Total Anthraquinones Research Articles

Evaluation of chemical quality profile of Polygoni Multiflori Radix at different processing degrees based on its classic processing method "nine-steaming and nine-sun-curing"

Based on the ancient method of nine-steaming and nine-sun-curing,the chemical composition changes and quality profiles in different processes of Polygoni Multiflori Radix were studied. Their contents of stilbene glycoside,anthraquinones and polysaccharides were determined by nine-steaming and nine-sun-curing with black bean juice and pharmacopoeia method. HPLC chemical fingerprints were established,and orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis( OPLS-DA) was performed on different processed products using SIMCA 14. 1 software to evaluate the quality difference between samples. The results of content determination show that,with the increase of the number of processing and steaming times,the stilbene glycoside and the combined anthraquinone showed a decreasing trend,and the free anthraquinone,total anthraquinone and polysaccharide showed an upward trend in the different preparations of Polygoni Multiflori Radix and Pharmacopoeia. Six-steamed and six-sun-cured products can be used as the finishing point for the classic steaming. Fingerprint results showed that there were significant differences in chemical composition in Polygoni Multiflori Radix at different processing processes. It can be identified stilbene glycoside( peak 13),emodin( peak 21),and physcion( peak 24). By comparing the relative peak areas of the 26 chromatographic peaks in the sample after normalization( the reference is peak 7),it was found that the relative peak areas of 12 peaks in the processed products were higher than the raw products,13 peaks were reduced; according to statistical analysis of OPLS-DA,Polygoni Multiflori Radix at different processing degrees was further divided into three categories,sample S1 was class I,S2-S5 were class Ⅱ,and S6-S11 were class Ⅲ． And 8 peaks with the VIP value higher than 1. 0 were peak 13,21,4,3,11,14,5,and 24 in order. The eight chemical components were the main components to distinguish the difference between Polygoni Multiflori Radix in the process of nine-steaming and nine-sun-curing,suggesting that it was rational to use stilbene glycoside,emodin and emodin methyl ether as quality control indicators of Polygoni Multiflori Radix. The method established in this experiment conformed to the methodological verification requirements,established a method of multi-component content determination combined with fingerprint,and clarified that six-steaming and six-sun-curing was used as an improved classical processing technology,and more clearly defined the whole dynamic change of chemical composition in Polygoni Multiflori Radix by nine-steaming and ninesun-curing process. It provides a basis for the chemical quality evaluation model about different processed products of Polygoni Multiflori Radix.

Quantitative real-time release testing of rhubarb based on near-infrared spectroscopy and method validation

The quality control of the Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) are important links in the production and application of pharmaceuticals. In this study, the quantitative analysis of rhubarb was realized by near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRs), including the rapid detection of free anthraquinone and total anthraquinone content. Combined with method validation of NIR quantitative model and release limit, a reliable real-time release testing (RTRT) method for rhubarb was constructed. The competitive adaptive weighted resampling (CARS) method was applied for characteristic variables selection, and the quantitative model was established based on partial least squares regression (PLSR) method and particle swarm optimization based least square support vector machines (PSO-LSSVM) method. The relative standard error of prediction (RSEP) values ​​of free anthraquinone and total anthraquinone models were 10.66% and 4.95%, respectively. The accuracy profile (AP) was introduced to validate and evaluate the performance of the optimized model at different concentration levels. The relative bias, precision and linearity of the two quantitative models were all within the acceptable range. Based on the results of the method validation, the minimum release control limit for total anthraquinone content was set as 1.569% to make sure accurate release, slightly higher than the pharmacopoeia standard. The constructed RTRT system for rhubarb based on the NIR model validation can improve the efficiency and accuracy of quality control.

Separation of Protein-Binding Anthraquinones from Semen Cassiae Using Two-Stage Foam Fractionation

Anthraquinones are compounds of high medicinal value in many plants. Based on their good protein binding affinity, foam fractionation was attempted to separate them using proteins in the aqueous extract of Semen Cassiae as collectors. Firstly, the interaction between anthraquinones and Semen Cassiae proteins has been analyzed by the Stem–Volmer equation with physcion as a standard. The results show that physcion had good interaction with the proteins via hydrophobic forces. More importantly, the proteins effectively assisted the foam fractionation of several anthraquinones including aurantio-obtusifolin, aloe-emodin, rhein, emodin, chrysophanol, and physcion. On this basis, a two-stage foam fractionation technology was developed for process intensification using a foam fractionation with vertical sieve trays (VSTs). VSTs, initial feed concentration of total anthraquinones, temperature, volumetric air flow rate and pore diameter of gas distributor had significant effects on enrichment ratio and recovery yield of anthraquinones. Under suitable conditions, the enrichment ratio of total anthraquinones reached 47.0 ± 4.5 with a concentration of 939 ± 94 mg/L in the foamate while their total recovery percentage reached more than 47.7%. In addition, foam fractionation also increased the purity and hydroxyl radical scavenging activity of total anthraquinones. The results had significant implications for the separation of anthraquinones from Semen Cassiae.

Biochemical alterations in Aloe vera (L.) Burm. f. leaves infected with Colletotrichum gloeosporioides

This study aimed to determine the alterations in major biochemical contents of Aloe vera infested by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. Effects of fungal pathogen C. gloeosporioides on chlorophyll-a, chlorophyll-b, total chlorophyll, total soluble sugar, total phenols, total anthraquinones, total flavonoids, carotenoids and vitamin E were analyzed in artificially infested leaves of A. vera. While significant decrease in the contents of chlorophyll-a, chlorophyll-b, total chlorophyll, carotenoids and total soluble sugar was observed, an increased concentration of total phenolics, total anthraquinones, total flavonoid and vitamin E contents was recorded in infested leaves as compared to control. Being a medicinal plant, A. vera suffers a huge loss in its yield due to the attack of number of fungal pathogens. Moreover, changes in the concentration of its main biochemical groups were directly associated with the adverse effect of pathogens during the progression of infection on plant leaves. Therefore, control of the fungal diseases by applying appropriate management strategies is the important thrust to protect the plant of an enormous commercial value.

Extraction of Anthraquinone Compounds from Chinese Chestnut by Using Ultrasonic-assisted Technology

Ultrasonic assisted method was used to extract total anthraquinone compounds from non-enzymatic Browning chestnut kernel. The chestnut was heated in the microwave on 640w by a stainless steel knife for 60 s. Then fried it by heating 120°C for 30 min method result in non-enzymatic until browning of chestnuts fully. The anthraquinone in Chinese chestnut was extracted by ultrasonic cleaner with frequency of 80 kHz and power percentage of 80%. The absorption value was measured and calculated at 254 nm by ultraviolet spectrophotometer. The effects of ethanol concentration, ultrasonic time, extraction temperature and liquid-solid ratio on extraction efficiency were studied. The effect level of different factors on the extraction efficiency of anthraquinone compounds was as follows: liquid-solid ratio>Ultrasonic time > ethanol concentration > extraction temperature. The extraction rate of anthraquinone increased and reached the hightest point when liquid-solid ratio was between 2/1 and 4/1, and it decreased as the liquid-solid ratio rise. The extraction rate of anthraquinone increased with the increase of ultrasonic time, which was the maximum when ultrasonic time was 30 minutes, and the extraction rate remained stable. The extraction rate of anthraquinone increased with the increase of ethanol concentration. The extraction rate reached the maximum when the ethanol concentration was 80%, and tends to be stable with the increased of the concentration. The extraction rate of anthraquinone was increased sharply before the temperature reached 60°C. And it maintained stable at the highest point between 60°C and 70°C. According to the regression equation and the single factor experiment, the optimum extraction technology were ethanol concentration (85%) ultrasonic time (35min) extraction temperature (60°C) and liquid-solid ratio was 4.5:1. The extraction rate of chestnut anthraquinones was up to 77.31μg/g dry weight.

Recycling of Chinese herb residues by endophytic and probiotic fungus Aspergillus cristatus CB10002 for the production of medicinal valuable anthraquinones

BackgroundThe global prevalence of traditional Chinese medicine stimulates the prosperous development of herb medicines, but the annual generation of massive herb residues becomes big issues about environmental pollution and waste of resources. Microbes play important roles in the circulation of substances in nature, and endophytes represent an underexplored microbial resource possessing the unique symbiotic relationship with plants, not only for discovery of secondary metabolites, but also for potential green recycling of herb residues.ResultsThe recycling capacities of several endophytic strains were respectively evaluated via solid state fermentation with herb residues of commercial Huazhenghuisheng oral-liquid (HOL). Among them, Aspergillus cristatus CB10002, a probiotic fungus isolated from Chinese Fu-brick tea, was competent to recycle HOL residues for the production of medicinal valuable anthraquinones, in which four of them, especially citreorosein with significant anti-obesity activity, were first discovered in A. cristatus. Subsequent quantitative analysis showed that about 2.0 mg/g citreorosein and 7.5 mg/g total anthraquinones could be obtained after 35-day fermentation, which was very competitive and economically beneficial. Further nutritional comparisons also revealed that the recycling process indeed ameliorated the nutrients of HOL residues, and thus proposed a possibility to directly dispose the final leftovers as a compost organic fertilizer.ConclusionsThe endophytic and probiotic fungus A. cristatus CB10002 isolated from Chinese Fu-brick tea was screened out to effectively reutilize HOL residues for the production of nine medicinal valuable anthraquinones, whose biosynthesis may be regulated by the induction of HOL residues. The competitive yields of these anthraquinones, as well as the certain composting properties of final leftovers, have made the microbial recycling of HOL residues economically beneficial. Our work demonstrated a promising applied potential of A. cristatus in reutilization of herb residues, and provided a practical strategy for sustainable and value-added microbial recycling of herb residues.

Changes in biochemical components in Aloe vera (L.) Burm. f. leaves infected with Fusarium proliferatum (Matsushima) Nirenberg

Aloe vera (L.) Burm. f., an important medicinal plant suffers with a huge loss in its yield due to the attack of number of fungal pathogens. The aim of the present study was to analyze the biochemical changes in A. vera infected by Fusarium proliferatum (Matsushima) Nirenberg causing leaf spot disease in plant. Artificially infested leaves were examined to study the effect of fungal pathogen on chlorophyll-a, chlorophyll-b, total chlorophyll, total soluble sugar, total phenols, total anthraquinones, total flavanoids and vitamin E. Results showed a significant decrease in the contents of chlorophyll-a, chlorophyll-b, total chlorophyll and total soluble sugar in infested leaves as compared to control leaves. Whereas, total phenolics, total anthraquinones, total flavonoid and vitamin E contents were significantly increased in infested leaves as compared to control. Changes in the concentration of biochemical were directly associated with the adverse effect of pathogen during the progression of infection on A. vera leaves.

Semen Cassiae Extract Improves Glucose Metabolism by Promoting GlUT4 Translocation in the Skeletal Muscle of Diabetic Rats.

Diabetes mellitus is a clinical syndrome characterised by hyperglycaemia; its complications lead to disability and even death. Semen Cassiae is a traditional Chinese medicine, which has anti-hypertensive, anti-hyperlipidaemia, anti-oxidation, and anti-ageing properties. Our study was designed to evaluate the action of total anthraquinones of Semen Cassiae extract (SCE) on the improvement of glucose metabolism in diabetic rats and to elucidate the underlying mechanism. First, we evaluated the effect of SCE on normal rats. Next, we observed the effect of SCE using a rat model of diabetes, which was established by feeding rats with high-energy diet for 4 weeks and a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ; 30 mg/kg) 3 weeks after starting the high-energy diet. Rats in different SCE groups (administered 54, 108, and 324 mg/kg/day of SCE) and metformin group (162 mg/kg/day, positive control drug) were treated with the corresponding drugs 1 week before starting high-energy diet and treatment continued for 5 weeks; meanwhile, rats in the control group were administered the same volume of sodium carboxymethyl cellulose solution (vehicle solution). One week after STZ injection, fasting blood glucose (FBG), oral glucose tolerance (OGT), fasting serum insulin (FSI) and serum lipids were quantified. Finally, the expression of proteins in the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)–Akt–AS160–glucose transporter isoform 4 (GLUT4) signalling pathway was detected by western blotting. The data indicated that the levels of FBG and serum lipids were significantly lowered, and OGT and FSI were markedly increased in diabetic rats treated with SCE (108 mg/kg/day); however, SCE did not cause hypoglycaemia in normal rats. The molecular mechanisms were explored in the skeletal muscle. SCE markedly restored the decreased translocation of GLUT4 in diabetic rats. Moreover, the protein expressions of phosphorylated-AS160 (Thr642), phosphorylated-Akt (Ser473) and PI3K were significantly increased after SCE treatment in the skeletal muscle. These results indicate that SCE exerts an anti-hyperglycaemic effect by promoting GLUT4 translocation through the activation of the PI3K–Akt–AS160 signalling pathway. Our findings suggest that treatment with SCE, containing anthraquinones, could be an effective approach to enhance diabetes therapy.

Elicitor mediated adventitious root culture for the large-scale production of anthraquinones from Oldenlandia umbellata L.

Anthraquinones (AQs) have an increasing global demand due to its importance in both industrial and pharmaceutical fields. Increased demand can be met with large-scale production of the compound. Enhanced production of AQs was achieved through elicitor mediated adventitious root cultures of Oldenlandia umbellata L. Adventitious root cultures were raised by incorporating different auxins into the half strength MS liquid medium. The root cultures were incubated for a period of 60 days with continuous monitoring at 10 days interval. Among the different auxins used, 1 μM indole 3 acetic acid (IAA) produced highest amount of total AQ (11.09 mg g−1 dry weight). Later, for enhanced production of AQs, elicitors viz., yeast extract, pectin, xylan, or precursors like α-keto glutaric acid and L- phenylalanine and an AQ inhibitor, piroxicam were added at a concentration of 10, 25 and 50 mg L−1 to the medium on 35th day of incubation and roots were harvested at 40th day of incubation. Addition of 50 mg L−1 pectin resulted highest (24.33 mg g−1 dry weight) elicitation of AQs from adventitious roots. HPLC analysis of samples from adventitious roots confirmed the presence of alizarin in the extract. By adopting adventitious root culture through pectin (50 mg L−1) as elicitor, 2.19 fold enhanced AQ production over control was achieved in O. umbellata.

Natural deep eutectic solvents as new green solvents to extract anthraquinones from Rheum palmatumL.

Natural deep eutectic solvents (NADESs) are efficient in extracting natural products. However, traditional organic solvents are toxic in the extraction of anthraquinones from Rheum palmatum L. To solve this problem, we applied natural deep eutectic solvent ultrasound-assisted extraction in this study for the extraction of total anthraquinones from R. palmatum L. Principal component analysis revealed that the selected NADES which consisted of lactic acid, glucose and water (LGH), was highly efficient in extracting anthraquinones from R. palmatum L. The ratio of lactic acid/glucose and the addition of water in LGH were investigated via a single-factor experiment. With a lactic acid/glucose ratio of 5 : 1 (mol/mol), and 10% of water (v/v), LGH had a high extraction yield to anthraquinones. Optimized by response surface methodology (RSM), the optimized extraction conditions of extraction time, extraction temperature and solvent-to-solid ratio of 1.5 h, 82 °C and 26 mL g−1, respectively. Under optimum conditions, the extraction yields of aloe-emodin, rhein, emodin, chrysophanol, physcion and total anthraquinones were 2.60 ± 0.01, 5.78 ± 0.02, 2.21 ± 0.02, 5.87 ± 0.02, 8.81 ± 0.01 and 25.27 ± 0.07 mg g−1, respectively. The enrichment and separation of five anthraquinones in LGH extraction solution were efficiently achieved using DM130 macroporous resin, with purities of 90.98%, 96.67%, 92.37%, 95.80% and 91.61% as indicated by HPLC, and recovery yields of 84.08%, 79.51%, 84.96%, 81.83% and 78.35%, respectively. LGH was environmentally friendly and highly efficient in extracting anthraquinones from R. palmatum L., and NADESs showed potential for the extraction of effective components from natural products.

Anti-arthritic effect of total anthraquinone from Polygonum cuspidatum on type II collagen-induced arthritis in rats

Purpose: To study the anti-arthritic effect of total anthraquinone from Polygonum cuspidatum (TAPC) on type II collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) in rats, and to investigate the underlying mechanism(s).Methods: CIA rats were prepared and treated orally with TAPC at doses of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg/day, for 24 days. Paw volume and arthritis score were measured prior to TAPC treatment, and subsequently at 3-day intervals on days 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21 and 24. Serum levels of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-17 were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), while synovial tissue TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-17mRNA expressions were assayed by real time-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Thymus and spleen indices were also determined.Results: TAPC (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg) significantly alleviated paw swelling (p < 0.05), arthritis scores (p < 0.05) and thymus and spleen indices (p < 0.05) of CIA rats, when compared with the control rats. In addition, TAPC significantly decreased serum levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-17 (p < 0.01); and down-regulated their mRNA expressions in synovial tissues (p < 0.01).Conclusion: These results suggest that TAPC exerts good anti-arthritic activity in rats, most probably via suppression of inflammatory responses.Keywords: Polygonum cuspidatum, Anthraquinone, Type II collagen-induced arthritis, Pro-inflammatory cytokines

Reduction of Constipating Scoring System Among Women Aged 18-25 Years Old as A Result of Decocted Trengguli (Cassia fistula L.)

Background: Constipation is a condition when someone has difficulty to defecate. Constipation is indicated by hard and large size stool as well as a decrease frequency of bowel movement. Commonly, constipation is indicated by anxiety during bowel movement due to disruption defecation. Constipation can cause severe stress resulting from discomforts for patient. The severity of the constipation can be measured using the Constipation Scoring System (CSS). CSS is a scoring system for patient, which based on the answers about the symptoms being asked in the questionnaire. One of the herbs to handle the problem of constipation that have a laxative effect is Trengguli (Cassia fistula L.) originate from the family Fabaceae. The part that can be used for a laxative is a Trengguli fruit. A decocta method to Trengguli flesh of the fruit for a laxative, since decocta method generates the highest total anthraquinone glycosides for the use of laxatives. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to prove the effectiveness of decocta pulp of trengguli for the reduction of constipation scoring system among women aged 18- 25 years old with constipation problem. Methods: The method used is quasi-experimental design using a design of one group pre-post test. The study was conducted in December at the clinic Battra Airlangga University School of Medicine with 26 responded. Data were analyzed using SPSS with the Wilcoxon test. Result: The results of this study showed that the decocta pulp of trengguli(Cassia fistula L.) has significant effectiveness with p = 0.000 with p <0.05 on a decrease in constipation scoring sytem for constipation treatment among women aged 18-25 years.

Effects of Polygonum Cuspidatum Total Anthraquinone on Diabetic Mice Model

objective: effects of Polygonum cuspidatum total anthraquinone on streptozotocin induced diabetic mouse model, To investigate the hypoglycemic mechanism and characteristics of Polygonum cuspidatum anthraquinone. Method: By intravenous injecting streptozotocin induced diabetic mice model, detecting the serum glucose, glycosylated serum protein content, observing the pancreas pathological changes, Studying Polygonum cuspidatum on blood glucose in the mice pancreas. Result：Successful established diabetic mice model. Compared with model group, The metformin group, high, medium and low doses Polygonum cuspidatum total anthraquinone can reduce the blood sugar and glycosylated serum protein level in diabetic model mice at different levels(P<0.01, P<0.05), and increased liver glycogen, To inhibit the atrophy, necrosis, dissolution and degeneration of pancreatic islet cells in mice. Conclusion: Polygonum cuspidatum total anthraquinone has the effects of reducing blood sugar, glycosylated serum protein level and reducing blood fat, Promoting insulin secretion and hepatic glycogen formation, improve insulin resistance, Improving the pathological changes of pancreas in diabetic mice, It has a good hypoglycemic effect, delayed the process of diabetes to some extent.

Enhancement of anthraquinone production and release by combination of culture medium selection and methyl jasmonate elicitation in hairy root cultures of Rubia tinctorum

Anthraquinones (AQs) are secondary metabolites widely distributed in nature. Interesting applications of plant extracts containing AQs include the treatment of Hepatitis C and cancer. Plant in vitro culture is an alternative for producing plant-derived pharmaceuticals in controlled conditions and with low environmental impact. Moreover, it allows the application of different strategies for enhancing secondary metabolite production. Hairy root cultures, obtained after Agrobacterium rhizogenes infection, are able to produce high amounts of secondary metabolites at high growth rates. In this work, growth kinetics of hairy root cultures of Rubia tinctorum and AQ production were evaluated in two different culture media, Gamborg B5 with half of the saline strength (B51/2) and Lloyd & Mc Cown’s Woody Plant Medium (WPM). Although WPM allowed higher biomass production (58.6% higher) than B51/2, specific AQ production was higher in B51/2 (between 1.2 and 2.1 fold increases from day 21 to the end of the experiment). Moreover, AQ release to the culture medium was observed in B51/2 (∼10% of total AQs). The different performance of hairy roots in these culture media may be due to a limiting nutrient (other than carbon source) in B51/2. Elicitation in B51/2 with methyl jasmonate (100μM) resulted in a massive accumulation of intracellular (between 1.5 and 2.4-fold increases) and also extracellular AQs (up to 8.1 fold-increase compared with control at 4days post-elicitation), which could ease AQ purification. These results prove the usefulness of combining different approaches to enhance secondary metabolite accumulation in plant in vitro cultures, in order to develop an optimized productive process.

不同浓度乙醇对唐古特大黄(&lt;i&gt;Rheum tanguticum&lt;/i&gt;)中总蒽醌沉淀的影响

通过对不同浓度乙醇对唐古特大黄中总蒽醌沉淀影响研究，发现在相同浓度下随乙醇体积的增加，产生的总蒽醌沉淀量呈递减趋势；在相同体积下，随乙醇浓度的增加，产生的总蒽醌沉淀量则呈现增加的趋势，并且75%的乙醇最有利于总蒽醌沉淀的产生。 The effects on total anthraquinone deposition Rheum tanguticum from the different concentration of ethanol were studied in this article. The results showed that the deposition quantity of total anthraquinone had the trend of decreasing with increasing of the ethanol’s volume on the same concentration, while those had the trend of increasing with increasing of ethanol concentration on the same volume. Meanwhile, it also suggested that 75% ethanol was helpful for the production of the total anthraquinone.

Quantitative Determination of Total Anthraquinone Glycosides in Cassia Syrup Preparation

A quantitative determination method for total anthraquinone glycosides in Cassia Syrup was developed using direct spectrophotometry at analytical wavelength 530 nm. A processing scheme for producing Cassia Syrup based on a decoction of Cassia acutifolia Del. leaves was proposed.

¹H-NMR-based metabonomics on chemical component groups with toxicity alleviation effect to Realgar in Niuhuang Jiedu tablet

To study the chemical component groups with toxicity alleviation effect to Realgar in Niuhuang Jiedu tablet based on ¹H-NMR metabonomics. Twenty-four male Wistar rats were divided into four groups： control group, R group (treated with Realgar), RRSPG group (treated with Realgar, the root and rhizoma of Rheum palmatum, the root of Scutellaria baicalensis, the root of Platycodon grandiflorum and the root and rhizoma of Glycyrrhiza uralensis) and RC group (treated with total anthraquinones from the root and rhizoma of R. palmatum, total flavonoids from the root of S. baicalensis, total saponins from the root of P. grandiflorum, total flavonoids and saponins from the root and rhizoma of G. uralensis). Based on ¹H-NMR spectra of urine and serum from rats, PLS-DA was performed to identify different metabolic profiles.The metabolic profiles of R group were different from that of control group, while the metabolic profiles of RC group were almost similar to control group.Total anthraquinones from the root and rhizoma of R. palmatum, total flavonoids from the root of S. baicalensis, total saponins from the root of P. grandiflorum, total flavonoids and saponins from the root and rhizoma of G. uralensis regulated energy, choline and amino acid metabolism and gut flora disorder affected by realgar's toxicity.

Rhubarb Anthraquinones Protect Rats against Mercuric Chloride (HgCl₂)-Induced Acute Renal Failure.

Mercury (Hg) causes severe nephrotoxicity in subjects with excess exposure. This work attempted to identify whether a natural medicine—rhubarb—has protective effects against mercuric chloride (HgCl2)-induced acute renal failure (ARF), and which of its components contributed most to the treatment. Total rhubarb extract (TR) were separated to the total anthraquinones (TA), the total tannins (TT) and remaining component extract (RC). Each extract was orally pre-administered to rats for five successive days followed by HgCl2 injection to induce kidney injury. Subsequently, renal histopathology and biochemical examinations were performed in vitro to evaluate the protective effects. Pharmacological studies showed that TR and TA, but not TT or RC manifested significant protection activity against HgCl2-induced ARF. There were also significant declines of serum creatine, urea nitrogen values and increases of total protein albumin levels in TR and TA treated groups compared to HgCl2 alone (p < 0.05). At last, the major components in TA extract were further identified as anthraquinones by liquid chromatography coupled mass spectroscopy. This study thus provides observational evidences that rhubarb could ameliorate HgCl2-induced ARF and its anthraquinones in particular are the effective components responsible for this activity in rhubarb extract.

An efficient microwave-assisted extraction of anthraquinones from Rheum emodi: Optimisation using RSM, UV and HPLC analysis and antioxidant studies

Rheum emodi—a culinary plant used across the world, is known to contain bioactive anthraquinoids which find extensive use in the chemical, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industry and exhibit diverse pharmacological actions. The current work envisages development of a microwave assisted extraction (MAE) for extraction of total anthraquinones (AQs) and five 1,8-dihydroxyanthraquinones (DHAQs) from Rheum emodi. In the initial part of the work, a rapid and facile method was developed for determining total AQs using UV spectroscopy. Preliminary screening experiments were performed to select choice of solvent, extraction time, microwave power and solvent: sample ratio. Subsequently, optimum conditions for MAE were determined using RSM by employing a Box-Behnken design. Extraction rate of total AQs and five DHAQs reached maximum at time 7.5min, microwave power 490W, solvent: sample ratio 15: 0.1ml/g and concentration of aqueous NaOH solution 0.255M. Furthermore, MAE offered significantly higher yields for total AQs and five DHAQs and also a high DPPH-scavenging and hydrogen peroxide scavenging potential than the extracts obtained by conventional extraction methods. The proposed method was fast, energy-saving, environment-friendly and can find a potential industrial use in the extraction of the bioactive DHAQs.

Research on contents of anthraquinones in Cassiae Semen by principal component analysis

Cassiae Semen is a common traditional Chinese medicine, and contents of anthraquinones of Cassiae Semen different significantly from area to area. According to Chinese Pharmacopoeia (2010 edition), only contents of aurantio obtusin and chrysophanol were used to evaluate the quality of Cassiae Semen, another data could be added later. Ten batches of Cassiae Semen from different areas were determined, and total anthraquinones, total free anthraquinones and total combined anthraquinones contents were assessed by ultraviolet visible spectrophotometer, contents of aurantio obtusin, rhein, aloe emodin, emodin, chrysophanol and physcion were determined by HPLC. After that, principal components analysis was used to evaluate these data determined previous by dimension reduction analysis. At last, the result suggests that three main components were found out, it shows that content of aloe emodin could be used to evaluate the quality of Cassiae Semen as well as contents of aurantio obtusin and chrysophanol. And Cassiae Semen from Hebei province posseses higher quality than Cassiae Semen from other different areas. All these results can provide a good reference for quality evaluating of Cassiae Semen medicinal materials at a certain extent.