Liquid Chromatography Fingerprint Research Articles

Quality Markers of Fufang Shenqi Oral Liquid Based on Integrated Fingerprint Analysis, Chemical Pattern Recognition, and Quantification.

Fufang Shenqi Oral Liquid (FFSQOL) is an important Chinese medicine compound preparation with a wide range of clinical applications, which is mainly used to regulate immune function, improve cardiovascular function, and have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects. At present, it is of great importance to establish the quality evaluation method of FFSQOL and to investigate its quality markers (Q-markers). The aim of this study is to establish a quality evaluation method for FFSQOL and screen its Q-markers to provide a scientific basis for its quality control. Fourteen batches of FFSQOL were subjected to high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) fingerprint and similarity analysis. The components of FFSQOL were identified, and their content was determined. This was combined with cluster analysis (CA) and principal component analysis (PCA) to determine the Q-markers of FFSQOL. In this study, an HPLC fingerprint was established for 14 batches of FFSQOL, identifying 12 common peaks and six major components. Four components were identified as stable and reproducible: gallic acid (504.94 ~ 1219.04 μg/mL), caffeic acid (452.15 ~ 783.01 μg/mL), 7-O-glucoside (1097.72 ~ 2440.41 μg/mL), and formononetin (176.2 ~ 177.51 μg/mL). Quality evaluation of the 14 batches was conducted using chemical pattern recognition analysis. CA results indicated two distinct groups, and PCA revealed that principal components 1 and 2 were the main factors influencing batch differences. A combination of HPLC fingerprint, content determination results, and chemical pattern recognition analysis was employed to identify Q-markers for FFSQOL. The markers identified were gallic acid, caffeic acid, calycosin 7-O-glucoside, and formononetin. In this study, a quality evaluation method for FFSQOL was established through the implementation of fingerprint, content determination, and chemical pattern recognition analysis, resulting in the identification of four Q-Markers of FFSQOL, which laid the foundation for the formulation of FFSQOL quality standards.

A strategy for simple multi-component quantification and comprehensive quality consistency evaluation using fingerprinting technology in the case of Bazhen Yimu pill

Bazhen Yimu Pill is developed on the basis of the famous “Eight Treasures Soup”, which has the efficacy of treating weakness of spleen and stomach, deficiency of qi and blood, and other conditions. Since the drug consists of nine Traditional Chinese medicines (TCM) with complex herbal components, quality control is difficult, so it is necessary to explore and innovate effective quality control methods. In this study, we firstly established a high-performance liquid chromatographic fingerprint for the markers (gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, ferulic acid, paeoniflorin and leonurine) in BZYMP using a reliable single-linear multiple-labeling (MAML) method for experimental accurate and rapid multi-component quantification. Subsequently, the systematic quantitative fingerprinting method (SQFM) was used to evaluate the HPLC fingerprints (HPLC-FP), ultraviolet quantum fingerprints (UV-QFP), and differential scanning quantum fingerprints (DSC-QFP) to obtain rich qualitative and quantitative fingerprint information. In order to improve the objectivity and rationality of the comprehensive evaluation results, the CVWM algorithm was used to perform fusion integration of HPLC-FP, UV-QFP and DSC-QFP. The results show that the quality grades after fusion integration are categorized into 1–8, and the fusion integration is more capable of evaluating the overall quality of BAYMP from multiple perspectives and levels than individual experiments. The quantitative analysis results of MAML are more accurate compared to SCM and QAMS. In this study, BZYMP was analyzed using multidimensional fingerprinting to provide a comprehensive and reliable method for quality consistency control of TCM and its preparations.

Identifying the active antioxidant ingredients in Arisaema Cum Bile aqueous extract on the basis of spectrum-effect relationships

At present, the research on Arisaema Cum Bile mainly focuses on the analysis of its components and changes in pharmacological effects. The chemical composition of the water extract, the material basis and mechanism of its anti-oxidation and anti-febrile convulsion are still unclear. In this study, fingerprint-pharmacological relationships were used to determine the pharmacodynamic and pharmacological material basis of the antioxodant effects of Arisaema Cum Bile aqueous extract. MethodsThe High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) fingerprint of the aqueous extract of Arisaema Cum Bile was established by determining the common peaks, recording the peak areas and evaluating the similarities between different batches. Moreover, the antioxidant capacity of each batch of processed Arisaema Cum Bile extracts was determined, and spectrum-effect relationship analysis and screening were conducted on the basis of the fingerprint. The antioxidant activities of the Arisaema Cum Bile aqueous extract ingredients were verified by evaluating the isolated compounds. ResultsThe HPLC fingerprints of 15 batches of aqueous extracts of Arisaema Cum Bile aqueous extracts were established via ultraviolet (UV) and evaporative light scattering detection methods. There was a total of 22 common peaks, 11 of which were identified as uracil, hypoxanthine, xanthine, uridine, guanosine, adenosine, shaftoside, isoschaftoside, taurohyodeoxycholic acid, taurochenodeoxycholic acid and glycinechenodeoxycholic acid. Spectrum-effect relationship analysis revealed that shaftoside, isoschaftoside, taurochenodeoxycholic acid and glycochenodeoxycholic acid may be the active antioxidant ingredients in this extract, which was verified since all four ingredients displayed dose-dependent antioxidant effects when tested individually. ConclusionA fingerprint of the aqueous extract of Arisaema Cum Bile aqueous extract was established, the antioxidant capacities of the extracts were measured, and the active antioxidant ingredients were identified through spectrum-effect relationship analysis.

Screening and Identification Quality Markers for Antioxidant Activity ofTetrastigma hemsleyanumfrom Different Origins using Spectrum-effect Correlation Analysis

Background::Tetrastigma hemsleyanum (THL) is a traditional medicinal plant with various biological activities, it has been validated that several THL extracts have strong pharmacological activities. Until now, there is no complete and systematic germplasm identification and quality evaluation standard.Objective::Establishing fingerprint spectra of THL from different sources, evaluating their antioxidant activity and identifying quality markers.Methods::In this paper, establishing fingerprints and identifying quality markers through UPLC-QTOF- MS/MS. The antioxidant capacity of forty-one batches of THL from multiple regions was determined by 1,1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH), 2,2'-Azinobis-(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6- sulphonate) (ABTS), and Ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays.Results::The results indicated that THL methanol extracts showed good antioxidative activity and eight THL samples, including THL aerial parts, showed high antioxidative activity. Besides, Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography (UPLC) fingerprints of THL from different places were established and chromatographic peaks probably correlated with antioxidant capacity were screened by principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least square regression (PLS) analysis.Conclusion::The chemical constituents of these peaks were identified as possible quality markers for THL quality evaluation. In this study, twelve effective substances were preliminarily determined, such as isovitexin, L-epicatechin, procyanidin B, sitosterol, etc.

The stir-frying process of Citrus reticulata ‘Chachi’: Process optimization, physical and chemical properties, and spectrum-activity relationship

To optimize the stir-frying process of Citrus reticulata ‘Chachi’ (CRC), analyze the physical and chemical properties and evaluate the activity. The best process condition was stir-frying temperature 110 ± 10 °C and time 25 min. The stir-frying Citrus reticulata ‘Chachi’ (SCRC) induced notable changes in the appearance and microstructure, enhancing its aroma and mellowness, reducing water content, and no aflatoxin was detected. It increased total flavonoids content. The ultra-high performance liquid chromatography fingerprints of SCRC and CRC showed 11 common peaks, seven compounds were identified by the retention time with the peak shapes of the Ultraviolet spectra. Through ABTS radical scavenging and α-glucosidase activity inhibition experiment, it was found that SCRC had stronger activity. The results of grey correlation analysis showed that peak 11 (tangeretin) was closely related to antioxidant activity, and peak 9 (nobiletin) was closely related to hypoglycemic activity. The analysis revealed that the components of antioxidant and hypoglycemic effects both overlapped and differed, suggesting a correlation between the two. The stir-frying process improved the product quality and activities and was conducive to its application and industrialization for simplicity and practicality, thus providing a scientific basis for natural plants to industrial products with the process technology.

Study on HPLC fingerprint of Saposhnikovia divaricata lipophilic components and anti-aging effects

Saposhnikovia divaricata is commonly used in clinical practice as a heat-clearing and detoxifying traditional Chinese medicine. Current research on Saposhnikovia divaricata has mostly focused on chromones, while studies on its lipophilic parts remain scarce. In this study, samples of the lipophilic components of Saposhnikovia divaricata (SDL) from different regions in China were collected to establish an HPLC fingerprint. The quality of SDL was evaluated through chemical pattern recognition and multi-component content determination. Furthermore, using the Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) model, the anti-aging ability of SDL was preliminarily studied. In the HPLC fingerprints of 11 batches of SDL, 19 common peaks were identified, and 4 components were characterized as follows: peak 14, linolenic acid (ALA); peak 15, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA); peak 16, linoleic acid (LA); peak 17, oleic acid (OA). The similarity of the fingerprint ranged from 0.704 to 0.929. The results indicate that the content of ALA, DHA, LA, and OA are 0.040–0.440 mg/g, 0.003–0.116 mg/g, 1.047–6.460 mg/g, and 0.040–0.294 mg/g, respectively. HCA analysis divided 11 batches of SDL into two categories, and PCA analysis extracted 6 principal components with a cumulative contribution rate of 85.91%. The anti-aging ability of the SDL was proved by measuring the lifespan, reproductive capacity, body length, mobility, lipofuscin content, and heat stress resistance of C. elegans. The combination of high-performance liquid chromatography fingerprint and chemical pattern recognition for multi-component content determination is a reliable, comprehensive, and promising evaluation of the quality of SDL. The confirmation of SDL’s anti-aging ability provides the possibility for the research of Saposhnikovia divaricata in the field of healthy food and cosmetics.

A strategy of Q-markers identification based on effect, property flavour material basis and rapid quantitative evaluation via near-infrared spectroscopy and chemometric methods for the quality control of Flos Trollii (FT)

Ethnopharmacological relevanceFlos Trollii (FT) is the dried flower of Trollius Chinensis Bunge of Ranunculaceae with the pharmacological properties of anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, anti-oxidative. The herb FT is not only a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) but also an extensively utilized ethnic medicine, employed by diverse ethnic groups including Mongolian, Tibetan, and Kazakh. Aim of studyFT was taken as an example to construct a strategy of quality markers (Q-markers) identification based on effect, property flavor material basis, and rapid quantitative evaluation using near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy and chemometric methods of TCM. Materials and methodsInitially, the anti-inflammatory efficacy of FT from three places of origin was evaluated using the RAW264.7-cell inflammatory model, and the bitter property flavor was characterized using an electronic tongue. The high-performance liquid chromatography(HPLC) fingerprint of FT was generated, and the quality of FT from different origins was evaluated employing chemometrics. Next, potential anti-inflammatory and bitter property flavor compounds were screened utilizing a fingerprinting-effect relationship and fingerprinting-property flavor relationship model using partial least squares regression (PLSR). The Q-markers of the FT were confirmed based on the testability principle. Then, a swift, uncomplicated, and precise Q-marker content of the FT prediction model was developed by adopting NIR. ResultsThe main common fingerprinting peaks affecting FT's efficacy and property flavor were screened. Five of these compounds, 2″-O-beta-L-galactopyranosylorientin, orientin, vitexin, veratric acid, and isoquercitrin, characterized using HPLC and ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-HRMS), could be regarded as Q-markers of FT. Q-marker content of the FT prediction model developed adopting NIR spectroscopy was rapid and effective. ConclusionAccording to the strategy proposed in this study, a quantitative NIR spectroscopic method to identify Q-markers could be a tool to improve the QC efficiency of TCM.

Comprehensive Investigation of Homology and Heterogeneity Between Aurantii Fructus and Aurantii Fructus Immaturus Using Chemometrics Combined with Network Pharmacology.

Aurantii Fructus (AF) and Aurantii Fructus Immaturus (AFI) are distinct herbs outlined by the Chinese Pharmacopoeia. They are sourced from the same plant but harvested at different times, resulting in differences in efficacy. It is important to avoid mixing them clinically and to distinguish between the two. Furthermore, dissimilar cultivation conditions may cause variability in the quality of herbs, so it is vital to differentiate drugs from dissimilar origins. In this study, two plants, AF and AFI from different provinces, were comparatively analyzed based on High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) fingerprints and classified using chemometric methods. The results indicate that the two medicines can be clearly distinguished. Also, AF and AFI grown in different locations can be distinguished. Ten chemical markers were screened, and their variations were determined, including eriocitrin, narirutin, naringin, meranzin hydrate, naringenin, hesperidin, nobiletin, tangeretin, neohesperidin, and poncirin. Subsequent network pharmacology correlated the screened chemical components with the biological network of the organism. The material basis of the difference in efficacy of the two homologous herbs was explored from the perspective of changes in chemical composition. This study provides a reference for formulating quality evaluation standards for AF and AFI and lays a foundation for the efficacy-related quality research of the two.

Characterization and In vitro Release & In vivo Behavior Study of Self-Assembled Nano-Emulsion in XiaoYao Pill for Enhanced Drug Delivery.

Traditional Chinese medicine formulations often contain hydrophobic components with limited solubility and stability, leading to low oral bioavailability. Self-assembled nanoparticles (SANs) have shown promise in enhancing oral bioavailability of these components. However, whether un-decocted Chinese herbal pellets can generate SANs and the impact of SANs formed by multiple components on pharmacokinetic parameters remains unexplored. In this study, single-factor approach was employed to determine the optimal separation method of nano-emulsion phase of XiaoYao pill (N-XY). Morphological and particle size analyses confirmed the nanoscale nature of N-XY. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) fingerprint analysis was conducted to compare the distribution of active ingredients among three different phases of XiaoYao pill (XY pill). In vitro release studies were performed to evaluate the release mechanism of four ingredients from N-XY. Additionally, in vivo pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution behaviors were investigated in rats. N-XY exhibited uniform and stable characteristics as a water-in-oil (O/W) nano-emulsion. Fingerprint analysis identified 25 characteristic peaks and 8 key ingredients in N-XY, with the highest peak areas. In vitro release studies showed a sustained release behavior of N-XY. The pharmacokinetics study showed that the ferulic acid of N-XY had a 1.37-fold higher AUC, 1.44-fold lower Vd/F, 1.39-fold lower CL/F, and a prolonged t1/2 than A-XY, indicating enhanced bioavailability due to reduced elimination. Furthermore, the tissue distribution revealed that the levels of paeoniflorin and ferulic acid from N-XY significantly increased in liver, spleen, lungs, uterus and ovaries, exhibiting targeting characteristics. This study comprehensively explored the formation, characterization, and pharmacokinetics of nano-emulsion in XY pill, introducing novel perspectives and initiating preliminary research on potential SANs in un-decocted traditional Chinese medicine formulations. It also emphasized the importance of enhancing pharmacokinetics of hydrophobic components in Chinese herbal formulations and laid the foundation for future nano-formulation research for XY pill.

Evaluating the impact of ecological factors on the quality and habitat distribution of Lonicera japonica Flos using HPLC and the MaxEnt model.

The quality of traditional Chinese medicine is based on the content of their secondary metabolites, which vary with habitat adaptation and ecological factors. This study focuses on Lonicera japonica Flos (LJF), a key traditional herbal medicine, and aims to evaluate how ecological factors impact its quality. We developed a new evaluation method combining high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) fingerprinting technology and MaxEnt models to assess the effects of ecological factors on LJF quality. The MaxEnt model was used to predict suitable habitats for current and future scenarios, while HPLC was employed to analyze the contents of key compounds. We also used ArcGIS for spatial analysis to create a quality zoning map. The analysis identified 21 common chromatographic peaks, with significant variations in the contents of Hyperoside, Rutin, Chlorogenic acid, Cynaroside, and Isochlorogenic acid A across different habitats. Key environmental variables influencing LJF distribution were identified, including temperature, precipitation, and elevation. The current suitable habitats primarily include regions south of the Yangtze River. Under future climate scenarios, suitable areas are expected to shift, with notable expansions in southern Gansu, southeastern Tibet, and southern Liaoning. The spatial distribution maps revealed that high-quality LJF is predominantly found in central and southern Hebei, northern Henan, central Shandong, central Sichuan, southern Guangdong, and Taiwan. The study indicates that suitable growth areas can promote the accumulation of certain secondary metabolites in plants, as the accumulation of these metabolites varies. The results underscore the necessity of optimizing quality based on cultivation practices. The integration of HPLC fingerprinting technology and the MaxEnt model provides valuable insights for the conservation and cultivation of herbal resources, offering a new perspective on evaluating the impact of ecological factors on the quality of traditional Chinese medicines.

Effective strategy for distinguishing raw and vinegar Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus based on electronic eye and electronic tongue combined with chemometrics.

Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus (SCF), a traditional Chinese medicine, has been used in treating virtual injury and strain since ancient times. The Chinese Pharmacopoeia reveals that SCF includes raw (RSCF) and vinegar-processed (VSCF) decoction pieces. This study developed an effective method combining the electronic eye (e-eye), electronic tongue (e-tongue), and chemometrics to discriminate RSCF and VSCF from the perspective of chemical composition, color, and taste. First, RSCF were collected and processed into VSCF, and their color parameters, e-tongue sensory properties, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and ultra-HPLC (UPLC) characteristic fingerprints, and nominal ingredients were determined. Multivariate statistical analyses, including principal component, linear discriminant, similarity, and partial least squares discriminant analyses, were conducted. HPLC and UPLC fingerprints were established, demonstrating a > 0.900 similarity. The content determination indicated increased schisantherin A, schisantherin B, and schisandrin A contents in VSCF. The e-eye data demonstrated a > 1.5 total color difference before and after processing ΔE*ab, indicating the significantly changed sample color and appearance before and after processing. The e-tongue technology was used to quantitatively characterize the taste of RSCF and VSCF. The t-test revealed significantly reduced sourness, aftertaste-bitter, and aftertaste-astringent values of SCF after vinegar processing. Principal component and partial least squares discriminant analyses indicated that e-eye and e-tongue realize the rapid RSCF and VSCF identification. The proposed comprehensive strategy of electronic eye and electronic tongue combined with chemometrics demonstrated satisfactory results with high efficiency, accuracy, and reliability. This can be developed into a novel and accurate method for discriminating RSCF and VSCF.

Establishment of an HPLC Fingerprint and Cluster Analysis for Miao Ethnic Medicine Osbeckia opipara

: Osbeckia opipara, a traditional Miao medicine, is commonly used by the renowned national-level Chinese Traditional Medicine practitioner Zhengshi Wu for the treatment of diarrhea due to its strong antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and antidiarrheal effects. This study aimed to establish a high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) fingerprint for O. opipara to provide new evidence and technical means for the scientific evaluation and effective quality control of O. opipara. The procedure involved isolation with a Nano ChromCore C18 column (250 mm × 4.6 mm, 5 μm), using a gradient elution of 0.1% formic acid in water and 0.1% formic acid in acetonitrile as the mobile phase, with a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min, a column temperature of 30°C, an injection volume of 10 μL, and detection at a wavelength of 254 nm. Under these chromatographic conditions, fingerprint analysis was conducted on 11 batches of O. opipara collected from different origins. The National Pharmacopoeia Committee developed the 'Chromatographic Fingerprint Similarity Evaluation System' (2004A version) for automated comparison, similarity computation, and analysis of chromatographic data. The results revealed 13 common peaks across the 11 batches of O. opipara samples, with a similarity to the automatically generated reference spectrum exceeding 0.9. SPSS 26.0 software was used to conduct cluster analysis on the peak areas of the 13 common peaks. The observations indicated that the reference spectrum generated from the 11 batches could serve as the standard fingerprint profile for O. opipara, providing sufficient characteristic information extraction.

Quality evaluation of WuweiZhenju tablets based on HPLC fingerprint, content determination and chemical pattern recognition analysis

AbstractObjectiveTo establish a method for the high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) fingerprint and content determination of Wuwei Zhenju Tablets, and combine with chemical pattern recognition analysis to provide basis for its quality evalution.MethodsBased on HPLC, taking the chromatographic peak of puerarin as the reference peak, the fingerprints of 10 batches of Wuwei Zhenju Tablets were established and the similarity evaluation was carried out to determine the common peaks. SPSS 26.0 and SIMCA 14.1 software were used to evaluate the overall quality of Zhenju Tablets by cluster analysis and principal component analysis. The contents of chlorogenic acid, puerarin, daidzin, isochlorogenic acid B, isochlorogenic acid A and aurantio-obtusin in the samples were determined by the same method.ResultsTwenty-six common peaks were identified in the fingerprints of 10 batches of Wuwei Zhenju Tablets, and the similarity evaluation was greater than 0.985. Ten chromatographic peaks were identified as neochlorogenic acid, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, puerarin, daidzin, isochlorogenic acid A, isochlorogenic acid B, isochlorogenic acid C, aurantio-obtusin and betaine. Combined with cluster analysis and principal component analysis, 10 batches of samples can be clustered into two categories, which can distinguish different Zhenju tablets. The model established in pattern recognition research can accurately identify Wuwei Zhenju tablets, and the prediction results are ideal. The six index components had a good linear relationship in their respective concentration ranges. The contents of chlorogenic acid, puerarin, daidzin, isochlorogenic acid B, isochlorogenic acid A and aurantio-obtusin in 10 batches of Wuwei Zhenju Tablets were 2.902–5.819, 3.693–49.680, 1.449–10.654, 2.768–7.724, 2.941–6.343 and 0.071–0.089 mg g−1, respectively.ConclusionThe HPLC fingerprint and multi-component content determination method of Wuwei Zhenju Tablets were established for the first time. The method is simple, efficient and accurate, and can effectively provide experimental basis for the quality control and evaluation of the preparation.

Spectrum-effect relationship between HPLC fingerprint and hypoglycemic of litchi leaves (Litchi chinensis Sonn) in vitro.

Litchi chinensis Sonn (Litchi) has been listed in the Chinese Pharmacopeia, and is an economically and medicinally valuable species within the family Sapindaceae. However, the material basis of its pharmacological action and the pharmacodynamic substances associated with its hypoglycemic effect are still unclear. The predominant objective of this study was to establish the fingerprint profile of litchi leaves and to evaluate the relationship between the components of the high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) fingerprint of litchi leaves, assess its hypoglycemic effect by measuring α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibition, and find the spectrum-effect relationship of litchi leaves by bivariate correlation analysis, Grey relational analysis and partial least squares regression analysis. In this study, the fingerprint of litchi leaves was established by HPLC, and a total of 15 common peaks were identified that clearly calibrated eight components, with P1 being gallic acid, P2 being protocatechuic acid, P3 being catechin, P6 being epicatechin, P12 being rutin, P13 being astragalin, P14 being quercetin and P15 being kaempferol. The similarities between the fingerprints of 11 batches of litchi leaves were 0.766-0.979. Simultaneously, the results of the spectrum-effect relationship showed that the chemical constituents represented by peaks P8, P3, P12, P14, P2, P13, and P11 were relevant to the hypoglycemic effect.

Quality control method for phenolic acid components in abandoned stems and leaves of Artemisia selengensis based on UPLC fingerprint combined with quantitative analysis of multi-components by single marker (QAMS)

This study established an ultra-performance liquid chromatography(UPLC) fingerprint of abandoned stems and leaves of Artemisia selengensis and quantitative analysis of multi-components by single marker(QAMS) for five phenolic acid components. Waters Acquity UPLC BEH C_(18) chromatography column(2.1 mm×100 mm, 1.7 μm) was used. The gradient elution was carried out with the mobile phase composed of 0.1% phosphoric acid water and acetonitrile at a flow rate of 0.3 mL·min~(-1) and a column temperature at 30 ℃. The detection wavelength was 330 nm, and the injection volume was 2 μL. Similarity evaluation and cluster analysis were conducted on the fingerprint data, and 15 common components in 13 batches of abandoned stems and leaves of A. selengensis were identified. The relative correction factors of ferulic acid, isochlorogenic acid A, isochlorogenic acid B, and isochlorogenic acid C were calculated using chlorogenic acid as the internal reference. The QAMS for determining five components in the abandoned stems and leaves of A. selengensis was established. At the same time, the content of these five components was determined using the external standard method(ESM), and the results showed that there were no significant differences in their content determined by the QAMS and the ESM. The results indicated that the content of phenolic acid components in the abandoned stems and leaves of A. selengensis from different varieties and different origins had obvious differences. In addition, the content of phenolic acid components in the abandoned stems and leaves of lignified A. selengensis was significantly higher than that of non-lignified A. selengensis. In summary, QAMS established in this study can be quickly, accurately, and economically used to determine the content of five phenolic acid components in abandoned stems and leaves of A. selengensis, laying a foundation for the resource development and utilization of abandoned stems and leaves of A. selengensis.

VG111: A novel formulation demonstrating clinical evidence of anti-pathogenic activity and accelerated wound healing in humans and companion animals

Objectives: The increasing incidence of chronic wounds such as diabetic foot ulcers and pressure ulcers, often compounded by bacterial infections and biofilm formation, presents significant challenges in wound management. Despite advancements in wound care products and a better understanding of molecular wound repair mechanisms, the treatment of chronic ulcerating conditions remains incomplete. VG111, a novel natural product formulation, emerges as a promising therapeutic candidate addressing the need for an effective wound healing agent with antimicrobial and tissue regenerative properties. Materials and Methods: A thorough evaluation of VG111 included antimicrobial assays to determine its minimum inhibitory concentration against an array of pathogens, assessment of its biofilm disruption capabilities, investigation into its profibrogenic activity through scratch assays, and analysis of its immunomodulatory effects on macrophage-derived cytokines. Quality consistency was ensured by high-performance liquid chromatography fingerprinting, while clinical applicability was assessed through observations in canine and human wound healing cases. Statistical Analysis: The cytotoxic effects of VG111 were assessed using a Two-way ANOVA, indicating no significant cytotoxicity at the tested concentration (Column factor p<0.0001). Results: VG111 demonstrated potent antimicrobial action with effective concentrations ranging from 2.5% to 5.0% v/v, targeting resistant strains of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, colistin-resistant Escherichia coli, Acinetobacter baumannii, and other priority pathogens. It showed biofilm clearance, enhanced fibroblast migration, and a favorable immunomodulatory profile by reducing inflammatory cytokines in vitro. In vivo applications corroborated these findings, with significant wound healing observed in both veterinary and clinical settings, negating the need for additional antibiotics. Conclusions: The study emphasized on VG111 as a robust wound healing agent with significant antimicrobial and biofilm-disrupting properties. Its broad-spectrum efficacy against critical pathogens and ability to promote tissue regeneration mark it as a promising avenue in the management of complex chronic wounds, meriting further clinical exploration.

Notoginseng leaf triterpenes promotes angiogenesis by activating the Nrf2 pathway and AMPK/SIRT1-mediated PGC-1/ERα axis in ischemic stroke

Notoginseng leaf triterpenes (PNGL), derived from the dried stems and leaves of P. notoginseng, is a phytoestrogen that exerts many neuroprotective effects in vivo and in vitro of ischemic stroke. However, its impact on neurological restoration specifically in relation to angiogenesis following ischemic stroke remains unexplored. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of PNGL on angiogenesis subsequent to ischemic stroke. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were utilized in this study and were subjected to middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (MCAO/R). Post-ischemia, PNGL were administered through intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection. The high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) fingerprinting, triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining, immunofluorescent staining, network pharmacology and western blot analyses were assessed to determine the therapeutical effect and molecular mechanisms of PNGL on cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury. Our findings demonstrate that PNGL effectively reduced infarct volume, enhanced cerebral blood flow, and induced angiogenesis in rats subjected to MCAO/R. Notably, PNGL also facilitated neuronal proliferation and migration in HUMECs in vitro. The proangiogenic effects of PNGL were found to be linked to the activation of the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway and the AMPK/SIRT1-mediated PGC-1/ERα axis, as well as the activation of neurological function. Our study provides evidence that PNGL hold promise as an active ingredient of inducing proangiogenic effects, potentially through the activation of the Nrf2 pathway and the AMPK/SIRT1-mediated PGC-1/ERα axis. These findings contribute to the understanding of novel mechanisms involved in the restoration of neurological function following PNGL treatment for ischemic stroke.

Study on the material basis of Zhujing pill in treating fundus lesions through component analysis and network pharmacology.

Zhujing pill (ZP) is a famous Chinese herbal formula that has been widely used to treat diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa and other fundus lesions. In this study, the material basis and mechanism of ZP in the treatment of fundus lesions were evaluated via the high-performance liquid chromatography fingerprint, ultra-performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry, network pharmacology and molecular docking. A total of 32 common components were found and 31 components were identified in 15 batches of ZP samples. Moreover, 134 common key targets and 17 putative active components that are connected to fundus lesions were identified. Molecular docking revealed that quercetin, kaempferol, isorhamnetin, 5-O-feruloylquinic acid, plantagoside and 2'-acetylacteoside have the ability to interact with the core targets such as AKT1, TP53, TNF, IL-6 and Jun. Our findings revealed that the therapeutic effects of ZP on fundus lesions are mediated by multiple components, targets and pathways, including at least six active ingredients and 11 targets. The study provides new ideas for further research on the material basis and mechanisms of traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions.

The Enhanced Anti-anxiety Potentiality and Relevant Material Basis for the Extracts of Bile Processed Coptidis Rhizoma

Objective Bile-processed Coptidis Rhizoma (CR) exhibits stronger cold properties and central effect. However, the commonly used bile includes pig/cattle/sheep bile. It is currently unclear which kind of bile performs the best synergistic effect, and the enhanced efficacy is mainly contributed by what components. In this work, a comparative study on pig/cattle/sheep bile processed CR (pCR/cCR/sCR) was carried out. Materials and Methods Firstly, the anxiety model of sthenic heat type was established. Then, pharmacological research involving general state observation, biochemical examination (succinate dehydrogenase, glucokinase, corticosterone, adrenocor ticotropic hormore), pathological evaluation (liver and hippocampus tissue), and behavioral tests (elevated plus maze, open field test) was implemented. Finally, chemical assessment involving high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) fingerprints of pCR/cCR/sCR extracts and mass spectrograms of pig/cattle/sheep bile were performed in combination. Results cCR performed the most prominent enhancement in improving hyperactive energy metabolism in liver and abnormal hyperactivity of hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis axis. As for chemical assessment, HPLC fingerprints of pCR/cCR/sCR extracts indicated that alkaloid components detected in cCR extracts were relatively low, mass spectrograms of pig/cattle/sheep bile suggested that bile acids in cattle bile were relatively abundant, and the contents of taurocholic acid, glycocholic acid, and glycodeoxycholic acid were particularly high. Conclusion Cattle bile could be specified as the processing excipient for bile-processed CR, and the high levels of taurocholic acid, glycocholic acid, and glycodeoxycholic acid mainly contributed to the enhanced efficacy of cCR.

Identification of Codonopsis Radix from different sources by integrating high‐performance liquid chromatography fingerprinting with chemometric approaches and Lobetyolin determination

AbstractCodonopsis Radix (CR) is often used as both a medicine and a food ingredient. However, identifying CR can be difficult due to various factors such as variety, sulfur fumigation, and storage time. Consequently, a comprehensive strategy based on fingerprinting and chemometric approaches was developed to distinguish different CRs. First, the fingerprints of CR were acquired by high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Secondly, various chemical pattern recognition methods were employed to identify CR. Additionally, 14 and 16 major compounds were identified as marker compounds to differentiate between different varieties and sulfur‐fumigated samples, respectively. Furthermore, the amount of Lobetyolin present in different samples was determined, showing that the content of Lobetyolin varied significantly across the samples. Codonopsis pilosula Nannf. var. modesta (Nannf.) L.T.Shen had the highest content of Lobetyolin, followed by Codonopsis tangshen Oliv., and Codonopsis pilosula (Franch.) Nannf. In addition, the content of Lobetyolin was highest when it was non‐sulfur‐fumigated and stored for 0 years. Conclusively, HPLC fingerprint in conjunction with chemical pattern recognition and component content determination, can be employed to differentiate different varieties and sulfur‐fumigated CR. Additionally, it is a reliable, comprehensive, simple, and rapid method for the identification of CR.