Total Anthraquinones Research Articles

Phytoconstituents, Antioxidant Activity and Cytotoxicity of Puya chilensis Mol. Extracts in Colon Cell Lines.

Puya chilensis Mol. is a plant of the Bromeliaceae family, which has been traditionally used for medicinal applications in various digestive disorders. In this study, the phytoconstituents of six extracts of stems and flowers of P. chilensis were evaluated: phenols, flavonoids and total anthraquinones, as well as their antioxidant capacity and cytotoxicity in colon cancer cell lines HT-29. The data demonstrate that the ethyl acetate extract of P. chilensis flowers is cytotoxic in HT-29 cell lines (IC50 = 41.70 µg/mL) without causing toxic effects on healthy colon cells (IC50 > 100 µg/mL); also, this extract concentrated the highest amount of phenols (4.63 μg GAE/g d.e.), flavonoids (31.5 μg QE/g d.e.) and anthraquinones (12.60 μg EE/g d.e.) among all the extracts tested, which also correlated with its highlighted antioxidant capacity (DPPH∙IC50 = 4.15 mg/mL and FRAP 26.52 mM TEAC) over the other extracts. About thirty-five compounds were identified in this extract-the fatty acid esters present have been shown to have therapeutic effects on several types of cancer and could explain its antiproliferative activity.

Metabolomics analysis reveals the metabolite profiles of Rheum tanguticum grown under different altitudinal gradients

BackgroundPlant growth and quality are often affected by environmental factors, including geographical location, climate, and soil. In this study, we describe the effect of altitudinal differences on the growth and active ingredients in Rheum tanguticum Maxim. ex Balf. (R. tanguticum), a traditional Chinese medicinal herb known for its laxative properties.ResultsThe results showed that plants grown at lower altitudes had better growth performances than those in higher altitude areas. The yield varied by 2.45–23.68 times with altitude, reaching a maximum of 102.01 t/ha. In addition, total anthraquinone and total sennoside contents decreased with increasing altitude, whereas total tannins increased with increasing altitude. The total anthraquinone content of the indicator compound reached 5.15% at five experimental sites, which exceeded the Chinese Pharmacopoeia standard by 70.87%. The content of the other two categories of active ingredients reached a maximum value of 0.94% (total sennosides) and 2.65% (total tannins). Redundancy analysis revealed that annual rainfall, annual average temperature, annual sunshine hours, and pH significantly affected growth and active ingredients. Moreover, key metabolites, such as flavonoids, amino acids and their derivatives, phenolic acids, lipids, and terpenes, were differentially expressed between samples from low- and high-altitude cultivation areas. These metabolites were enriched in the flavonoid and flavonol biosynthetic pathway and the monoterpene biosynthetic pathway.ConclusionsThese results suggest that high anthraquinone content was observed in the lowest-latitude cultivation area due to low rainfall and alkaline soil pH. Key metabolites were significantly upregulated in high-latitude cultivation areas. These results provide a scientific basis for quality control and the systematic cultivation of R. tanguticum.

Optimization of conditions to achieve a high content of alizarin and purpurin in the adventitious roots of Rubia cordifolia L.

Rubia cordifolia L. (Indian madder) is a valuable medicinal plant known for its natural dye content, notably alizarin and purpurin, with applications in textiles and cosmetics. This study aims to optimize the concentrations of auxin, salicylic acid, elicitors, and precursors to maximize the production of alizarin and purpurin in adventitious roots. Various concentrations and combinations of auxins were systematically tested to explore their effects on the yield of adventitious root formation and dye compounds. Nodal explants cultivated in MS media supplemented with IAA + IBA + NAA (1.5 + 0.5 + 0.75 mg/L) at a pH of 5.7 exhibited the highest adventitious root production. Post-establishment of root cultures, the impact of salicylic acid, L-phenylalanine, elicitors (yeast extract, pectin, and Xylan), and the precursor α-ketoglutaric acid on the production of anthraquinones (AQ) was evaluated. High-performance liquid Chromatography (HPLC) analysis revealed enriched alizarin, purpurin, and total AQ content. The maximum amount of AQ (64.65 mg/g), alizarin (17.59 mg/g), and purpurin (19.61 mg/g) was observed when cultured on 30 mg/L of α-ketoglutaric acid, compared to other elicitors and precursors. This optimized condition provides valuable insights for the sustainable cultivation and utilization of R. cordifolia as a prominent source of natural dyes. It offers practical implications for the dye industry and its production.

Revolution of Bone and Teeth Health: Study of Aloe Barbadensis Instant Powder Formulation

Aloe barbadensis is a plant with many applications such as anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, and aiding in cell regeneration. Understanding aloe barbadensis' phytochemical profile and pharmacological action is essential since it is believed to have an impact on the formation of teeth and bones. The stability and bioavailability of Aloe barbadensis can be improved by formulating it as an instant powder. The research's objectives are to ascertain the Aloe barbadensis instant powder's qualitative and quantitative phytochemical profile, dosage formulations, and activity testing on hemoglobin, cholesterol, and red blood cell parameters. Samples of aloe barbadensis were washed, and they were then dried for 72 hours at 50°C. Following a maceration process using a 70% ethanol solvent, the extract was dried. Phytochemical screening, TLC profile, and extract description were employed to test the extract qualitatively. The quantities of total flavonoids, total anthraquinones, and total phenolics were determined to quantitatively test the extract. The formulation of the instant powder was then completed and evaluated on female mice using metrics associated with red blood cells, hemoglobin, and cholesterol levels. Furthermore, observations were made on the mice's liver organs. The study's findings revealed a qualitative profile of Aloe barbadensis extract, which included a tasteless, unique odor, milky white hue, and liquid shape. Aloe barbadensis has been demonstrated to contain flavonoids, phenolics, tannins, saponins, and anthraquinones, according to the results of phytochemical screening. Three spots, identified as Rf 3.2 and Rf 8.5 in the Rf 2.3 area, are visible in the chromatographic pattern. Total anthraquinones were discovered to be 4.59%, total flavonoids to be 0.24%, and total phenolic content to be 1.42%. The third formula of instant Aloe barbadensis pollen has been demonstrated through preclinical examinations to have the capacity to reduce cholesterol, boost hemoglobin, and enhance red blood cell count—all of which are associated with the growth of teeth and bones. An SPSS statistical study demonstrating statistically significant differences with other groups supports this. Mice liver histopathological examinations revealed no liver damage in any of the test groups.

Characterization of the physiological parameters, effective components, and transcriptional profiles of Polygonum multiflorum Thunb. Under pH stress

Polygonum multiflorum Thunb. is a traditional Chinese medicine with extensive distribution and robust adaptability, but comprehensive research on its acid and alkali resistance is presently lacking. This study aimed to analyze the effects of 5 months of continuous pH stress on the physiological and photosynthetic parameters of P. multiflorum, and the content of effective components. Results revealed that pH stress significantly influenced the normal growth, physiological functions, and photosynthetic indicators of P. multiflorum. At soil pH 4.5, the tubers of P. multiflorum exhibited the highest levels of 2,3,5,4′-tetrahydroxy stilbene-2-O-β-d-glucoside (THSG) and total anthraquinones at 5.41% and 0.38%, respectively. However, increased soil pH significantly reduced the content of THSG and total anthraquinones. Reference-free transcriptome analysis was further conducted on P. multiflorum treated at pH 4.5 and 9.5, generating a total of 47,305 unigenes with an N50 of 2118 bp, of which 31,058 (65.65%) were annotated. Additionally, 2472 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified. Among them, 17 DEGs associated with the biosynthesis of THSG and anthraquinones were screened. A comprehensive analysis of differential gene expression and effective component content demonstrated a significant positive correlation between the content of effective components and the 14 DEGs’ expression but a negative correlation with soil pH. This study highlighted the influence of varying soil pH values on the effective component content of P. multiflorum. Specific acidic conditions proved beneficial for the synthesis and accumulation of THSG and total anthraquinones in P. multiflorum, thereby enhancing the quality of the medicinal material.

Influence of wood type on anthraquinone levels and quality properties of smoked chipotle pepper

This study aimed to assess the effects of pecan and mesquite wood, as well as smoking time, on anthraquinone (AQ) levels and quality properties of chipotle pepper (CHP) during the traditional smoking process. Changes in moisture content, microstructure, levels of total phenols (TPs), AQ, capsaicin (CAPS), dihydrocapsaicin (DHC), total polyphenols (TPPs), and total antioxidant activity (TAA), as well as color parameters, were measured. A wood mixture consisting of pecan, poplar, mesquite, and pine was used as the control. The CHP moisture content consistently decreased from 12 to 108 h of smoking, with long times exhibiting asymptotic trends across all treatments. Concurrently, structural changes, such as pericarp thinning and plant tissue collapse, were observed as the smoking process progressed. The wood type and processing time had a significant impact (P < 0.05) on TPs, AQ, CAPS, DHC, TAA levels, and color. TPs and AQ exhibited behavior opposite to that of the moisture content. CHP smoked in mesquite wood exhibited the highest TPs absorption rate and the lowest AQ levels. However, the AQ levels in CHP using any wood type exceeded permissible limits (0.02 mg·kg−1) at 12 h of processing, with the control exhibiting the highest AQ concentrations. The highest concentrations of CAPS and DHC were observed at 36 h in all treatments, with lower losses in mesquite wood CHP. The control exhibited the highest TAA values compared to fresh peppers. CHP color (a*, redness) decreased throughout the smoking process. The pecan and mesquite wood treatments resulted in the lowest loss of a* (P < 0.05). These results indicate that using mesquite wood for CHP production promotes higher TPs concentrations with lower AQ levels, followed by pecan wood, when compared to the control. These findings suggest the need to investigate the mechanisms of AQ formation to achieve CHP parameters within the regulatory limits with good quality.

HPLC fingerprints of polygonum cuspidatum power and polygonum cuspidatum ointment and simultaneous determination of six constituents

Polygonum Cuspidate (P. cuspidatum) is a traditional topical preparation of Chinese medicine. The aim of this study was to develop HPLC fingerprints for P. cuspidatum Powder and P. cuspidatum Ointment, as well as to determine the total stilbene and total anthraquinone contents in them. A XB-C18 column (250 ​mm ​× ​4.6 ​mm, 5 ​μm) was used with a mobile phase consisting of 0.1% phosphoric acid solution-acetonitrile and a gradient elution. The flow rate was 1.0 ​ml/min and the detection wavelength was 286 ​nm. The column temperature was 30 ​°C and injection volume was 10 ​μl. The similarity evaluation system for chromatographic fingerprint of traditional Chinese medicine (2012 edition) was employed to confirm the common peaks at 13 batches of samples and to assess the similarity. The study revealed that 20 common peaks were identified in both P. cuspidatum powder and P. cuspidatum ointment, with a similarity greater than 0.95. Amongst them, seven components were attributed and confirmed, which were identified as polydatin, resveratrol, emodin-8-glucoside, aloe-emodin, rhein, emodin and physcion. Under the established conditions of the chromatography, quantitative analysis of six components could be well separated, and had a good linearity and linear range, the precision, repeatability and stability were good. The method's efficacy in assessing the quality of P. cuspidatum powder and P. cuspidatum ointment is validated, and it can be employed for quality control purposes.

Spectrum-effect relationship of total anthraquinone extract of Cassia seeds against fluorouracil-induced liver injury in mice

To investigate the spectrum-effect relationship between the total anthraquinone extract of Cassia seeds and fluorouracil (5-Fu)-induced liver injury in mice and identify the effective components in the extract. A mouse model of liver injury was established by intraperitoneal injection of 5-Fu, with bifendate as the positive control. The serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and myeloperoxidase (MPO), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) in the liver tissue were detected to investigate the effect of the total anthraquinone extract of Cassia seeds (0.4, 0.8 and 1.6 g/kg) on liver injury induced by 5-Fu. HPLC fingerprints of 10 batches of the total anthraquinone extracts were established to analyze the spectrum- effectiveness of the extract against 5- Fu- induced liver injury in mice and screen the effective components using the grey correlation method. The 5- Fu- treated mice showed significant differences in liver function parameters from the normal control mice (P < 0.05), suggesting successful modelling. Compared with those in the model group, serum ALT and AST activities were decreased, SOD and T- AOC activities significantly increased, and MPO level was significantly lowered in the mice treated with the total anthraquinone extract (all P < 0.05). HPLC fingerprints of the 31 components in the total anthraquinone extract of Cassia seeds showed good correlations with the potency index of 5-Fu-induced liver injury but with varying correlation strengths. The top 15 components with known correlations included aurantio-obtusina (peak 6), rhein (peak 11), emodin (peak 22), chrysophanol (peak 29) and physcion (peak 30). The effective components in the total anthraquinone extract of Cassia seeds, including aurantio-obtusina, rhein, emodin, chrysophanol, and physcion, are coordinated to produce protective effects against 5-Fu-induced liver injury in mice.

Anthraquinone Removal from Cassia obtusifolia Seed Water Extract Using Baking, Stir-Frying, and Adsorption Treatments: Effects on the Chemical Composition, Physicochemical Properties of Polysaccharides, and Antioxidant Activities of the Water Extract.

Safety issues of the controversial anthraquinones from Cassia obtusifolia seed water extracts (CWEs) limit its application. This work aimed to remove the anthraquinones of CWEs by baking treatment (BT), stir-frying treatment (ST), and adsorption treatment (AT). Effects of these treatments on the chemical composition, physicochemical properties of polysaccharides, and antioxidant activities of CWEs were analyzed and compared. Results indicated that AT exhibited the best removal effect on the total anthraquinone among the three treatments. After AT, the contents of rhein, emodin, aloe-emodin, and aurantio-obtusin of the CWE were below the limit of detection. In addition, AT increased the contents of neutral sugars in CWEs in comparison to BT and ST. None of the treatments had an obvious influence on the structural characteristics of polysaccharides. However, AT decreased the antioxidant activity of CWEs due to their lower anthraquinone content. In summary, AT was considered as an efficient and simple method to remove anthraquinones, while retaining the features of polysaccharides.

Dose-dependent Effects of Bio-AgNPs on Rubia tinctorum Callus and Root Biomass

Silver nanoparticles have frequently been used in many areas of biotechnology. These nanomaterials, especially biologically synthetized silver nanoparticles (bio-AgNPs), have some beneficial effects on plant biosystems because of their ethylene-inhibiting and auxin-stimulating effects which make them practical and cost-effective alternatives for synthetic plant growth regulators. The variety of the plants’ responses to bio-AgNPs is dose-dependent, and the effects show a wide variety for every plant, explant and culture types. In our study, bio-AgNPs derived from Syzygium aromaticum flowers were used in stem cultures of Rubia tinctorum. At 0–30 mg/L concentrations, their efficacies were evaluated on the basis of biomass and chemical accumulations. Bio-AgNPs affected the growth parameters and content of biomass depending on their concentrations. The highest biomass accumulations were detected at 10 mg/L concentration (up to 3.4 times higher compared to control). Callus and root regenerations were triggered at 5 and 10 mg/L concentrations. Total phenolic concentrations were detected at the highest level (16.54 and 18.86 mg GAE/g, respectively) at 15 mg/l concentration, whereas total flavonoid concentrations were the highest at 15 and 20 mg/L concentrations (5.63 and 5.42 mg QE/g, respectively). Total antioxidant capacity and radical scavenging activity enhanced in response to bio-AgNPs. The highest total antioxidant capacity was detected at 107.53 mg AAE/g at 1 mg/L concentration in root biomass (1.6 times higher than the control). Total anthraquinone concentrations reached their highest values at 30 mg/L bio-AgNP concentration in both callus and root tissues. The results revealed that bio-AgNPs acted as elicitors or/and biomass enhancers in response to their concentrations.

Influence of different drying methods coupled with different process modes on physicochemical qualities and anthraquinones contents of Rheum palmatum L.

Rhubarb is a popular food in Europe with laxative properties attributed to anthraquinones. Industrially drying fresh Rheum palmatum easily lose color characteristics and bioactive anthraquinone (AQ) content. Hot air drying (HAD), sun drying (SD) and smoke pre-drying followed by hot air drying (SMD-HAD) were employed to preserve physicochemical qualities and AQ content of R. palmatum. Different growing years, process modes (segment length, diameter, drying temperature and whether or not peeled) were compared among different drying methods. Compared with HAD and SD, SMD-HAD maintained optimal levels of AQ content and shiny color, it also significantly shortened the drying time by 10–15 days than SD. The segment length of 5 cm and the whole rhizome of 4-year-old plants were suitable to meet the industrial drying. Treatments of keeping the peel showed the higher total and free AQ content (2.84% and 0.33%) than treatments of removing the peel (1.51% and 0.23%). Moreover, AQ content in periderm was much higher than in phloem + xylem part and pith part, this discovery will present theoretical basis for revising the stipulation that Rhubarb should be scraped in Chinese pharmacoeia. It can be concluded that SMD-HAD is an efficient technique for the industrial drying production of high-quality R. palmatum.

Rubia tinctorum L. (Kökboya) Bitkisinin in vitro Kök Kültürlerinde Hormon ve Eksplant Kaynaklarının Sekonder Metabolit Üretimi ve Antioksidan Aktivitelerine Etkileri

Bu çalışmada, kökboya (Rubia tinctorum L.) bitkisinde kök ve adventif kök indüksiyonuna eksplant kaynağı ve oksin grubu hormonların etkilerinin belirlenmesi ve elde edilen köklerin sekonder metabolit içeriği ve antioksidan aktivitelerinin belirlenmesi amaçlanmıştır. Kök ve adventif kök kültürünün oluşturulmasında in vitro koşullarda yetiştirilen 45 günlük bitkilerin gövde, yaprak ve kök kısımları eksplant kaynağı olarak kullanılmıştır. Eksplantlar 4.4 g L-1 MS (Murashige ve Skoog), 30 g L-1 sukroz ve 2 g L-1 phytagel ve 2 mg L-1 oksin içeren besin ortamında karanlık koşullarda kültüre alınmıştır. Besin ortamına oksin grubu hormonlardan indol-3-bütirik asit (IBA), naftalenasetik asit (NAA) ve indol-3-asetik asit (IAA) ilave edilmiştir. Bu ortamda gelişen kök ve adventif kökler 30. gün hasat edilerek kök gelişim parametreleri belirlendikten sonra kökler kurutularak toplam antrakinon, fenolik ve flavonoid içeriği belirlenmiştir. Ayrıca köklerin antioksidan kapasiteleri katyon radikali giderme (ABTS), indirgeme gücü (FRAP) ve serbest radikal giderme (DPPH) metotları ile belirlenmiştir. Toplam antrakinon, toplam fenolik ve flavonoid içeriği en yüksek IAA besin ortamında gövde eksplantlarından gelişen adventif köklerde sırasıyla 9.83 ± 0.11 mg g-1, 14.45 ± 0.29 mg GAE g-1 ve 3.85 ± 0.03 mg KUE g-1 olarak belirlenmiştir. En yüksek DPPH, ABTS ve FRAP aktivitesi de IAA besin ortamında gövde eksplantlarından gelişen adventif köklerde belirlenmiştir.

Long-chain alkanol–alkyl carboxylic acid-based low-viscosity hydrophobic deep eutectic solvents for one-pot extraction of anthraquinones from Rhei Radix et Rhizoma

Natural long-chain alkanol and alkyl carboxylic acid were used to prepare novel hydrophobic deep eutectic solvents (HDESs). These HDESs are liquid at room temperature and have low viscosity (<12.26 mPa‧s), low polarity (lower than that of methanol, ChCl-based deep eutectic solvents and other reported HDESs), and low density (<0.928 g/mL). A simple one-pot method based on a novel HDES–water two-phase extraction system was constructed for the extraction of weak-polarity bioactive components, anthraquinones, from Rhei Radix et Rhizoma. This HDES-based new extraction method does not consume hazardous organic solvents and can obtain a total anthraquinone yield of 21.52 mg/g, which is close to that obtained by the Chinese pharmacopoeia method (21.22 mg/g) and considerably higher than those by other reported HDESs-based extraction methods (14.20–20.09 mg/g, p < 0.01). The high extraction yield can be mainly attributed to the severe destruction of the RRR cell walls by the extraction system and the excellent dissolving ability of novel HDESs for anthraquinones.

Rapid Determining Contents of the Rhubarb Anthraquinones Compounds by Support Vector Machine Modeling based on Near Infrared Spectra

Background: Measuring medicinal compounds to evaluate their quality and efficacy has been recognized as a useful approach in treatment. Rhubarb anthraquinones compounds (mainly including aloe-emodin, rhein, emodin, chrysophanol, and physcion) are the main effective components in purgating drug. In the current Chinese Pharmacopoeia, the total anthraquinones content is designated as its quantitative quality and control index, while the content of each compound has not been specified. Methods: On the basis of forty rhubarb samples, the correlation models between the near infrared spectra and UPLC analysis data were constructed using support vector machine (SVM) and partial least square (PLS) methods, according to the Kennard and Stone algorithm for dividing the calibration/ prediction datasets. Good models mean they have high correlation coefficients (R2) and low root mean squared error of prediction (RMSEP) values. Results: The models constructed by SVM have much better performance than those by PLS methods. The SVM models have high R2 of 0.8951, 0.9738, 0.9849, 0.9779, 0.9411, and 0.9862 that correspond to aloe-emodin, rhein, emodin, chrysophanol, physcion and total anthraquinones contents, respectively. The corresponding RMSEPs are 0.3592, 0.4182, 0.4508, 0.7121, 0.8365, and 1.7910, respectively. 75% of the predicted results have relative differences being lower than 10%. As for rhein and total anthraquinones, all of the predicted results have relative differences being lower than 10%. Conclusion: The non-linear models constructed by SVM showed good performances with predicted values close to the experimental values. This can perform the rapid determination of the main medicinal ingredients in rhubarb medicinal materials.

Animal models of cathartic colon.

The incidence of cathartic colon has been increasing, but satisfactory treatments are still lacking. In order to study the pathological mechanisms of the disorder and identify effective treatment methods, researchers have established different animal models of cathartic colon. This minireview briefly summarizes several common cathartic colon animal models, induced with anthraquinone laxatives such as rhubarb, total anthraquinone, rhein, and emodin, or induced with diphenylmethane laxatives such as phenolphthalein. The advantages and limitations of these models are evaluated and analyzed. We hope that this review will facilitate the selection of suitable models and improve relevant modeling methods. We anticipate the development of more convenient and stable models that can reflect the characteristics of cathartic colon in humans, and serve as useful tools for further studies.

紫外分光光度法测定望江南种子中总蒽醌含量

紫外分光光度法测定望江南种子中总蒽醌含量

Influence of salicylic acid and L-phenylalanine on the accumulation of anthraquinone and phenolic compounds in adventitious root cultures of madder (Rubia tinctorum L.)

Madder (Rubia tinctorum L.) is a perennial plant that its roots and rhizomes have rich anthraquinone (AQ) derivatives including alizarin and purpurin. This study was carried out to determine the effects of salicylic acid (SA) and L-phenylalanine (L-Phe) applications on the root growth parameters and secondary metabolite accumulation in madder adventitious roots derived from internode parts without needing to be collected from nature. For this aim, two different L-Phe (50 and 100 µM) and SA (20 and 40 µM) were added separately and together to the liquid Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium cultured adventitious roots for 7 days. Then roots were evaluated in terms of fresh root weight, root growth index, dry root weight, and contents of total AQ, alizarin, purpurin, total phenolic contents (TPC), and some important phenolic compounds. According to the results, L-Phe stimulated the root growth of madder while the effects of SA on root growth parameters varied depending upon its concentrations. L-Phe had no significant influence on the total AQ, alizarin, and purpurin. Conversely, SA increased the AQs, and 20 µM SA was the most suitable application providing the greatest total AQ, alizarin, and purpurin. TPC and individual phenolic compounds changed according to the applications. Not only L-Phe but also SA had positive effects on the phenolic accumulation in adventitious roots. It was determined that the combinations of 40 µM SA and 100 µM L-Phe were the most effective applications in terms of phenolic accumulation. Madder is a plant whose popularity has increased in food, cosmetics, pharmacy and recently medicine. This research was designed in order to produce high amounts of important secondary metabolites in adventitious root cultures of madder without the need to collect plants from nature. In this study, it has been shown that L-phenylalanine and salicylic acid applied to adventitious roots remarkably increase the production of anthraquinones and phenolics when used in appropriate concentrations and combinations.

A green strategy for obtaining anthraquinones from Rheum tanguticum by subcritical water

AbstractRheum tanguticum is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine, which contains abundant anthraquinones. In this study, anthraquinones were efficiently extracted from Rheum tanguticum by subcritical water extraction (SWE). The parameters of extraction time (33–67 min), temperature (100–200°C), and SW flow rate (1.4–4.6 mL/min) were optimized so as to achieve a high yield of the target product. A high yield of the total anthraquinones was achieved under the optimized SWE conditions of extraction time 54 min, extraction temperature 170°C, and the flow rate 2.0 mL/min. The comparison between the SWE and traditional extraction techniques implied that the SWE is an efficient and green alternative method for the extraction of anthraquinones. Four anthraquinone glycosides were purified from the SWE extract by high-speed counter-current chromatography and identified as emodin-1-O-β-D-glucoside, physcion-8-O-β-D-glucopyranoside, chrysophanol-1-O-β-D-glucoside, and chrysophanol-8-O-β-D-glucoside.

English

This study aimed at analysing the phytochemical content and antimicrobial activity of Bridelia ferrugine against selected bacteria. Total saponin, alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids and total anthraquinone contents were evaluated using spectrophotometric equivalents of the standards. The antibacterial activity of the plant extracts were determined using Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) assays against selected bacteria. The root and stem revealed the presence of the phytochemicals tested except the stem that lacked anthraquinones. In vitro antimicrobial activity of the plant extracts against the gram-positive bacteria tested showed that Bacillus cereus was most susceptible to the plant extract having MIC and MBC of 25 and 50 mg/ml, respectively for the stem-bark and root-bark ethanolic extract, while gram-negative bacteria the plant extracts were most active against Proteus mirabilis with MIC and MBC of 50 and 100 mg/ml, respectively. The aqueous extract was most active against Staphylococcus epidermidis with MIC and MBC of 50 and 100 mg/ml for stem-bark and 25 and 50 mg/ml for root-bark extract. Concentration dependent study showed the plant extracts were either bacteriostatic or bactericidal. Only the stem-bark aqueous extract showed no primary effect on the control strains. The study confirmed the presence of some phytochemicals which revealed that the plant is of pharmacological importance going by the ability of these phytochemicals to elicit antibacterial activity. Key words: Antibacterial, phytochemical screening, Bridelia ferruginea, plant extracts.

Simultaneous determination of four anthraquinones in Polygonum multiflorum by QAMS

A simple, specific and selective quantitative analysis of multi-components by single marker(QAMS) method for simultaneous determination of anthraquinones and anthraquinone glycosides in Polygonum multiflorum was developed. Four main anthraquinones and its glycosides, emodin, emodin-8-O-β-D-glucoside, physcion and physcion-8-O-β-D-glucoside were selected as analytes to evaluate the quality of P. multiflorum. Emodin was used as the internal standard, and the relative correction factors(RCFs) between emodin and the other three anthraquinones were calculated. Comparison of the contents of the four components in 30 batches of P. multiflorum from different regions and 12 batches decoction pieces from different manufacturers by QAMS and external standard method(ESM) showed that there was no significant difference between QAMS and ESM for quantification of the four main components by using relative error results, and the QAMS method was accurate and reliable, and had a good repeatability. In addition, compared with the results calculated by the difference method between total anthraquinone and free anthraquinone in the content determination of P. multiflorum in Chinese Pharmacopoeia, the results of direct determination combined anthraquinone by QAMS were very close to that by measured the external standard method. Therefore, simultaneous quantification of four main anthraquinones by using QAMS is suitable to evaluate the quality of P. multiflorum. Then the optimized assay method of the combined anthraquinone contents showed simple and feasible, which could be replaced and improved the quantification method of the combined anthraquinone in the current Chinese Pharmacopeia.