Paeoniflorin Sulfonate Research Articles

Chemical markers for quality control of bran-fried sulfur-fumigated Paeoniae Radix Alba

In traditional Chinese medicine practice, crude herbs are often subjected to traditional processing (Paozhi in Chinese) for a special medicinal purpose. Bran-frying is one of processing methods for Paeoniae Radix Alba (PRA). Previous studies found that paeoniflorin and paeoniflorin sulfonate, a principle bioactive compound and its sulfur-fumigation induced characteristic sulfur-containing derivative, could be used together with sulfur dioxide residue as chemical markers for the quality control of sulfur-fumigated PRA crude material. In this paper, the feasibility of these three markers used for the quality control of bran-fried sulfur-fumigated PRA was further investigated. First, homemade samples of sulfur-fumigated PRA with different sulfur-fumigation duration (0.5–6 h) were bran-fried, and stored for 12 months. Second, the contents of sulfur dioxide residue, paeoniflorin and paeoniflorin sulfonate were dynamically quantified respectively. Third, the variation of the marker contents and their correlation during bran-frying and storage was evaluated. A validation was conducted using commercial bran-fried PRA samples. The results showed that bran-frying caused an averaged reduction of 20% in the content of sulfur dioxide residue, and during the first two months of storage the content of sulfur dioxide residue was decreased by up to 27%, then the content was tending towards stability for the subsequent ten months of storage (RSD = 3.92%). Meanwhile, paeoniflorin and paeoniflorin sulfonate were relatively stable, the contents of which were not affected by bran-frying processing and 12 months of storage. The correlations between the contents of sulfur dioxide residue and paeoniflorin/paeoniflorin sulfonate were obviously influenced by storage duration. Since sulfur dioxide residue is a safety marker, while paeoniflorin and paeoniflorin sulfonate can reflect the inner quality and the impact extent of sulfur-fumigation on the quality of bran-fried PRA respectively, these three chemicals might be used together as markers for the quality control, and consequently to ensure the safety and efficacy of bran-fried PRA.

Effects of sulfur-fumigation on the pharmacokinetics, metabolites and analgesic activity of Radix Paeoniae Alba

Ethnopharmacological relevanceRadix Paeoniae Alba (Baishao, BS), one of the most commonly used traditional Chinese medicinal herbs, has many pharmacological effects including analgesic activity. Previous studies found that sulfur-fumigation, a post-harvest handling process developed to prevent mold contamination of medicinal herbs, altered the quality of BS. However, whether sulfur-fumigation affects the pharmacokinetics, safety and efficacy of BS warrants further investigation. Aim of the studyTo evaluate the feasibility of sulfur-fumigation as a post-harvest handling process of BS from the viewpoints of pharmacokinetics, safety and efficacy. Materials and methodsThe pharmacokinetic behaviors of four active components of BS and one characteristic component of sulfur-fumigated BS (S-BS) were evaluated by high performance liquid chromatography triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (HPLC-TQ-MS/MS). The safety was investigated using ultra high performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QTOF-MS/MS) based metabolomics approach after intragastric (i.g.) administration of non-fumigated BS (N-BS) and S-BS in rats. The analgesic efficacy was compared using hot-plate test in mice, after i.g. administration of N-BS and S-BS, at both high and low dosages. ResultsSystemic exposures of paeoniflorin and oxypaeoniflorin, two analgesic components of BS, were significantly decreased in the S-BS treated group compared to the N-BS treated group, while paeoniflorin sulfonate, one of the sulfur-containing derivatives of S-BS, was detected in all time-points of S-BS treated group with the area under the plasma concentration–time curve (AUC0−t) and the maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) as high as 7077.06 ± 2232.97ng/mL*h and 1641.42 ± 634.79ng/mL respectively, which indicated that sulfur-fumigation altered the pharmacokinetic behaviors of BS. Besides, paeoniflorin sulfonate and its four metabolites with ambiguous toxicities, as well as one endogenous metabolite p-cresol glucuronide, the biomarker of disordered homeostasis of intestinal bacteria and bile acid, were identified as the characteristic metabolites in S-BS administered rats, suggesting that sulfur-fumigation reduced the safety of BS. Furthermore, the analgesic effects at both low and high dosages were decreased in different extent when compared to N-BS administered groups, indicating that sulfur-fumigation weakened the efficacy of BS. ConclusionSulfur-fumigation altered the pharmacokinetics, as well as reduced the safety and efficacy of BS, suggesting that sulfur-fumigation is not recommended for post-harvest handling of BS.

Paeonifiorin sulfonate as a characteristic marker for specifically inspecting Chinese patent medicine Liu-Wei-Di-Huang-Wan contained sulfur-fumigated Moutan Cortex

Sulfur fumigation can induce chemical transformation of bioactive components, consequently the alteration of bioactivities or even toxicities of medicinal herbs. Inspecting Chinese patent medicines (CPM) contained sulfur-fumigated constituent herbs is crucial for ensuring the safety and efficacy of CPM. Paeonifiorin sulfonate is a sulfur-fumigation induced compound of Moutan Cortex (MC), one of the main constituent herbs of a commonly used CPM Liu-Wei-Di-Huang-Wan (LWDHW). Herein, we investigated the approach of paeonifiorin sulfonate as a characteristic marker for specifically inspecting LWDHW potentially contained sulfur-fumigated MC (SFMC). First, mimic LWDHW samples contained SFMC (SFMC-LWDHW) and non-fumigated MC (NFMC-LWDHW) were prepared respectively. Second, an LC–MS method was developed and validated to qualitatively and quantitatively determine paeonifiorin sulfonate in the mimic LWDHW samples. Third, the established method was applied to analyze the commercial LWDHW samples. The results showed that paeoniflorin sulfonate could only be detectable in SFMC-LWDHW, but not in NFMC-LWDHW samples. The CPM matrix could enhance the response of paeoniflorin sulfonate in mass spectrometry analysis. In addition, the LOQ, linearity, precision, accuracy and stability were also demonstrated to be acceptable for quantifying paeoniflorin sulfonate in LWDHW. Commercial samples analysis indicated that paeoniflorin sulfonate were detectable in 9 of 10 commercial LWDHW samples, with the content varied between 105.53μg/g and 438.61μg/g. All the results suggested that paeoniflorin sulfonate could be used as a characteristic and reliable chemical marker for specifically inspecting commercial LWDHW contained SFMC. This study also provides a new strategy for the quality control of other CPMs potentially produced from sulfur-fumigated constituent herbs.

Simultaneous Determination of 11 Compounds in Gualou Guizhi Granule and Pharmacokinetics Study by UPLC-MS/MS.

A rapid and sensitive ultrafast performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method (UPLC-MS/MS) was developed for the simultaneous determination of 11 compounds in Gualou Guizhi Granule (GLGZG), including liquiritin, isoliquiritin, liquirtin apioside, isoliquiritin apioside, liquiritigenin, isoliquiritigenin, glycyrrhizic acid, glycyrrhetinic acid, paeoniflorin, albiflorin, and paeoniflorin sulfonate in rat plasma. UPLC-MS/MS assay with negative ion mode was performed on a Waters CORTECS C18 (2.1 × 100 mm, 1.6 μm) with the mobile phase consisting of 0.1% aqueous formic acid (A) and acetonitrile (B) in gradient elution at a flow rate of 0.25 mL·min−1. The method was linear for all analytes within the detection range (r ≥ 0.9597). The inter- and intraday precision (RSD) were 2.21–6.41% and 1.67–6.18%; the inter- and intraday accuracy (recover) were 92.48–114.03% and 90.23–112.04%. And the recovery rate ranged from 81.30% to 108.22%. The matrix effect values obtained for analytes ranged from 88.91% to 113.32%. This validated method was successfully applied to a pharmacokinetics study in rats after oral administration of GLGZG.

Qualitative and quantitative analysis of major constituents of Paeoniae Radix Alba and Paeoniae Radix Rubra by HPLC-DAD-Q-TOF-MS/MS

In order to explore the differences of chemical constituents of Paeoniae Radix Alba and Paeoniae Radix Rubra, a qualitative analytical method of liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS) was developed for identification of multi-constituents and an HPLC-DAD analytical method was developed for simultaneously determining 14 major compounds (gallic acid, protocatechuic acid, paeoniflorin sulfonate, protocatechuic aldehyde, methyl gallate, oxypaeoniflorin, catechin, albiflorin, and paeoniflorin, ethyl gallate, benzoic acid, pentagaloylglucose, benzoyl-paeoniflorin, and paeonol) in Paeoniae Radix Alba and Paeoniae Radix Rubra. Q-TOF/MS qualitative analysis was performed under negative ion mode and inferred 38 components of Paeoniae Radix Alba and 30 components of Paeoniae Radix Rubra. HPLC-DAD quantitative method result showed the contents of 8 ingredients were different between Paeoniae Radix Alba and Paeoniae Radix Rubra. The results indicated that the new approach was applicable in qualitative and quantitative quality control of Paeoniae Radix Alba and Paeoniae Radix Rubra.

Specificity Screening of Potential Active Components from Moutan Cortex for Rat Mesangial Cells HBZY-1 by Cell Membrane Immobilized Chromatography

Moutan Cortex (MC) has been demonstrated to have an inhibitive effect on inflammation and oxidative stress responses in mesangial cells in our previous study. However, little is known about the components of MC contributing to this benefit. In the present study, cell membrane immobilized chromatography (CMC), a fast and useful method, was presented for screening potential active components of MC. HBZY-1 cells were incubated with MC (200 μg/mL) at the optimal incubation time (90 min). HPLC-DAD analysis and LC/ESI/MS/MS were performed to distinguish the active components and identify its structural ion fragments. The results showed that eight components binding to HBZY-1 cells were mudanoside B, paeoniflorin sulfonate, paeoniflorin, tetragalloyl glucose (isomeride), hexagalloyl glucose, mudanopiside A, and paeonol. In conclusion, our established CMC might be a useful method for screening potential active components in complicated traditional Chinese medicines. These components might be associated with the efficacy of MC on prevention and treatment of diabetic nephropathy.

Reliability of sulfur dioxide determination method documented in Chinese Pharmacopoeia for evaluating Paeoniae Radix Alba

The content of SO2 in Paeoniae Radix Alba (RPA) was determined by the method documented in Chinese Pharmacopoeia (CP) 2010 edition to validate the repeatability of the method for evaluating RPA, and the contents of paeoniflorin sulfonate in both the residual material and distilled solution of RPA were determined by HPLC to study the transformation of paeoniflorin sulfonate to SO2 by HCl. It was found that the repeatability of the method in CP for evaluating RPA is unacceptable, and paeoniflorin sulfonate was detectable in both the residual material and distilled solution of RPA even at "the end point" of SO2 determination, merely about 50% of paeoniflorin sulfonate was transformed to SO2 by HCl, indicating that the current SO2 determination method in CP is not able to accurately quantify SO2 in RPA. It is recommended that more special method for determining SO2 content in RPA should be developed regarding the chemical characteristics of sulfur-fumigated RPA.

Quantitative evaluation of Radix Paeoniae Alba sulfur-fumigated with different durations and purchased from herbal markets: Simultaneous determination of twelve components belonging to three chemical types by improved high performance liquid chromatography–diode array detector

In this study, a improved high performance liquid chromatography–diode array detector (HPLC–DAD) method for simultaneous quantification of twelve major components belonging to three chemical types was developed and validated, and was applied to quantitatively compare the quality of Radix Paeoniae Alba (RPA) sulfur-fumigated with different durations and purchased from commercial herbal markets. The contents of paeoniflorin, benzoylpaeoniflorin, oxypaeoniflorin, benzoic acid and paeonol decreased whereas that of paeoniflorin sulfonate increased in RPA with the extending of sulfur-fumigation duration. Different levels of paeoniflorin sulfonate were determined in ten of seventeen commercial RPA samples, indicating that these ten samples may be sulfur-fumigated with different durations. Moreover, the relative standard deviation of the contents of each component was higher in the commercial sulfur-fumigated RPA samples than that in commercial non-fumigated RPA samples, and the percentage of the total average content of monoterpene glycosides in the determined analytes was higher in the decoctions of commercial sulfur-fumigated RPA than that in commercial non-fumigated RPA samples. All these results suggested that the established method was precise, accurate and sensitive enough for the global quality evaluation of sulfur-fumigated RPA, and sulfur-fumigation can not only change the proportions of bioactive components, but also cause the reduction of the quality consistency of both raw materials and aqueous decoctions of RPA.

UPLC-Q-TOF/MS Coupled with Multivariate Statistical Analysis as a Powerful Technique for Rapidly Exploring Potential Chemical Markers to Differentiate between Radix Paeoniae Alba and Radix Paeoniae Rubra

To explore rapidly the potential chemical markers for differentiating Radix Paeoniae Alba and Radix Paeoniae Rubra, a method is proposed based on ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF/MS) coupled with multivariate statistical analysis. Batches of commercial samples were analyzed by UPLC-Q-TOF/MS. The datasets of t(R)-m/z pair, ion intensities and sample codes were further processed with orthogonal partial least squared discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) to compare holistically the difference between these two kinds of samples. Then statistics were used to generate an S-plot, in which the variables (t(R)-m/z pair) contributing most to the difference were clearly depicted as points at the two ends of "S", and the components correlated to these ions should be regarded as the chemical markers. The identities of the most changed markers can be identified by comparing the mass/UV spectra and retention times with those of reference compounds and/or tentatively assigned by matching empirical molecular formulae with those of known compounds published in the literature. Using this proposed approach, albflorin, paeoniflorin, oxypaeoniflorin, benzoylpaeoniflorin, galloylalbiflorin and paeoniflorigenone were found to be the differentiating components for discrimination of Radix Paeoniae Alba and Radix Paeoniae Rubra. Moreover, paeoniflorin sulfonate and its isomer, isomaltopaeoniflorin sulfonate, were found to be the characteristic markers for all Radix Paeoniae Alba samples that were processed by sulfurdioxide gas fumigation. The results suggested that this newly established approach could be used to explore rapidly the potential chemical markers for herbs with similar chemical characteristics.

Detection of Sulfur-Fumigated Paeoniae Alba Radix in Complex Preparations by High Performance Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry

Detection of sulfur-fumigated Paeoniae Alba Radix (PAR) in different complex preparations is challenging due to the relatively lower content of PAR and interference from more complicated components in complex preparations with different multiple constituent herbs. In this study, a high performance liquid chromatography- triple-quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry method was developed for detecting sulfur-fumigated PAR in different complex preparations. Paeoniflorin, the major component of PAR, and paeoniflorin sulfonate, the characteristic artifact transformed from paeoniflorin during sulfur-fumigation of PAR, were used as chemical markers. Multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) scan was employed to maximize sensitivity and selectivity. Through optimizing full mass scan and daughter ion scan conditions, two mass transitions were selected and employed respectively for unequivocal identification of paeoniflorin and paeoniflorin sulfonate. The detection limits for paeoniflorin and paeoniflorin sulfonate using MRM were much lower than those detected with UV 270 nm. Paeoniflorin and paeoniflorin sulfonate could be simultaneously detected in different commercial PAR-containing complex preparations without interference of other components using the established method, indicating that the newly established method was selective and sensitive enough for screening sulfur-fumigated PAR in commercial complex preparations.

Rapid screening and quantification of sulfonate derivatives in white peony root by UHPLC–MS–MS

A rapid ultra-high-performance liquid chromatographic-tandem mass spectrometric (UHPLC-MS-MS) method has been developed for rapid screening and quantitative analysis of sulfonate derivatives (SDs) in commercial white peony root. Separation was performed on an Agilent Zorbax Eclipse Plus-C18 column by gradient elution with acetonitrile-0.1% (v/v) formic acid as the mobile phase. In-source fragmentation was used to generate the characteristic fragment ion at m/z 259 and to screen for nine SDs. Detection of these SDs was further performed in multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode to improve sensitivity and to quantify the two SDs paeoniflorin sulfonate and benzoylpaeoniflorin sulfonate. The method was validated for specificity, linearity, limits of detection and quantification, precision, accuracy, and matrix effects. Nine commercial white peony root samples were examined by use of this method, which revealed great variety in the paeoniflorin sulfonate and benzoylpaeoniflorin sulfonate content.

Identification and Determination of Absorbed Components of Danggui-Shaoyao-San in Rat Plasma

Aim To investigate the absorbed components of Danggui-Shaoyao-San (DSS) in rat plasma and their pharmacokinetics. Methods Serum samples from rats with DSS extract administrated orally were analyzed by HPLC-DAD-MS n and an HPLC-DAD method was established for the determination. Results Seven prototypes and one metabolite were identified in rat serum, and albiflorin, paeoniflorin, ferulic acid and ligustilide in rat plasma were determined for pharmacokinetic study. The proposed method was validated with a linear range of 0.025–5.60 μg·mL −1 and limit of quantitation (LOQ) at 0.022–0.180 μg·mL −1, respectively. The RSD of intra- and inter-day precision variations were less than 10.1% and the accuracies ranged from 92.5%–111.5%. The overall recovery was over 80%. Conclusion Paeoniflorin sulfonate, albiflorin, paeoniflorin, ferulic acid, senkyunolide I, ligustilide and butylidenephthalide were found to be the potentially effective constituents in DSS. The method for determination is simple and sensitive, which is proved to be suitable for pharmacokinetic study of albiflorin, paeoniflorin, ferulic acid and ligustilide in DSS.

Influence of Paeonia lactiflora roots extract on cAMP-phosphodiesterase activity and related anti-inflammatory action

BackgroundPaeonia lactiflora root (baishao in Chinese) is a commonly used herb in TCM. Research has shown baishao to have positive pharmacological actions, including, particularly, anti-inflammatory properties. In this paper we studied the influence of baishao extract on cAMP-phosphodiesterase (PDE) activity and related anti-inflammatory action to identify new pharmacologic action for its clinically widespread use. MethodsPDE activity was calculated by cAMP change examined with HPLC, respiratory burst of neutrophils was detected with method of cytochrome C reduction, elastase release was indicated with the substrate reduction, rat arthritis model was caused by complete Freund's adjuvant, mouse capillary permeability model was made by acetic acid, and chemical constituents of baishao extract was identified by HPLC, mass spectroscopy and NMR spectrum. ResultsBaishao extract had significant inhibition on cAMP-PDE activity (p<0.01), had dose dependent restraint on neutrophils respiratory burst (p<0.001), had inhibition at low concentration and promotion at high concentration on elastase release (p<0.05), and had obvious restraint on local inflammation of animal model (p<0.01). Analysis of HPLC, mass spectroscopy and NMR spectrum showed baishao extract mainly had five components (identified as gallic acid, paeoniflorin sulfonate, albiflorin, paeoniflorin and benzoic acid), among which gallic acid had the largest inhibition on cAMP-PDE activity. ConclusionThe anti-inflammatory effects of baishao may be mediated, at least in part, through its gallic acid content, and this effect may be regulated in part by an inhibition on cAMP-PDE.

Pharmacokinetic comparisons of typical constituents in white peony root and sulfur fumigated white peony root after oral administration to mice

Aim White peony root and sulfur fumigated white peony root are produced by different processing methods from the root of Paeonia lactiflora Pall, but the two traditional Chinese medicines are used under the same common name white peony root. In order to clarify the influence of sulfur fumigation on pharmacokinetics of the main monoterpene glucoside components in white peony root, an investigation was carried out to compare the pharmacokinetics of sodium paeoniflorin sulfonate ( 1) and paeoniflorin ( 2), benzoylpaeoniflorin sulfonate ( 3) and benzoylpaeoniflorin ( 4), as well as 1 in sulfur fumigated white peony root extract (SWPE) and 2 in white peony root extract (WPE). Materials and methods A high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) assay was developed to determine the plasma concentrations of the four analytes. Kunming species of mice were orally administered the four compounds and the two extracts with approximately the same dose. Results It was found that C max and AUC of 1 and 3 were increased ( P < 0.05), and the T max and t 1/2 were prolonged ( P < 0.05) by comparison with that of 2. Similar results were also observed for the pharmacokinetics parameters of 1 in SWPE and 2 in WPE. However, benzoylpaeoniflorin ( 4) was not detected in plasma collected at certain intervals after administered orally to mice. Conclusions These results indicate that sulfonation of the monoterpene components could improve the bioavailability and delay the absorption of them in mice.

Chemical profiling of Radix Paeoniae evaluated by ultra-performance liquid chromatography/photo-diode-array/quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry

In this study, an ultra-performance liquid chromatography/photo-diode-array/quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-PDA-QTOFMS) based chemical profiling method was established for rapid global quality evaluation of Radix Paeoniae. By virtue of the high resolution, high speed of UPLC and the accurate mass measurement of TOFMS, a total of 40 components including 29 monoterpene glycosides, 8 galloyl glucoses and 3 phenolic compounds were simultaneously separated within 12 min, and identified through the matching of empirical molecular formulae with those of published components in the in-house library, and were further elucidated by adjusted lower energy collision-induced dissociation (CID) mass spectra. Among forty components, five monoterpene glycoside sulfonates were identified as novel components. The established method was successfully applied to rapidly and globally compare the quality of Radix Paeoniae Alba and Radix Paeoniae Rubra, two post-harvesting handled products of Radix Paeoniae. Together with paeoniflorin sulfonate, five newly assigned monoterpene glycoside sulfonates were characteristic markers to detect non-official sulfur dioxide gas fumigated Radix Paeoniae Alba samples. It could be concluded that UPLC-PDA-QTOFMS based chemical profiling is a powerful approach for the global quality evaluation of Radix Paeoniae as well as other herbal medicines.

Simultaneous LC Determination of Major Constituents in Red and White Peony Root

A reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography method was established for the simultaneous determination of eight major constituents, namely gallic acid, paeoniflorin sulfonate, catechin, albiflorin, paeoniflorin, benzoic acid, pentagalloylglucose and benzoylpaeoniflorin in red and white peony roots, the two commonly used traditional Chinese medicinal herbs. The optimal conditions of separation and detection were achieved on a C18 analytical column with a gradient mobile phase consisting of acetonitrile and 0.015% phosphoric acid at the flow rate of 1.0 mL min−1 and detection wavelength set at 230 nm. All calibration curves showed good linear regression (r>0.9995) within test ranges. This method provided good reproducibility with overall intra-and inter-day precision of less than 5% and 4% and good accuracy with recovery of more than 93%, respectively. The method was successfully applied to determine 71 samples of red and white peony roots collected from different areas. The results indicated that the contents of eight compounds varied significantly among the samples determined, which mainly resulted from processing procedure and habitat variation. The roots of Paeonia veitchii Lynch. contained a much higher amount of gallic acid and pentagalloylglucose than that of Paeonia lactiflora Pall., which could be used to distinguish the two similar species.

Sodium paeoniflorin sulfonate, a process derived artefact from paeoniflorin

Sodium paeoniflorin sulfonate 2 was isolated from processed, but not unprocessed, Paeonia lactiflora roots and characterized by mass spectrometry and NMR spectroscopy. A notable and characteristic downfield shift in the 1H NMR was observed for the hydrogens β to the alkoxysulfonate moiety in 2 and in other model compounds.