Chemical fingerprint analysis and quality assessment of Tibetan medicine Triphala from different origins by high-performance liquid chromatography.

INTRODUCTION: Although the Tibetan medicine Triphala (THL) is widely used in many countries, insufficient progress has been made in quality control. OBJECTIVES: The present study aimed to propose a methodology for quality control of THL based on HPLC fingerprinting combined with an orthogonal array design. METHODS: Seven identified peaks were used as indicators to examine the effects of temperature, extraction time, and solid-liquid ratio on the dissolution of active ingredients in THL. Fingerprint analysis was performed on 20 batches of THL from four geographical areas (China, Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam). For further chemometric assessment, analysis techniques including similarity analysis, hierarchical clustering analysis, principal component analysis, and orthogonal partial least squares discrimination analysis (OPLS-DA) were used to classify the 20 batches of samples. RESULTS: Fingerprints were established and 19 common peaks were identified. The similarity of 20 batches of THL was more than 0.9 and the batches were divided into two clusters. Four differential components of THL were identified based on OPLS-DA, including chebulinic acid, chebulagic acid, and corilagin. The optimal extraction conditions were an extraction time of 30 min, a temperature of 90°C, and a solid-liquid ratio of 30 mL/g. CONCLUSION: HPLC fingerprinting combined with an orthogonal array design could be used for comprehensive evaluation and quality assessment of THL, providing a theoretical basis for further development and utilization of THL.

[Partial laryngectomy for ninety-eight patients with glottic carcinoma of the larynx].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the therapeutic results after various kinds of partial laryngectomy for patients with glottic carcinoma of the larynx. METHODS: From January 1980 to Mar 2004, 98 patients with glottic carcinoma of the larynx were treated by various kinds of partial laryngectomy. The types of operation varied according to stage of the lesion: vertical or frontovertical partial laryngectomy for T1b, T2 and T1a with invasion of anterior commissura, Tuker's operation or supracricoid partial laryngectomy for T1b, T2 or those with invasion of over half of contralateral cord, and extended vertical partial laryngectomy with resection of arytenoids for T3, or with invasion of ipsilateral arytenoids cartilage without involving postcricoid mucosa or posterior commissura. Totally, vertical partial laryngectomy was carried out for 76 patients, extended vertical partial laryngectomy for 7, supracricoid partial laryngectomy for 3 and Tucker's operation for 12. One stage unilateral neck dissection was performed in 5 patients and postoperative radio-therapy was supplemented to 5 (dose 60 Gy). For laryngeal function restoration, pectoro-hyomyo-flap and cricohyoidoepi glotopexy procedures were also performed for some patients. The clinical data of these patients were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: The 3- and 5-year survival rate was 86.5% (64/74) and 81.7% (49/60), respectively. The total decannulation rate was 94.9% (93/98), though fifteen patients had had symptoms of aspiration. Swallowing function of all patients recovered to the normal level. The phonation of all patients was restored to various degrees and they were able to communicate socially. CONCLUSION: The 3- and 5-year survival rates of partial laryngectomy for patients with glottic carcinoma of the larynx are comparable to the results achieved by total laryngectomy, but the quality of life of the patents much better. Complete resection of the tumor and simultaneous preservation of respiratory and vocal function whenever possible by partial laryngectomy is very important for improving patients' life quality. With a suitable size and good blood supply, the sternohyoid muscle flap of unipedical and half-thickness instead of whole thickness is ideal in the reconstruction of laryngeal defect after vertical partial laryngectomy.