Rhizoma Decoction Research Articles

Near-infrared spectroscopy combined with machine learning for rapid identification of Atractylodis rhizoma decoction pieces

As a naturally occurring plant source of essential oil, Atractylodis rhizoma (AR) is of significant economic and therapeutic importance. In modern medical use, it is preferable to process the material into flakes of dried AR. Fake products often pass off as authentic AR, and products from non-primary production areas pass off as primary production areas to pursue high profits. In this study, near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) was developed to better identify the authenticity, botanical sources, and geographical origins of AR. The impacts of pretreatment, selection of characteristic wavenumbers, and parameter optimization on model performance were compared and analyzed. Five different types of machine learning methods were used. The results showed that the extreme learning machine (ELM) had the best effect in identifying the authenticity of AR, while the back propagation neural network (BPNN) had advantages in determining the sources of plants. The support vector classification (SVC) had great potential to pinpoint the geographical origins of Atractylodes lancea (Thunb.) DC. and Atractylodes chinensis (DC.) Koidz. The feasibility of direct spectral acquisition without crushing the sample was also demonstrated. Therefore, NIRS combined with machine learning is a fast, effective, and feasible method to identify the authenticity, botanical sources, and geographical origins of AR.

Inhibitory Effect of Rhei Rhizoma Constituents on the Cortisol Production in ACTH-Stimulated Bovine Adrenal Fasciculata Cells

Depression can be activated by dysfunction of the hypothalamus–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis and is sometimes accompanied by increased cortisol production. In this study, the effects of Kampo extract products on cortisol production in bovine adrenal fasciculata cells via adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation were investigated with the aim of identifying substances that can improve the function of the HPA axis. Daiokanzoto extract product, which is prepared from Rhei Rhizoma and Glycyrrhizae Radix as the constituent crude drugs, was found to potently inhibit cortisol production in bovine adrenal fasciculata cells. Because only Rhei Rhizoma decoction showed potent inhibitory effect, the cortisol production inhibitory substances in Rhei Rhizoma was analyzed. As a result, six anthraquinones: chrysophanol, emodin, aloe-emodin, rhein, chrysophanol-8-O-β-D-glucopyranoside, and physicion-8-O-β-D-glucopyranoside were isolated and identified from Rhei Rhizoma decoction. Among these compounds, emodin showed the strongest inhibition of the ACTH-induced cortisol production in cells (IC50 = 13.1 ± 1.9 µM). These results suggest that emodin may help of stress-induced illnesses such as depression.

Quality markers of Zingiberis Rhizoma Carbonisata before and after processing

Based on the previous research results of our group and literature research, the chemical components, mechanisms, pharmacodynamics, and pharmacokinetics of Zingiberis Rhizoma Carbonisata were summarized to determine the quality markers(Q-markers) of Zingiberis Rhizoma Carbonisata and Zingiberis Rhizoma. Our research group has clarified the differential components of Zingiberis Rhizoma Carbonisata and Zingiberis Rhizoma, the meridian-warming hemostatic effect of Zingiberis Rhizoma Carbonisata, the related targets and pathways of the effect, the endogenous biomarkers of Zingiberis Rhizoma Carbonisata, and the hemodynamic processes of Zingiberis Rhizoma Carbonisata and Zingiberis Rhizoma. Moreover, based on high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detector-electrospray ionization mass spectrometry(HPLC-DAD-ESIMS), a method for determining the content of Q-mar-kers was established. In conclusion, the study finally determined that gingerone, 6-shogaol, and diacetyl-6-gingerol were the Q-mar-kers of Zingiberis Rhizoma Carbonisata decoction pieces, and 6-gingerol, 8-gingerol, and 10-gingerol were Q-markers of Zingiberis Rhizoma decoction pieces. The result is expected to provide a reference for the establishment of quality standards for Zingiberis Rhizoma Carbonisata decoction pieces and Zingiberis Rhizoma decoction pieces.

A Strategy for Screening the Lipid-Lowering Components in Alismatis Rhizoma Decoction Based on Spectrum-Effect Analysis.

Alismatis Rhizoma decoction (ARD), comprised of Alisma plantago-aquatica subsp. orientale (Sam.) Sam and Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz. at a ratio of 5 : 2, is a classic traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula with successful clinical hypolipidemic effect. This paper aimed to explore the major bioactive compounds and potential mechanism of ARD in the treatment of hyperlipidemia on the basis of spectrum-effect analysis and molecular docking. Nine ARD samples with varying ratios of the constituent herbs were prepared and analyzed by UPLC-Q-TOF/MS to obtain the chemical spectra. Then, the lipid-lowering ability of the nine samples was tested in an oleic acid-induced lipid accumulation model in human hepatoma cells (HepG2). Grey relational analysis and partial least squares regression analysis were then performed to determine the correlation between the chemical spectrums and lipid-lowering efficacies of ARD. The potential mechanisms of the effective compounds were investigated by docking with the farnesoid X receptor (FXR) protein. The results indicated that alisol B 23-acetate, alisol C 23-acetate, and alisol B appeared to be the core effective components on hyperlipidemia in ARD. Molecular docking further demonstrated that all three compounds could bind to FXR and were potential FXR agonists for the treatment of hyperlipidemia. This study elucidated the effective components and potential molecular mechanism of action of ARD for treating hyperlipidemia from a perspective of different compatibility, providing a new and feasible reference for the research of TCM formulas such as ARD.

Effect of different parts of Pinelliae Rhizoma Decoction against airway inflammation and analysis of effective components

This study investigated the material basis and mechanism of Pinelliae Rhizoma Decoction in the treatment of airway inflammation. The cigarette smoke combined with lipopolysaccharide(LPS) was used to induce an airway inflammation model in mice. The expression levels of IL-6 and IL-8 in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid(BALF) and the phosphorylation levels of p38 and IκB in the lungs of mice were taken as indexes to screen the effective extracts by system solvent extraction from Pinelliae Rhizoma Decoction(dichloromethane extract, ethyl acetate extract, n-butanol extract, etc.). Meanwhile, the human bronchial epithelial(16-HBE) cell model of cigarette smoke extract(CSE)-induced injury was established, and the mRNA expression levels of IL-6 and IL-8 and the phosphorylation levels of p38 and IκB proteins were also taken as indexes to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effect of different extracts of Pinelliae Rhizoma Decoction. The results showed that Pinelliae Rhizoma Decoction significantly antagonized airway inflammation in mice by down-regulating the expression levels of IL-6 and IL-8 in mice with airway inflammation and 16-HBE cells with CSE-induced injury and inhibiting the phosphorylation levels of p38 and IκB. The dichloromethane and ethyl acetate extracts of Pinelliae Rhizoma Decoction showed significant anti-inflammatory effects, while such effects of other extracts were not prominent. Furthermore, the database of Pinelliae Rhizoma composition was constructed, and the components in effective extracts were analyzed by HPLC-TOF-MS and Nano-LC-MS/MS. As revealed by the results, the compositions of the two effective extracts were similar with 36 common components. They were combined and then divided into Pinelliae Rhizoma alkaloids(PTAs) and Pinelliae Rhizoma non-alkaloids(PTNAs) by 732 cation-exchange resin. Further in vitro investigation confirmed the significant anti-inflammatory effect of PTNAs, while such effect of PTAs was not manifest. The MS analysis showed 172 peptides and 7 organic acids in PTNAs. The peptide content in PTNAs was 63.5% measured by quantitative analysis of BCA assay, and the organic acid content was 9.92% by potentiometric titration method. The findings of this study suggested that Pinelliae Rhizoma Decoction could antagonize airway inflammation in mice by inhibiting phosphorylation of p38 and IκB and blocking the activation of MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways, and the effective components were related to the peptides and organic acids in PTNAs. The above results lay a foundation for the research on the mechanism and material basis of Pinelliae Rhizoma in antagonizing airway inflammation.

Herbal textual research on Chuanxiong Rhizoma in Chinese classical prescriptions

Fourteen classical prescriptions in the Catalog of 100 Ancient Classical Prescriptions(First Batch) promulgated in 2018 contain Chuanxiong Rhizoma, which reveals the high medicinal value and wide application of Chuanxiong Rhizoma. This paper systematically reviews the ancient herbal books and modern literature to explore the name, origin, genuine producing area, medicinal part, harvesting, and processing of Chuanxiong Rhizoma, thus facilitating the development of classical prescriptions containing Chuan-xiong Rhizoma. It is confirmed that Chuanxiong Rhizoma, formerly known as "Xiongqiong" in Chinese, was first called "Chuanxiong" in late Tang Dynasty, which has been gradually accepted as its official name due to the rise of the status of Chuanxiong Rhizoma produced in Sichuan. The main original plant of Chuanxiong Rhizoma in past dynasties has always been deemed to be Ligusticum chuan-xiong(Umbellifera), whose rhizome serves as the medicinal part. In general, it is best harvested in summer but the harvesting time can vary with different growth environments. Since the Song Dynasty, Sichuan province has been recognized as the genuine producing area of Chuanxiong Rhizoma in light of the high yield and good quality. It is suggested that Chuanxiong Rhizoma from Sichuan be used preferentially in the development of classical prescriptions. There are multiple processing methods of Chuanxiong Rhizoma recorded in ancient medical classics, and the raw(after purifying and slicing) or wine-processed or stir-fried Chuanxiong Rhizoma is still in use today. In the development of classical prescriptions containing Chuanxiong Rhizoma, Chuanxiong Rhizoma is advised to be processed in accordance with current processing standards if the specific processing method is described in the medical classics. If not, the raw Chuanxiong Rhizoma is preferred and then processed following the processing standards of Chuanxiong Rhizoma decoction pieces in Chinese Pharmacopoeia.

Rapid Quality Identification of Decoction Pieces of Crude and Processed Corydalis Rhizoma by Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Coupled with Chemometrics.

In order to identify the quality of crude and processed Corydalis Rhizoma decoction pieces, the research established a simple, fast, reliable, and validated near-infrared qualitative and quantitative model combined with chemometrics. 51 batches of crude and 40 batches of processed Corydalis Rhizoma from the Zhejiang and Jiangsu provinces of China were collected and analyzed. Crude and processed Corydalis Rhizoma samples were crushed to obtain NIR spectra. The content of seven alkaloids in crude and processed Corydalis Rhizoma was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Pretreatment methods were screened such as normalization methods, offset filtering methods, and smoothing. Combined with partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) and partial least squares (PLS), the qualitative and quantitative models of crude and processed Corydalis Rhizoma were established, and the correlation coefficient (R2), root mean square error of calibration (RMSEC), and root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP) were used as evaluation indexes. Tetrahydropalmatine was used as an example for screening pretreatment methods; the results showed that MSC combined with the second derivative and no smoothing and the model with the wavelength range of 10000–5000 cm−1 had the best predictive ability and applied to all seven alkaloid components. Among them, the correlation coefficients were all higher than 0.99, and RMSEC and RMSEP were all less than 1%. The qualitative and quantitative model of the seven alkaloids in Corydalis Rhizoma can effectively identify the crude and processed Corydalis Rhizoma and determine the content of the seven alkaloids. By studying the NIR qualitative and quantitative models of crude and processed Corydalis Rhizoma, we can achieve rapid discrimination and quantitative prediction of crude and processed Corydalis Rhizoma. These methods can greatly improve the efficiency of traditional Chinese medicine analysis and provide a strong scientific basis for the quality identification and control of traditional Chinese medicine.

Self-assembled aggregations in Coptidis Rhizoma decoction dynamically regulate intestinal tissue permeability through Peyer's patch-associated immunity

ObjectiveTo investigate the dynamic regulation of self-assembled aggregations (SAA) in Coptidis Rhizoma decoction on the permeability of intestinal tissue and the mechanism underlying. MethodsThe effects of SAA on berberine (Ber) absorption were respectively analyzed in an in situ intestinal perfusion model and in an Ussing Chamber jejunum model with or without Peyer's patches (PPs). The expression levels of ZO-1, Occludin and Claudin-1 were detected by immunofluorescence to evaluate the tight junction (TJ) between intestinal epithelium cells. The expression levels of T-box-containing protein expressed in T cells, signal transducers and activators of tranion-6, retinoic acid receptor-related orphan receptor γt and forkhead box P3 in PPs were detected by the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and the secretions of interferon-γ (IFN-γ), interleukin-4 (IL-4), interleukin-17 (IL-17) and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) in PPs were evaluated by immunohistochemistry, to reflect the differentiation of T lymphocyte in PPs to helper T (Th) cell 1, Th2, Th17 and regulatory T (Treg) cell. To confirm the correlation between SAA in Coptidis Rhizoma decoction, PPs-associated immunity and intestinal epithelium permeability, SAA were administrated on an Ussing Chamber jejunum model with immunosuppressed PPs and evaluated its influences on intestinal tissue permeability and TJ proteins expression. ResultsSAA in Coptidis Rhizoma decoction could dose-dependently promote Ber absorption in jejunum segment, with the participation of PPs. The dose-dependent and dynamical regulations of SAA on permeability of intestinal tissue and TJ proteins expression level between intestinal epithelium cells occurred along with the dynamically changed T lymphocyte differentiation and immune effectors secretion in PPs. The administration of SAA on immunosuppressed PPs exhibited dose-dependent PPs activation, inducing dynamic promotion on intestinal tissue permeability and inhibition on TJ proteins expression. ConclusionSAA can improve the Ber absorption in small intestine, through the PPs-associated immunity induced dynamic regulation on intestinal tissue permeability and TJ proteins expression. These findings might enlighten the research of traditional Chinese medicine decoction.

Hypolipidemic effects of Alismatis Rhizoma decoction on the lipid profile in hyperlipidemia rats by RNA-sequencing

Hypolipidemic effects of Alismatis Rhizoma decoction on the lipid profile in hyperlipidemia rats by RNA-sequencing

Eleven absorbed constituents and 91 metabolites of chuanxiong rhizoma decoction in rats

Objective: Chuanxiong Rhizoma (CR, the dried rhizomes of Ligusticum chuanxiong) is a well-known traditional Chinese medicine that promotes qi to activate blood, dispels wind, and relieves pain. To date, more than 118 constituents of CR have been isolated and identified. However, the in vivo mechanism of CR decoction is unclear and needs further investigation. In addition, to clarify the effective forms of CR, it is essential to reveal the absorbed constituents and metabolites of CR. Materials and Methods: The absorbed constituents and metabolites in urine and plasma samples of rats orally administered with CR decoction were screened and characterized using a high-performance liquid chromatography with diode array detector and combined with electrospray ionization ion trap time-of-flight multistage mass spectrometry technique. Results: In total, 102 compounds, including 11 absorbed constituents (eight phthalides and three phthalic acids) and 91 metabolites (71 phthalide-related and 20 phenolic acid-related), were detected in drug-containing rat urine and plasma samples, among which 33 were new metabolites of either CR or its constituents. Based on the structures of these metabolites, six phthalides (ligustilide, senkyunolide I/H, senkyunolide J/N, and butylidenephthalide) and three phenolic acids (ferulic acid, isoferulic acid, and caffeic acid) were proposed as their precursors. They were also deduced to be the main absorbed constituents of CR decoction, which should have closer relationships with its pharmacological effects than other constituents. Phthalide-related metabolites were formed through the metabolic reactions of hydration, hydroxylation, cysteine conjugation, acetylcysteine conjugation, methanethiol conjugation, mercaptomethanol conjugation, glucuronidation, and sulfation, whereas the phenolic acid-related metabolites were mainly formed by glucuronidation and sulfation. Conclusions: Six phthalides and three phenolic acids were shown to be the main precursors of the metabolites of CR, and 33 compounds were new metabolites of either CR or its constituents. These results are helpful for further understanding of the in vivo mechanism and effective forms of CR.

Brain lipidomics of intervention effect of Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma and Chuanxiong Rhizoma on ischemic stroke based on UPLC-Q-TOF-MS technique

The aim of this paper was to investigate the intervention effect of Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma and Chuanxiong Rhizoma on brain lipid metabolism in rats with ischemic stroke. The ischemic stroke rat model was established by middle cerebral artery occlusion( MCAO) method. The brain tissues were collected after the last administration with Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma and Chuanxiong Rhizoma decoction lyophilizate. UPLC-Q-TOF-MS was used to carry out the brain lipidomics study. The lipidomics data were processed with the OPLS-DA model to find out the lipid regulation effect of Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma combined with Chuanxiong Rhizoma on ischemic stroke. The results showed that Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma and Chuanxiong Rhizoma decoction lyophilized powder can significantly alleviate brain lipidomics profiles in middle cerebral artery occlusion model rats. Eleven differential lipid metabolites in ischemic stroke model were identified. In this experiment,the protective effects of Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma and Chuanxiong Rhizoma decoction lyophilized powder on cerebral ischemia injury was verified,which might be related to the regulation of abnormal lipid metabolism.

Exploration of objective quality evaluation parameter of Alismatis Rhizoma decoction pieces

To establish a quality constant evaluation system of Alismatis Rhizoma decoction pieces,in order to provide reference for regulating the market circulation of this decoction pieces. A total of 18 batches of Alismatis Rhizoma decoction pieces were collected from different pharmaceutical factories,and the morphological parameters of each sample were tested. The content of alisol B 23-acetate in Alismatis Rhizoma decoction pieces was determined by HPLC in the 2015 edition of Chinese Pharmacopoeia,and the parameters such as quality constant and relative quality constant were calculated. The quality constant range of 18 batches of Alismatis Rhizoma decoction pieces was 0. 390-2. 076. If 18 batches of Alismatis Rhizoma decoction pieces were divided into 3 grades,taking 80% of the maximum quality constant as first grade,50% to 80% as second grade,and the rest as third grade,then the quality constant of firstgrade samples was ≥1. 66,the quality constant of second-grade samples was ≥1. 04 and <1. 66,and the quality constant of third-grade samples was <1. 04. The established quality constant evaluation method is objective and feasible,which can be used to classify the grade of Alismatis Rhizoma decoction pieces and provide a reference method to control the quality of this decoction pieces.

The Alisma and Rhizoma decoction abates nonalcoholic steatohepatitis-associated liver injuries in mice by modulating oxidative stress and autophagy

BackgroundTo investigate the effects of the Alisma and Rhizoma decoction on nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and to further shed light on the underlying mechanisms of the actions of the Alisma and Rhizoma decoction.MethodsPlasma alanine aminotransferase (ALT) content was determined and liver inflammation and fibrosis were evaluated. Intrahepatocellular malondialdehyde and superoxide dismutase contents were determined using commercially available kits Furthermore, α-SMA expression in liver tissues was examined by immunohistochemistry and LC3-II was detected by immunoblotting assays.ResultsMice receiving the Alisma and Rhizoma decoction by gastric lavage had significantly lower plasma ALT content and markedly higher hepatic superoxide dismutase activity than mice receiving the methionine-choline deficient (MCD) diet. Furthermore, the decoction aborted MCD-induced increase in liver malondialdehyde content. Immunohistochemistry showed that the decoction suppressed hepatic α-SMA expression. Our transmission electronic microscopy revealed that the decoction markedly reduced the number of autophagosomes and immunoblotting assays showed that the decoction caused a dose-dependent decrease in LC3-II in hepatic tissues.ConclusionThe Alisma and Rhizoma decoction lessens NASH-associated liver injuries by modulating oxidative stress and autophagy in hepatocytes of mice fed with MCD.

Analysis of chemical markers in sulfur-fumigated Anemarrhenae Rhizoma

Sulfur-containing Anemarrhenae Rhizoma decoction pieces were prepared by using sulfur-fumigating procedure. The difference components before and after sulfur fumigation in Anemarrhenae Rhizoma were analyzed and on-line identified by UPLC-Q-TOF-MSE combined with UNIFI informatics platform, principal component analysis (PCA) and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) respectively. As a result, 16 major differences components were identified, and among them, 9 components were mainly from sulfur-fumigated samples. The main chemical markers in sulfur-fumigated Anemarrhenae Rhizoma were identified as the sulfite derivatives newly produced after sulfur-fumigating. Meanwhile, UPLC-Q-TOF-MSE was used to find the main chemical marker anemarrhena saponin BⅡ sulfite (m/z 983). By using this method, a rapid screening method for sulfur-fumigated Anemarrhenae Rhizoma was established. This was a convenient and accurate detection method for sulfur dioxide residue, and it can be used as an effective assistant method to control the quality of Anemarrhenae Rhizoma. At the same time, it was the first time to identify sulfited derivatives of steroidal saponins, and screen the sulfur-fumigated Anemarrhenae Rhizoma.

In Vitro Intestinal Absorption and Metabolism of Magnoflorine and its Potential Interaction in Coptidis Rhizoma Decoction in Rat.

In our previous studies, it was found that there existed pharmacokinetic interactions between magnoflorine and the rest of the ingredients in Coptidis Rhizoma. In this study, the pharmacokinetic interaction mechanism of magnoflorine with the rest of the components in Coptidis Rhizoma was researched based on the intestinal absorption and metabolism characteristics. The absorption characteristics of magnoflorine in each rat intestinal segments were evaluated by non-everted intestinal sac model. To identify the metabolites of magnoflorine, the acceptor solutions of each intestinal segment at 120min were analyzed by HPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap MS. The accumulative absorption (Q), the absorption rate (J) and the apparent permeability coefficient (P app) of magnoflorine were increased in duodenum, jejunum, ileum and colon of the Coptidis Rhizoma group as compared to the magnoflorine group, but there was no statistical difference between the two groups (P>0.05). Four phase I metabolites of magnoflorine were identified in intestinal acceptor solutions of pure compound, while eight metabolites were detected in that of Coptidis Rhizoma decoction including six phase I metabolites and two phase II metabolic products. It was shown that the rest of the ingredients in Coptidis Rhizoma accelerated the absorption of magnoflorine weakly and promoted the metabolism of magnoflorine in the gut. The effects of other processes in the pharmacokinetics should be further evaluated.

Absorption and metabolism of Chuanxiong Rhizoma decoction with multi-component sequential metabolism method

The multiple components in Chinese herbal medicines (CHMS) will experience complex absorption and metabolism before entering the blood system. Previous studies often lay emphasis on the components in blood. However, the dynamic and sequential absorption and metabolism process following multi-component oral administration has not been studied. In this study, the in situ closed-loop method combined with LC-MS techniques were employed to study the sequential process of Chuanxiong Rhizoma decoction (RCD). A total of 14 major components were identified in RCD. Among them, ferulic acid, senkyunolide J, senkyunolide I, senkyunolide F, senkyunolide G, and butylidenephthalide were detected in all of the samples, indicating that the six components could be absorbed into blood in prototype. Butylphthalide, E-ligustilide, Z-ligustilide, cnidilide, senkyunolide A and senkyunolide Q were not detected in all the samples, suggesting that the six components may not be absorbed or metabolized before entering the hepatic portal vein. Senkyunolide H could be metabolized by the liver, while senkyunolide M could be metabolized by both liver and intestinal flora. This study clearly demonstrated the changes in the absorption and metabolism process following multi-component oral administration of RCD, so as to convert the static multi-component absorption process into a comprehensive dynamic and continuous absorption and metabolism process.

Uniformity of Coptidis Rhizoma decoction pieces dispensing based on effective constituent equivalence

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) dispensing is the final step of TCM used for clinical treatment, the stability of TCM dispensing is the guarantee of good clinical effect. Establishment of effect-constituent equivalence for Chinese herbal pieces based on clinical efficacy, can not only guarantee the stability of TCM dispensing, but also relate to the precision of clinical effect. This study chose Coptidis Rhizoma as the model, established effect-constituent equivalence of Coptidis Rhizoma, based on the effect-constituent index already established by our research group, and taking into consideration of homogeneity of clinical dosage and compliance of decoction, the uniformity of dispensing for different specification of Coptidis Rhizoma decoction pieces was studied. This research model was then applied to guide the specification-optimization of Coptidis Rhizoma and its clinical dispensing. The result indicated, effective constituent equivalence could reflect the fluctuation of specification, dosage and decoction to the fluctuation of efficacy; Optimized Coptidis Rhizoma decoction pieces had the characteristic of high homogeneity as for clinical dispensing, good compliance as for decoction, and high effective constituent equivalence. In conclusion, effective constituent equivalence could improve relevance of methods of TCM dispensing control to clinical effect. Preparated Superior-standard Decoction Pieces based on effective constituent equivalence was featured by good quality and a good practice of adjustable dosage, which could promote the development of TCM decoction pieces toward precision medicine.

Metabolism of Chuanxiong Rhizoma decoction: Identification of the metabolites in WZS-miniature pig urine

Chuanxiong Rhizoma (CR), a well-known traditional Chinese medicine originated from the rhizome of Ligusticum chuanxiong Hort., was effective for treating various vascular diseases. To identify the metabolites of CR in vivo, the drug-containing urine samples of WZS-miniature pigs after orally administrated CR decoction were collected, after sequential column chromatography 17 metabolites (M1–M17) were isolated from the methanol extract of the urine samples. Their structures, including nine phthalides (M1–M9) and eight phenolic acids (M10–M17), were identified by spectroscopic means. Among them, 8 were new ones (M1–M6, M11–M12). On the basis of the structures of identified metabolites, seven original constituents, including 2 phthalides (senkyunolideI/H) and 5 phenolic acids (ferulic acid, isoferulic acid, caffeic acid, 3-hydroxycinnamoyl acid and 4-hydroxybenzonic acid) were deduced to be the major absorbed original constituents of CR in vivo. This is the first study on the metabolites of CR decoction in non-rodent animal (WZS-miniature pig), the results will give an insight into the metabolism profiles of phthalides and phenolic acids in CR decoction in vivo.

In vitro and in vivo identification of metabolites of magnoflorine by LC LTQ-Orbitrap MS and its potential pharmacokinetic interaction in Coptidis Rhizoma decoction in rat.

Magnoflorine, an important aporphine alkaloid in Coptidis Rhizoma, is increasingly attracting research attention because of its pharmacological activities. The in vivo and in vitro metabolism of magnoflorine was investigated by LC LTQ-Orbitrap MS. In vivo samples including rat urine, feces, plasma and bile were collected separately after both oral (50 mg kg(-1) ) and intravenous administration (10 mg kg(-1) ) of magnoflorine, along with in vitro samples prepared by incubating magnoflorine with rat intestinal flora and liver microsome. As a result, 12 metabolites were found in biological samples. Phase I metabolites were identified in all biological samples, while phase II metabolites were mainly detected in urine, plasma and bile. In a pharmacokinetic study, rats were not only dosed with magnoflorine via oral (15, 30 and 60 mg kg(-1) ) and intravenous administration (10 mg kg(-1) ) but also dosed with Coptidis Rhizoma decoction (equivalent to 30 mg kg(-1) of magnoflorine) by intragastric administration to investigate the interaction of magnoflorine with the rest of compounds in Coptidis Rhizoma. Studies showed that magnoflorine possessed lower bioavailability and faster absorption and elimination. However, pharmacokinetic parameters altered significantly (p < 0.05) when magnoflorine was administered in Coptidis Rhizoma decoction. Oral gavage of Coptidis Rhizoma decoction decreased the absorption and elimination rates of magnoflorine, which revealed that there existed pharmacokinetic interactions between magnoflorine and the rest of ingredients in Coptidis Rhizoma.

Changing rules study of effective components of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma before and after compatibilities in Sini decoction

The change of the effective components (liquiritin, glycyrrhizic acid, liquiritigenin, isoliquiritigenin) contents of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (GRR) before and after compatibilities in Sini decoction was studied in this paper. Taking single GRR decoction, GRR-Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata (ALRP) decoction, GRR-Zingiberis Rhizoma (ZR) decoction and Sini decoction as test samples, the contents changing of the four effective components of GRR were measured by HPLC. The results showed that the contents of the four effective components of GRR in the single GRR decoction was higher than that in other samples, and the sequence was single GRR decoction > GRR-ZR decoction > GRR-ALRP decoction > Sini decoction. The contents of liquiritin were 11.18, 9.89, 9.67, 9.17 mg · g(-1); the contents of glycyrrhizic acid were 20.76, 15.58, 11.30, 8.52 mg · g(-1); the contents of liquiritigenin were 0.66, 0.57, 0.45, 0.24 mg · g(-1); the contents of isoliquiritigenin were 0.14, 0.07, 0.03, 0.01 mg · g(-1). Therefore, the effective components of GRR decreased obviously after GRR compatibility with ZR providing scientific basis for GRR relieving the strong nature of ZR. The effective components of GRR decreased sharply after GRR compatibility with ALRP providing scientific support for the material foundation research of GRR reducing the toxicity of ALRP. The effective components of GRR decreased further in Sini decoction indicating that the three medicines in Sini decoction were interactional, which reflecting the scientific connotation of the mutual-restraint/mutual-detoxication, mutual-promotion/mutual-assistance compatibilities in Sini decoction.