Traditional Chinese Herbal Preparations Research Articles

Tongqiao Huoxue Decoction inhibits ferroptosis by facilitating ACSL4 ubiquitination degradation for neuroprotection against cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury

BackgroundCerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury (CIRI) refers to brain tissue injury caused by the temporary interruption of cerebral blood flow ischemia followed by the restoration of reperfusion, which is the main cause of post-stroke brain injury. A traditional Chinese herbal preparation called Tongqiao Huoxue Decoction (TQHX) has shown promise in reducing CIRI in rats. However, the mechanism of this herbal preparation for CIRI remains unclear. PurposeThis study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effect of TQHX extract on rats with CIRI and to further explore the underlying mechanisms. MethodsThe active ingredients of TQHX extract were quantified by the high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) condition. We conducted thorough investigations to assess the effects of TQHX on CIRI and ferroptosis using oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGD/R)-treated PC12 cells as an in vitro model and transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) animals as an in vivo model. The neurological score assessment was performed to evaluate the neuroprotective effects of TQHX extract on tMCAO rats. Using histologic methods to study the extent of cerebral infarction, blood-brain barrier, and rat brain tissue. We examined the impact of TQHX on ferroptosis-related markers of Fe2+, superoxide dismutase (SOD), reactive oxygen species (ROS), and malondialdehyde (MDA) in the brain tissue. In addition, the expression of key proteins and markers of ferroptosis, as well as key factors associated with Acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4 (ACSL4) were detected by Western blot and quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR). ResultsTQHX extract could decrease the Longa score and extent of cerebral infarction of tMCAO rats, which exerted the function of neuroprotection. Additionally, TQHX treatment efficiently decreased levels of MDA and ROS while increasing the expression of SOD and ferroptosis-related proteins including ferritin heavy chain 1 (FTH1) and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) at the transcription and translation level. Meanwhile, TQHX provided strong protection against oxidative stress and ferritin accumulation by increasing the ubiquitination and degradation of ACSL4. The injection of OE-ACSL4 reversed the effects of TQHX on neuroprotection and ferroptosis inhibition in PC12 cells. The injection of shACSL4 reversely validate the crucial role of ACSL4 in CIRI rat treatment. ConclusionThis work shows that TQHX promotes the ubiquitination-mediated degradation of ACSL4, which improves oxidative stress and inhibits the beginning of ferroptosis in cells. TQHX provides a possible path for additional research in CIRI therapies, advancing translational investigations.

Di-Huang-Yin-Zi regulates P53/SLC7A11 signaling pathway to improve the mechanism of post-stroke depression

Ethnopharmacological relevancePost-stroke depression (PSD) is a condition characterized by a profoundly depressed mood and diminished interest following a stroke. Di-Huang-Yin-Zi (DHYZ), a traditional Chinese herbal preparation, gained widespread use and shown favorable outcomes in PSD treatment. However, the combination mechanisms of this formula for PSD remain unclear. Aim of studyThis study aimed to assess the therapeutic effects of DHYZ extract on rats with PSD and further investigate its underlying mechanism. Materials and methodsThe active components of DHYZ extract were quantified by the high-performance liquid chromatography-ultraviolet (HPLC-UV). Neurofunctional and depressive-like behavioral tests were performed to assess the neuroprotective effects of DHYZ extract after establishing a PSD rat model. Brain tissue damage volume was assessed using TTC staining, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to observe the ultrastructural changes of neurons in the prefrontal cortex region, while cell apoptosis was evaluated through TUNEL assay in the prefrontal cortex region of the brain. The effect of DHYZ on ferroptosis markers includes Fe2+, malondialdehyde (MDA), reactive oxygen species (ROS), and glutathione (GSH) were determined in the brain tissue. Moreover, the expression of key proteins or mRNA levels of the P53/SLC7A11 signaling pathway were detected using Western blot or PCR, respectively. Additionally, P53-constructed overexpression vectors were injected to increase the level of P53. In this series of experiments, ferroptosis markers and key factors of the P53/SLC7A11 signaling pathway were evaluated. ResultsDHYZ extract could increase the sucrose preference of SPT, but decrease the duration of immobility of FST and cortical infarct volume of PSD rats. A TEM study revealed that DHYZ extract improved synaptic ultrastructure in the cortical region of PSD rats. Furthermore, DHYZ treatment effectively decreased ROS and MDA levels, inhibiting the expression of ferroptosis-related markers such as Fe2+, SLC7A11, and GPX4. Additionally, DHYZ promoted the ubiquitination of P53, thus inhibiting its degradation. Notably, AAV-mediated overexpression of P53 reversed the effects of DHYZ on neuroprotection and ferroptosis inhibition in PSD rats. ConclusionsOur results demonstrated that DHYZ extract alleviates the symptoms and enhances the functional capability of PSD rats, mainly by suppressing the ferroptosis through the P53/SLC7A11/GPX4 pathway.

Multi-target regulatory mechanism of Yang Xin Tang − a traditional Chinese medicine against dementia

BackgroundYang Xin Tang (YXT) is a traditional Chinese herbal preparation which has been reported to improve cognitive function and memory in patients with dementia. As the underlying mechanism of action of YXT has not been elucidated, we examined the effects of YXT and its major herbal components in regulating gene transcription and molecular targets related to Alzheimer’s disease (AD).MethodsAqueous and ethanol extracts of YXT and selected herbal components were prepared and validated by standard methods. A series of biochemical and cellular assays were employed to assess the ability of the herbal extracts to inhibit acetylcholinesterase, reduce β-amyloid aggregation, stimulate the differentiation of neural progenitor cells, suppress cyclooxygenase, and protect neurons against β-amyloid or N-methyl-D-aspartate-induced cytotoxicity. The effects of YXT on multiple molecular targets were further corroborated by a panel of nine reporter gene assays.ResultsExtracts of YXT and two of its constituent herbs, Poria cocos and Poria Sclerotium pararadicis, significantly inhibited β-amyloid aggregation and β-amyloid-induced cytotoxicity. A protective effect of the YXT extract was similarly observed against N-methyl-D-aspartate-induced cytotoxicity in primary neurons, and this activity was shared by extracts of Radix Astragali and Rhizoma Chuanxiong. Although the YXT extract was ineffective, extracts of Poria cocos, Poria Sclerotium pararadicis and Radix Polygalae inhibited acetylcholine esterase, with the latter also capable of upregulating choline acetyltransferase. YXT and its components significantly inhibited the activities of the pro-inflammatory cyclooxygenases. Additionally, extracts of YXT and several of its constituent herbs significantly stimulated the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases and cAMP-responsive element binding protein, two molecular targets involved in learning and memory, as well as in the regulation of neurogenesis.ConclusionsSeveral constituents of YXT possess multiple regulatory effects on known therapeutic targets of AD that range from β-amyloid to acetylcholinesterase. The demonstrated neuroprotective and neurogenic actions of YXT lend credence to its use as an alternative medicine for treating AD.

Structural annotation, semi-quantification and toxicity prediction of pyrrolizidine alkaloids from functional food: In silico and molecular networking strategy.

Many traditional Chinese herbs contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), which have been reported to be toxic to livestock and humans. However, the lack of PAs standards makes it difficult to effectively conduct a risk assessment in the varied components of traditional Chinese medicine. It is necessary to propose a suitable strategy to obtain the representative occurrence data of PAs in complex systems. A comprehensive approach for annotating the structures, concentration, and mutagenicity of PAs in three Chinese herbs has been proposed in this article. First, feature-based molecular networking (FBMN) combined with network annotation propagation (NAP) on the Global Natural Products Social Molecular Networking web platform speeds up the process of annotating PAs found in Chinese herbs. Second, a semi-quantitative prediction model based on the quantitative structure and ionization intensity relationship (QSIIR) is used to forecast the amounts of PAs in complex substrates. Finally, the T.E.S.T. was used to provide predictions regarding the mutagenicity of annotated PAs. The goal of this study was to develop a strategy for combining the results of several computer models for PA screening to conduct a comprehensive analysis of PAs, which is a crucial step in risk assessment of unknown PAs in traditional Chinese herbal preparations.

Qualitative and quantitative analyses of Tripterygium hypoglaucum in Yinning Tablets, a compound traditional Chinese herbal preparation

To conduct qualitative and quantitative analyses of Tripterygium hypoglaucum in Yinning Tablets, a compound preparation of traditional Chinese herbal medicine. Thin-layer chromatography (TLC) was used for qualitative analysis of Tripterygium hypoglaucum in Yining Tablets and the analytical protocols were optimized. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to quantitatively analyze the content of triptolide (the main active ingredient of Tripterygium hypoglaucum) in Yinning Tablets. The results of TLC analysis showed that the test sample of Yinning Tablets and the positive control samples both produced clear, well separated spots without obvious interference in the blank samples. Assessment of the influences of the thin-layer plates from different manufacturers, temperature and humidity on the test results demonstrated good durability of the test. HPLC analysis of triptolide showed a good linear relationship within the concentration range of 1-100 μg/mL (regression equation: A=22.219C-19.165, r=0.9999); the contents of triptolide in 3 batches of Yinning tablets were 0.34, 0.34, and 0.28 μg per tablet, all within the range of 0.28-0.34 μg per tablet. It was finally determined that each Yinning tablet should not contain more than 0.6 μg of triptolide. TLC and HPLC are simple, accurate, durable and specific for qualitative and quantitative analyses of Tripterygium hypoglaucum in Yinning Tablets.

Efficacy of Modified Huangqi Chifeng decoction in alleviating renal fibrosis in rats with IgA nephropathy by inhibiting the TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling pathway through exosome regulation

IgA nephropathy is the most common form of primary glomerulonephritis and is a major cause of renal failure worldwide. Modified Huangqi Chifeng decoction (MHCD), a traditional Chinese herbal preparation, has clinical efficacy in reducing the 24-h urine protein levels in patients with IgA nephropathy. However, the molecular mechanism of MHCD needs further study. This study aimed to investigate the mechanisms by which MHCD treatment alleviates renal fibrosis. An IgA nephropathy rat model was established using bovine serum albumin, carbon tetrachloride, and lipopolysaccharide. The rats were divided into control, model, telmisartan, low-dose MHCD, medium-dose MHCD, and high-dose MHCD groups. Treatments were administered to these groups for 8 weeks. Subsequently, the 24-h urine protein, serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, and blood albumin levels were measured. Pathological changes and degree of fibrosis in renal tissues were observed, and levels of the transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)/Smad3 signaling pathway components in renal tissues and TGF-β1 in urinary exosomes were measured. Telmisartan and MHCD reduced 24-h urine protein levels, alleviated renal pathological injury, and decreased the renal expression of fibronectin, laminin, and collagen IV in rats with IgA nephropathy. Urinary exosomes were extracted and identified for further investigation of their role in renal fibrosis. MHCD reduced TGF-β1 expression in urinary exosomes and reduced TGF-β1 and p-Smad3 levels in renal tissues. MHCD alleviated renal fibrosis in rats with IgA nephropathy by inhibiting the TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling pathway through the downregulation of TGF-β1 expression in exosomes.

Study on Ayurvedic and Alternative Treatment for Schizophrenia

As per some past significant researches, since ancient time Ayurveda is being used for treating schizophrenia. Ayurveda provides an ability to consider the essence of the mind in a manner that is entirely new and distinct from the Western forms of Clinical and Mental Medicine. Ayurveda psychology finds mental illnesses (schizophrenia) to be energy imbalances at the inner level. In the present literature review, it is argued that Ayurveda and other alternative medicines can be used for schizophrenia treatment. They have less and short-term side effects on schizophrenia patients in comparison to antipsychotic drugs such as chlorpromazine. Firstly, I had an in-depth study on Ayurveda. Then, the effects of antipsychotics medications on schizophrenic patients were studied. Further, I synthesize researches testing the effects of Ayurvedic medication, and other alternative treatments on psychotic patients especially schizophrenia patients. The discussion was closed stating that Ayurvedic and Alternative treatments including Traditional Chinese Medication, Chinese herbs, herbal preparations, and yoga is efficacious and has short term side effects on patients. Moreover, these treatments proved to be significantly effective even when paired with antipsychotic drugs.

Qianliexin capsule exerts anti-inflammatory activity in chronic non-bacterial prostatitis and benign prostatic hyperplasia via NF-κB and inflammasome.

Qianliexin capsule (QLX) is a standardized traditional Chinese herbal preparation that has long been used to treat chronic non‐bacterial prostatitis (CNP) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). This study investigated the anti‐inflammatory activity of QLX in improving lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) associated with CNP and BPH. Rat models of CNP and BPH were induced by oestradiol or testosterone (hormonal imbalance) or chemical inflammation (carrageenan). QLX significantly relieved LUTS in CNP and BPH rat model by reducing prostate enlargement, epithelial thickness, pain response time, urine volume and bleeding time, and by improving prostatic blood flow. The expression of the pro‐inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)‐1β and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, the pro‐inflammatory transcription factor nuclear factor kappa‐light‐chain‐enhancer of activated B cells (NF‐κB), and inflammasome components (NLRP3, caspase‐1 and ASC) in CNP and BPH tissues was reduced by QLX addition. QLX treatment was followed by reduced cellular malondialdehyde and increased superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase activity, consistent with antioxidant activity. Increases in Beclin‐1 expression and the LC3II/I ratio following QLX treatment indicated that autophagy had been induced. QLX relieved LUTS in CNP and BPH rat models by inhibiting inflammation. The underlying mechanisms included inhibition of inflammasome activation, NF‐κB activation, oxidant stress and autophagy.

WGCNA reveals key gene modules regulated by the combined treatment of colon cancer with PHY906 and CPT11.

Irinotecan (CPT11) is one of the most effective drugs for treating colon cancer, but its severe side effects limit its application. Recently, a traditional Chinese herbal preparation, named PHY906, has been proved to be effective for improving therapeutic effect and reducing side effects of CPT11. The aim of the present study was to provide novel insight to understand the molecular mechanism underlying PHY906-CPT11 intervention of colon cancer. Based on the GSE25192 dataset, for different three treatments (PHY906, CPT11, and PHY906-CPT11), we screened out differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and constructed a co-expression network by weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) to identify hub genes. The key genes of the three treatments were obtained by merging the DEGs and hub genes. For the PHY906-CPT11 treatment, a total of 18 key genes including Eif4e, Prr15, Anxa2, Ddx5, Tardbp, Skint5, Prss12 and Hnrnpa3, were identified. The results of functional enrichment analysis indicated that the key genes associated with PHY906-CPT11 treatment were mainly enriched in ‘superoxide anion generation’ and ‘complement and coagulation cascades’. Finally, we validated the key genes by Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) and RT-PCR analysis, the results indicated that EIF4E, PRR15, ANXA2, HNRNPA3, NCF1, C3AR1, PFDN2, RGS10, GNG11, and TMSB4X might play an important role in the treatment of colon cancer with PHY906-CPT11. In conclusion, a total of 18 key genes were identified in the present study. These genes showed strong correlation with PHY906-CPT11 treatment in colon cancer, which may help elucidate the underlying molecular mechanism of PHY906-CPT11 treatment in colon cancer.

An effective quantitative fingerprint method for evaluating the quality consistency of Desmodium styracifolium.

An HPLC method for combined quantification of five major constituents (vicenin-1, schaftoside, isoschaftoside, vicenin-3 and isovitexin) of Desmodium styracifolium was developed to evaluate the quality consistency of this medicinal herb. The chromatographic separation was accomplished on an Agilent 5 TC-C18 column (4.6 × 250 mm, 5 μm) with gradient elution using acetonitrile and 0.1 % aqueous formic acid (v/v). The column temperature was 30 °C and the detection wavelength was 272 nm. The chromatographic data were analyzed with a novel systematic quantitative fingerprint method (SQFM). The established quantitative fingerprint method was successfully applied to simultaneously determine the levels of the major constituents, and 39 common peaks were found. The samples collected in Guangdong province had a good quality consistency, in accordance with the traditional opinion that Guangdong province is the best region for cultivation of D. styracifolium. The fingerprint-antioxidant efficacy relationship of the different samples was investigated by examining the correlation between the common peaks and the antioxidant effect. Twenty-two common peaks were positively correlated with the antioxidant effect, while the others showed a negative correlation. This quantitative fingerprint method could be considered as a suitable approach to evaluate the quality of traditional Chinese medicines and herbal preparations. The SQFM was reliable and efficient for analysis of the chromatographic data.

Screening and identification of α-glucosidase inhibitors from Shenqi Jiangtang Granule by ultrafiltration liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry.

Shenqi Jiangtang Granule, a well-known traditional Chinese herbal preparation, has been widely used for the treatment of type II diabetes mellitus. In this work, an ultrafiltration liquid chromatography with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry method was proposed for the rapid identification of bioactive ingredients from Shenqi Jiangtang Granule using α-glucosidase as an example. First, the chemical profile of this preparation was clarified, including 37 saponins, 17 flavonoids, 37 lignans, and seven other compounds. After incubation with α-glucosidase in vitro, the methanol extract with an IC50 value of 0.19mg/mL exhibited significant inhibitory activity. Then, 18 specific binding peaks were screened, and 15 peaks were identified. Among these, ten compounds were reported to have potential α-glucosidase inhibitory activity for the first time. Subsequently, the inhibitory activities of these active compounds were evaluated by ultraviolet spectrophotometry with p-nitrophenyl α-d-glucopyranoside as a substrate. As a result, gomisin J and gomisin D exhibited stronger α-glucosidase inhibitory activities than other active compounds with IC50 values of 77.69 and 133.85μM, respectively. The results demonstrated that the integrated ultrafiltration liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry method was an effective and powerful tool for the discovery of active ingredients in Shenqi Jiangtang Granule.

Quantitative fingerprinting based on the limited‐ratio quantified fingerprint method for an overall quality consistency assessment and antioxidant activity determination of Lianqiao Baidu pills using HPLC with a diode array detector combined with chemometric methods

Lianqiao Baidu pills are widely used herbal medicinal preparation that were analyzed to develop a quality consistency technique. The characteristic fingerprints of 28 batches of Lianqiao Baidu pill samples were established at five wavelengths and simultaneously assessed by using a limited-ratio quantified fingerprint method using 15 marker compounds. The principal component analysis and fingerprinting results were compared, and the qualitative classification of the samples by principal component analysis agreed with their quantitative evaluation by the limited-ratio quantified fingerprint method. Furthermore, the antioxidant activities of the samples were surveyed and determined using a 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical-scavenging approach. A relationship between the common peaks in the fingerprints and the antioxidant activities was established using a partial least squares model. The relationship can be used both to determine the antioxidant activities of the Lianqiao Baidu pill preparations in vitro and as a reference for the selection of active constituents for sample quality classification. The classification results for the samples based on principal component analysis agreed with the quantitative evaluation by the limited-ratio quantified fingerprint method, which demonstrated that the method can be applied to the holistic quality control of traditional Chinese medicine and herbal preparations.

Cordyceps sinensis: Anti-fibrotic and inflammatory effects of a cultured polysaccharide extract

It has been suggested that the traditional Chinese herbal preparation Cordyceps Sinensis (CS) may have a beneficial effect in renal disease. To satisfy increasing demand, CS derivatives have been produced by aseptic mycelia cultivation. We have demonstrated antifibrotic activity of cultured CS previously. The aim of this study was to examine bioactivity of a polysaccharide isolated from cultured CS with a complicated monosaccharide composition, mainly consisting of Gal, Glc and Man.This polysaccharide antagonised the effect of TGF-β1 in stimulating the expression of collagen in the HK2 renal cell line. This was associated with down regulation of the TGF-β receptor Alk5. In addition the polysaccharide antagonised IL-1β stimulated sICAM-1 dependent adherence of monocytes to a monolayer of HK2 cell. This was associated with increased expression of the primary receptor for hyaluronan CD44, and was abrogated by removal of the cell surface hyaluronan pericellular coat.In summary we describe both anti-fibrotic and anti-inflammatory activity in a polysaccharide isolated from cultured CS.

Rapid separation and characterization of comprehensive ingredients in Yangxinshi tablet and rat plasma by ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography–quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry

ABSTRACTUltrahigh-performance liquid chromatography–quadrupole-time of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC–Q-TOF-MS) was widely used in identification of complex ingredients in traditional Chinese herbs and herbal medicinal preparations for its excellent performance. Yangxinshi tablet, a Chinese compound herbal medicinal formula, has excellent efficacy for the clinical treatment of cardiovascular diseases, but its active ingredients are unclear. In this study, a rapid and sensitive UHPLC–Q-TOF/MS and secondary mass spectrometry (MS2) method were developed to characterize the comprehensive ingredients in Yangxinshi tablet and rat plasma after drug administration. And finally a total of 178 constituents in the Yangxinshi tablet were identified effectively, and 39 parent molecules in rat plasma were rapidly characterized by matching the Yangxinshi tablet chemical library established by ourselves. Of which, seven groups of isomers were further distinguished according to their MS2 spectra and fragmentation ions. Furthermore, 31 metabolites in the rat plasma were specified and elucidated according to their typical fragmentation ions, and their main metabolic pathways were hydration of phase I reaction and glucuronidation of phase II reaction. It is concluded that this established analysis method is rapid, specific, and practical, and these analysis results will provide help for further quality control and pharmacological study of Yangxinshi tablet.

Novel strategy for quality consistency evaluation of Chinese medicine "YIQING" tablet that combines the simultaneous quantification and screening of ten bioactive constituents.

The UV characteristics for different categories compounds in complex traditional Chinese medicines and herbal preparations usually vary. Thus, to achieve the integral analysis of multiwavelength fingerprint characteristics, we introduced a novel strategy of multiwavelength total fusion profiling. The simultaneous separation and quantification of multiple components by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode array detection was developed in an effective, accurate, and reliable way. Furthermore, a 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH) scavenging assay was set up to detect and screen the bioactivity of similar-structure constituents (aloe-emodin, rhein, emodin, chrysophanol, baicalein, wogonin, baicalin, wogonoside, berberine hydrochloride, and jatrorrhizine hydrochloride). Moreover, the high-performance liquid chromatography DPPH assay was developed to monitor the relationship between the biological activity and the spatial structure, the number of hydroxyl groups, the concentration of the analytes in samples. The result of qualitative classification for 15 batches of "YIQING" tablets using principle component analysis was consistent with the quantitative fingerprint assessment using the average linear quantitative fingerprint method. Therefore, chemometrics, multiwavelength total fusion profiling in conjunction with average linear quantitative fingerprint method and antioxidant activity can control the quality of traditional Chinese medicines/herbal preparations comprehensively and practically.

Application of direct analysis in real time-orbitrap mass spectrometry combined with multivariate data analysis for rapid quality assessment of Yuanhu Zhitong Tablet

Direct analysis in real time (DART)-orbitrap mass spectrometry (MS) combined with multivariate data analysis was applied to perform quality control for Yuanhu Zhitong Tablet (YZT). The ionization gas temperature of DART and extraction solvent were optimized to obtain high-quality MS spectra. Based on DART-MS data, the quantification of tetrahydropalmatine was conducted. Moreover, principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) were utilized to investigate the differences of samples from five manufactories. The samples were classified into three groups, although the content of tetrahydropalmatine as a commonly used analytical marker showed no significant differences among the samples. Eleven ions were selected as analytical markers via multivariate and univariate data analysis, and the intensities of these ions in different samples were investigated. The results demonstrated the complementary function of these ions to conventional quality control component tetrahydropalmatine. This study exhibited the promising potential of DART-MS in quality control of YHZ and could provide us a new option in the rapid quality assessment of traditional Chinese herbal medicine (TCHM) and traditional Chinese medicine preparation (TCMP).

Holistic evaluation of San-Huang Tablets using a combination of multi-wavelength quantitative fingerprinting and radical-scavenging assays

The present study was designed to establish a multi-wavelength quantitative fingerprinting method for San-Huang Tablets (SHT), a widely used and commercially available herbal preparation, where high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with a diode array detector (DAD) was employed to obtain the fingerprint profiles. A simple linear quantitative fingerprint method (SLQFM) coupled with multi-ingredient simultaneous determination was developed to evaluate the quality consistency of the tested samples qualitatively and quantitatively. Additionally, the component–activity relationship between chromatographic fingerprints and total radical-scavenging capacity in vitro (as assessed using the 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay) was investigated by partial least squares regression (PLSR) analysis to predict the antioxidant capacity of new samples from the chromatographic fingerprints and identify the main active constituents that can be used as the target markers for the quality control of SHT. In conclusion, the strategy developed in the present study was effective and reliable, which can be employed for holistic evaluation and accurate discrimination for the quality consistency of SHT preparations and other traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and herbal preparations as well.

Quantitative analysis combined with chromatographic fingerprint and antioxidant activities for the comprehensive evaluation of Compound Danshen Tablets

The composition of traditional Chinese medicine is extremely complex, so it is difficult to ensure quality consistency. We took Compound Danshen Tablets as the object of the study, by using high-performance liquid chromatography to establish multiwavelength fusion fingerprints. Characteristic fingerprints of 30 batches of samples were generated at four wavelengths and evaluated by systematic quantified fingerprint method. An on-line antioxidant determination method was used for the determination of the antioxidant components in Compound Danshen Tablets. The fingerprint analysis of the marker compounds can reflect the content of the marker compounds, which were determined by using the external standard method. This study elucidated that multiwavelength fusion fingerprint profiles and multiple markers compound analysis in conjunction with the assay of antioxidant activity offered a reliable and efficient approach to quantitatively evaluate the quality consistency of the traditional Chinese medicine and herbal preparations.

Monitoring the Consistency Quality and Antioxidant Activity of Da Hong Pao Teas by HPLC Fingerprinting.

In the present study, a high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method was developed and validated for fingerprint profiling to evaluate the quality consistency of the Da Hong Pao tea. The chromatographic separation was performed on a USA Waters C18 column (4.6 mm × 250 mm, 5 μm, Waters-XBridge Shield RP 18) with gradient elution. The column temperature was maintained at 30°C and the detection wavelength was set at 278 nm. The results demonstrated that the developed HPLC method achieved the desired linearity, precision, accuracy and limit of quantification. The fingerprints were developed and evaluated qualitatively using the ratio quantitative fingerprint method. The fingerprint analysis of the reference standards (caffeine, catechin, epicatechin, epigallocatechin, epicatechingallate, Epigallocatechingallate, theaflavin, theaflavin-3-gallate, theaflavin-3'-gallate and theaflavin-3, 3'-gallate) was found to reflect the content of the reference standards in the tea samples. Furthermore, the fingerprint-efficacy relationship among the components as well as the antioxidant activity in vitro were investigated. The selected samples showed good antioxidant activity based on the results. Our study demonstrated that the method of HPLC fingerprint profiling combine the antioxidant activity assay offering a reliable and efficient approach to quantitatively evaluate the quality consistency of the traditional Chinese medicine and other herbal preparations.

Levo-tetrahydropalmatine inhibits the acquisition of ketamine-induced conditioned place preference by regulating the expression of ERK and CREB phosphorylation in rats

Levo-tetrahydropalmatine (l-THP) is an alkaloid purified from the Chinese herbs Corydalis and Stephania and has been used in many traditional Chinese herbal preparations for its sedative, analgesic and hypnotic properties. Previous studies demonstrated that l-THP has antagonistic activity on dopamine receptors; thus, it may have potential therapeutic effects on drug abuse. However, whether l-THP affects ketamine-induced conditioned place preference (CPP) remains unclear. Therefore, the present study was designed to evaluate the effects of l-THP on the rewarding behavior of ketamine through CPP. Results revealed that ketamine (5, 10 and 15mg/kg) induced CPP in rats. Furthermore, Ketamine (10mg/kg) promoted the phosphorylation of extracellular-regulated kinase (ERK) and cAMP responsive element binding protein (CREB) in the hippocampus (Hip) and caudate putamen (CPu), but not in the prefrontal cortex (PFc). l-THP (20mg/kg) co-administered with ketamine during conditioning inhibited the acquisition of ketamine-induced CPP in rats. Furthermore, l-THP (20mg/kg) prevented the enhanced phosphorylation of ERK and CREB in CPu and Hip. These results suggest that l-THP has potential therapeutic effects on ketamine-induced CPP. The underlying molecular mechanism may be related to its inhibitory effect on ERK and CREB phosphorylation in Hip and CPu. The present data supports the potential use of l-THP for the treatment of ketamine addiction.