Optimization of the extraction conditions and quantification by RP-LC analysis of three alkaloids in Zanthoxylum nitidum roots.

CONTEXT: A classic traditional Chinese medicine, Zanthoxylum nitidum (Roxb.) DC. widely used in China, exhibits anticancer, anti-inflammatory and antianalgesic activities. Alkaloids are one of the main bioactive components. It is urgent to develop a simple and reliable method to determine the main alkaloids in Z. nitidum roots. OBJECTIVE: To determine the three alkaloids in Z. nitidum roots, a reversed-phase liquid chromatographic (RP-LC) method combined with an optimum extraction condition was established. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A method involving four-factor-three-level orthogonal array design including the extracting solvent and the RP-LC condition was assayed. Twenty batches were collected from different areas of the Guangxi Province at different harvesting times. The determined alkaloids were nitidine chloride (NC, 1), ethoxychelerythrine (2) and liriodenine (3). The stable mobile phase was a C18 packing, and the mobile phase was acetonitril-aqueous phosphoric acid-triethylamine-buffer solution. RESULTS: The optimum extraction and detection conditions have been determined in the process of quantification of Z. nitidum root alkaloids. The three alkaloids were detected simultaneously in the 20 batches of samples. The results clearly showed that alkaloid concentrations differed significantly among Z. nitidum collected from various collection areas. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: We have established an optimum extraction and detection conditions in the process of quantification the three alkaloids in Z. nitidum roots. From this research, the most influenced factor on Z. nitidum roots was the collecting location, and the next factor was the harvesting time. The collecting location and the harvesting time should be considered as the high-quality medicinal herbs factors.

[Study on chromatography-efficacy relation of Zanthoxylum nitidum on gastric cancer cells].

OBJECTIVE: To develop a method for elucidating " chromatography-efficacy" relation of the extract of Zanthoxylum nitidum on the gastric cancer cells. METHOD: After obtaining the tumor inhibition rate and fingerprint peak data through MTT and HPLC, "chromatography-efficacy" relation was established by an appropriate statistical method. RESULT: The gastric cancer "chromatography-efficacy" relation of Z. nitidum was established by step-back technique. CONCLUSION: The "chromatography-efficacy" relation has statistically significant and practical significance, so it has reference value in some way.

[Characteristic chromatographic profile of Zanthoxylum niridum].

OBJECTIVE: To establish the characteristic fingerprint of Zanthoxylum nitidum by HPLC, and to provide a reference for the quality control of Z. nitidum in the market. METHOD: The established HPLC characteristic fingerprint of Z. nitidum, combined with similarity evaluation and system clustering analysis method, were applied to distinguish 25 batches of samples purchased from market preliminarily, to identify the authenticity and quality of Z. nitidum ingredients. RESULT: In the 25 batches of samples purchased from market, only 8 batches were identified as genuine with good quality, 7 batches were identified as defective, 7 batches were identified as common counterfeit Toddalia asiatica, and 3 batches were identified as counterfeit. CONCLUSION: This method is accurate, convenient and reliable. It can be used for identification and quality control of Z. nitidum ingredients.

[Study on the optimal extracion craft of Xiaochuang gel by central composite design-response surface methodology].

OBJECTIVE: To optimize the extraction craft of Xiaochuang gel by central composite design-response surface methodology. METHODS: The main influential factors of extraction effect included the quantity of ethanol, the concentration of ethanol and the extraction time. The conditions of the extraction were evaluated by the yield of the extracts and the total content of rheum emodin and chrysophanol. The optimal extraction craft of Xiaochuang gel was chosen by central composite design-response surface methodology. RESULTS: The optimal conditions were extracting two times, two hours each time with ten volume multiples of 60% ethanol. CONCLUSIONS: It is simple, convenient and highly predictive to optimize the extraction craft of Xiaochuang gel by central composite design-response surface methodology.