diode array detector

A simple, rapid and accurate HPLC method has been developed for simultaneous determination of hydroxysafflor yellow A and ferulic acid in rat plasma after oral administration of the co-extractum of Rhizoma chuanxiong and Flos Carthami. Plasma samples were deproteinized with 6% perchloric acid, and riboflavin was used as internal standard. The supernatant after centrifuge was injected into a Shimadzu C(18) (150 x 4.6 mm, i.d. 5 microm) column. Gradient elution for A:B (0 min, 90:10; 25 min, 70:30; 27 min, stop) was applied. The mobile phase was composed of 0.022 mol/L potassium dihydrogen phosphate solutions, adjusted to pH 3.0 with phosphoric acid for pump A, and 90% (v/v) acetonitrile for pump B. The assay was shown to be linear over the range 0.046-4.6 microg/mL (r(2) = 0.9995) for hydroxysafflor yellow A and 0.037-3.7 microg/mL (r(2) = 0.9998) for ferulic acid. Mean recovery was 97.5% for hydroxysafflor yellow A and 83.6% for ferulic acid. Both of the intra-day and inter-day precisions were <or=8.1%. The limits of quantification of hydroxysafflor yellow A and ferulic acid were 0.046 and 0.037 microg/mL, respectively. The HPLC method was successfully applied to the pharmacokinetic studies of hydroxysafflor yellow A and ferulic acid in rat plasma after oral administration of the co-extractum of Rhizoma chuanxiong and Flos Carthami.

Fingerprint Analysis of Flos Carthami by Pressurized CEC and LC

A fingerprint analysis of Flos Carthami was performed using a standardized capillary electrochromatography (CEC) procedure. This procedure was first used to establish the electrochromatographic profile of genuine Flos Carthami from Tacheng, Xinjiang, China. This Flos Carthami fingerprint was then used to identify and assess the consistency of raw herbs from different sources in China. The study of a limited number of samples from ten different sources demonstrated a reasonable consistency among their CEC fingerprints relative to that of the genuine sample. Using this technique, we can readily distinguish the fingerprint of Flos Carthami from that of Stigma Croci, a possible substitute in traditional Chinese medicine, and Flos Hemerocallis, a commercial adulterant. A method based on high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) is described to establish fingerprints of Flos Carthami simultaneously. The fingerprints obtained with HPLC consist of 21 common peaks within 65 min while 43 common peaks obtained with CEC. CEC showed better performance on fingerprinting of hydroxysaffloryellow A and its neighboring peaks, which contained more chemical information than that of HPLC. It was proven that CEC could be a feasible and effective method for development of fingerprint of TCM based on the comparison with HPLC.

Dynamic microwave-assisted extraction coupled with on-line spectrophotometric determination of safflower yellow in Flos Carthami

A rapid dynamic microwave-assisted extraction and on-line detection by spectrophotometry is proposed for the determination of safflower yellow in Flos Carthami. A high pressure and a peristaltic pump were used to deliver the solvent. A TM 010 microwave resonance cavity was applied to concentrate the microwave energy and the forward power about 60 W was enough for the extraction. Other extraction conditions also were examined and optimized. In this work, the extraction process can be monitored by measuring the absorption of safflower yellow in the extract, which would be convenient for rapid optimization of the extraction process. The detection and quantification limits are 8 and 27 μg mL −1, respectively. The within-day and between-day precision (R.S.D.) are 1.6–3.2% and 2.8–4.2%, respectively. Compared with off-line detection, the proposed method may provide more rapid measurement and is more convenient for obtaining continuous measurements.

Nicotiflorin reduces cerebral ischemic damage and upregulates endothelial nitric oxide synthase in primarily cultured rat cerebral blood vessel endothelial cells

Nicotiflorin is a flavonoid glycoside extracted from a traditional Chinese medicine Flos Carthami. In the current study, we investigated the neuroprotective effect of nicotiflorin on a transient focal cerebral ischemia–reperfusion model in rats. Nicotiflorin (2.5–10 mg/kg) administered after onset of ischemia markedly reduced brain infarct volume by 24.5–63.2% and neurological deficits. Also the effect of nicotiflorin on endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) activity, mRNA and protein expression after hypoxia–reoxygenation (H–R) treatment was investigated in an in vitro model mimic cerebrum ischemia–reperfusion in vivo. After total 4 h hypoxia and 12 h reoxygenation, eNOS activity, mRNA and protein levels in the primarily cultured rat cerebral blood vessel endothelial cells treated with nicotiflorin (25–100 μg/ml) 2 h after onset of hypoxia were significantly higher than eNOS activity, mRNA and protein levels in the pure H–R cells and also higher than eNOS activity, mRNA and protein levels in cells cultured under normoxic conditions. The results demonstrated that nicotiflorin had a protective effect against cerebral ischemic damage. The results also gave an important elucidation for the mechanism underlying the protective effect at the cellular level.

Neuroprotection of Nicotiflorin in Permanent Focal Cerebral Ischemia and in Neuronal Cultures

Nicotiflorin is a single component extracted from traditional Chinese medicine Flos Carthami. In this study, we investigated its neuroprotection in permanent focal cerebral ischemia model in rats, and in an in vitro model of ischemia. At doses of 2.5, 5 and 10 mg/kg, nicotiflorin administered immediately after the onset of ischemia markedly reduced brain infarct volume and neurological deficits. For primarily cultured neurons suffered 2 h hypoxia followed by 24 h reoxygenation, nicotiflorin significantly attenuated cell death and reduced LDH release. Morphological observation also directly confirmed its protective effect on neuron. These results provided strong pharmacological basis for its potential therapeutic role in cerebral ischemic illness.

Studies of the pharmacokinetics of paeoniflorin in two Jing–Zhi–Guan–Xin formulations after oral administration to beagle dogs

Paeoniflorin is the principal bioactive component of Paeoniae Radix. The traditional chinese medicine compound recipe (TCMCR) tablets of Jing–Zhi–Guan–Xin (JZGX), which is composed of Radix Salviae Miltiorrhizae, Radix Paeoniae Rubrae, Rhizoma Chuan-xiong, Flos Carthami and Lignum Dalbergiae Odorafera, have been widely used in China and Japan. The plasma concentrations of paeoniflorin in beagle dogs after oral administration of two Jing–Zhi–Guan–Xin formulations (the dose used in the two formulations were both 200 mg paeoniflorin) were measured using a simple and rapid HPLC method. The mean terminal half-lives ( t 1/2) of JZGX tablet and JZGX elementary osmotic pump tablet (EOPT) formulations of paeoniflorin were 147.52 ± 28.98 and 276.60 ± 24.24 min, the maximum plasma concentrations ( C max) of paeoniflorin were 210.49 ± 23.89 and 94.36 ± 14.01 ng/ml, times to reach maximum concentrations ( t max) were 130.00 ± 30.98 and 280.00 ± 48.99 min, the area under the plasma concentration–time curves (AUC 0−∞) were 43066.50 ± 10119.51 and 42266.87 ± 2654.90 ng min/ml, the mean residence times (MRT) were 212.87 ± 41.82 and 399.14 ± 34.98 min, respectively, and the relative bioavailability (Fr) of JZGX EOPT compared with JZGX tablet was 101.8 ± 18.8%. These results, compared with the pharmacokinetic parameters of paeoniflorin after oral administration of Paeoniae Radix extract alone, indicated that the absorption of paeoniflorin after oral administration of the two JZGX formulations was significantly greater than that after oral administration of Paeoniae Radix extract alone.

Fingerprint Analysis of Flos carthami and Safflower Yellow Pigments by High‐Performance Liquid Chromatography

Fingerprint analysis of Flos carthami and safflower yellow pigments were studied by high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). A standardized procedure, including preparing and analyzing samples, was first established by a set of experiments. Then the characteristic HPLC fingerprints of both were established by treating 10 batches of genuine Flos carthami from Nanjiang, Xinjiang, China, with the standardized procedure. In succession, the fingerprint of Flos carthami was used to identify the raw herbs from different sources in China. The fingerprints of Flos carthami and safflower yellow pigments showed the best correlation by comparing the relative retention time of the peaks and the ratio of peak area of safflower yellow A to the total area. Both of the fingerprints were verified and validated by different HPLC systems.