[Slicing specifications in general rule of processing in Chinese Pharmacopoeia from slicing development of Chinese materia medica processed product and thinking and suggestion on slicing techniques].

Slicing is critical in the processing of Chinese materia medica(CMM) processed product and the specification(thickness) is closely related to the quality of the decoction. On the basis of clarifying the concept and evolution of slicing of CMM processed product by reviewing the Chinese herbal classics of the past dynasties and general rules of local processing standards, this study discussed the development history of slicing specifications in general rules of Chinese Pharmacopoeia(2020 edition), analyzed the current situation and key problems, and proposed the thinking and suggestion on promoting the sound development of slicing of CMM processed product. Since 2000, the slicing thickness of CMM processed product in the general rules of local CMM processed product processing specifications newly revised and issued by 27 provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities has been consistent with that in the general rules of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia(2020 edition). The standard that the thickness of extremely thin pieces is less than 0.5 mm is rarely retained, and the pieces in 0.5-1 mm thickness have not been found on the market, which is consistent with the provisions of the general rules of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia. This study can provide a historical and modern basis for the rationality of slicing of CMM processed product.

[Comparison of 12 constituents of Astragali Radix directionally processed with organic acid by UPLC-MS].

To establish an UPLC-MS method for the simultaneous content determination of 4 saponins and 8 flavonoids, in order to analyze the effect of Astragali Radix directionally processed with organic acid on the content of glycosides and aglycones. The separation was carried out on ACQUITY UPLC HSS T_3(2.1 mm×100 mm, 1.8 µm), the mobile phase was eluted with the mixture of 0.1 mol·L~(-1) formic acid water solution and 0.1 mol·L~(-1) formic acid acetonitril in a gradient mode. The detection wavelength was 260 nm, the flow rate was 0.5 mL·min~(-1), the column temperature was 30 ℃, and the injection volume was 2 µL. Mass spectrometry analysis was performed with an electrospray ionization(ESI) source in a positive ion mode. The 12 constituents showed good linear relations within their own ranges(R~2≥0.999 2),with good average recoveries. The results showed no significant change in saponins but both qualitative and quantitative changes in flavonoids after directional processing of Astragali Radix with organic acid. The established method can provide methodological reference for analyzing the effect of Astragali Radix directionally processed with organic acid on glycosides and aglycones.

Endothelium corneum gigeriae galli extract inhibits calcium oxalate formation and exerts anti-urolithic effects.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Traditional Chinese Medicine is preferred because of its safety and minimal/reduced side effects. Endothelium Corneum Gigeriae Galli (ECGG) extract, a traditional Chinese drug consisting of the dried gizzard membrane of Gallus gallus domesticus Brisson, was assessed for its effects and mechanism on urolithiasis. AIMS OF STUDY: To evaluate the effects of ECGG extract on calcium oxalate (CaOx) crystal formation in vitro, and assess the anti-urolithic effects of ECGG extract in vivo and explore the underlying mechanism. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In vitro, CaOx crystals were treated with ECGG extract (0.05, 0.2, and 0.8 g/mL), and assessed by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray powder diffraction and electrical conductivity. Then, a rat model of renal calculi was established by ethylene glycol and ammonium chloride treatment, and ECGG extract (5.0, 10.0 and 20.0 g/kg) was administered orally. After treatment, urine, serum and kidney bioindicators were analyzed, as well as kidney's pathological features. RESULTS: In the presence of ECGG extract, calcium oxalate dihydrate (COD) crystals with typical tetragonal bipyramidal morphology were obtained; meanwhile, the formation of calcium oxalate monohydrate (COM), a major urinary stone component, was inhibited; in addition, the equilibration time of the chemical reaction of Ca2+ and C2O42- ions was delayed in a concentration dependent manner. ECGG extract actually showed anti-urolithic effects; the incidence rates of crystal formation in the kidney in the model, low, middle and high dose groups were 100%, 90%, 70% and 60%, respectively, with a dose-dependent alleviation of kidney stone amounts and kidney damage. Treatment with middle and high ECGG extract doses significantly decreased urine uric acid and oxalic acid amounts, serum creatinine, urea nitrogen and uric acid contents, and kidney tissue oxalic acid and calcium levels, while increasing kidney and urinary magnesium and superoxide dismutase levels (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: ECGG extract has outstanding anti-urolithic effects, potentially with included bioorganic molecules inducing COD crystal nucleation and growth. Therefore, ECGG extract is a promising drug for preventing and treating urolithiasis.

Metabolomics analysis and rapid identification of changes in chemical ingredients in crude and processed Astragali Radix by UPLC-QTOF-MS combined with novel informatics UNIFI platform.

Astragali Radix, the root of Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bge. var. mongholicus (Bge.) Hsiao or Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bge., is widely used as a tonic decoction pieces in the clinic of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Astragali Radix has various processed products with varying pharmacological actions. There is no modern scientific evidence to explain the differences in pharmacological activities and related mechanisms. In the present study, we explore the changes in chemical components in Astragali Radix after processing, by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-QTOF-MS) combined with novel informatics UNIFI platform and multivariate statistical analysis. Our results showed that the crude and various processed products could be clearly separated in PCA scores plot and 15 significant markers could be used to distinguish crude and various processed products by OPLS-DA in UNIFI platform. In conclusion, the present study provided a basis of chemical components for revealing connotation of different processing techniques on Astragali Radix.

[Determination of four coumarin constituents before and after Angelicae Dahuricae Radix stewed with yellow rice wine and research on its mutual transformation mechanism].

To determine the contents of oxypeucedanin, oxypeucedanin hydrate, byakangelicol and byak-angelicin both before and after Angelicae Dahuricae Radix was stewed with yellow rice wine by high-performance liquid chromatography, and study the mutual transformation mechanisms of oxypeucedanin into oxypeucedanin hydrate, as well as byakangelicol into byak-angelicin. The research results indicated that the contents of oxypeucedanin and byakangelicol were decreased, but the contents of oxypeucedanin hydrate and byak-angelicin were increased after Angelicae Dahuricae Radix was processed with yellow rice wine. The contents' changes of these chemical compounds were due to the ring opening reaction of epoxy compounds, such as oxypeucedanin and byakangelicol under the weak acidity and heating conditions of yellow rice wine. This research could provide a scientific basis for the processing mechanism of Angelicae Dahuricae Radix with yellow rice wine stewing.

[Investigation of potential toxic factors for fleece-flower root： from perspective of processing methods evolution].

In recent years, the rapid growth of reports on fleece-flower root-caused liver damages has drawn wide attention of both at home and abroad, however, there were rare literature on toxicology of fleece-flower root in ancient Chinese medicine. But why there are so many reports on toxicology of fleece-flower root now compared with the ancient literature? As a typical tonic medicine, the clinical utility of fleece-flower root was largely limited by its standardization and reliability of processing methods in ancient Chinese medicine. The ancient processing methods of fleece-flower root emphasized nine times of steaming and nine times of drying, while the modern processes have been simplified into one time of steaming. Whether the differences between ancient and modern processing methods are the potential cause of the increased events of fleece-flower root-caused liver damages. We will make deep analysis and provide new clues and perspectives for the research on its toxicity. This article, therefore, would discuss the affecting factors and key problems in toxicity attenuation of fleece-flower root on the basis of sorting out the processing methods of fleece-flower root in ancient medical books and modern standards, in order to provide the reference for establishing specification for toxicity attenuation of fleece-flower root.

[Comparison of anti-inflammatory activity between crude Atractylodes lancea and their processed products by stir-baking with bran in rat models of gastric ulcer].

To compare the anti-inflammatory activity of the crude Atractylodes lancea (AL) and AL processed products by stir-baking with bran in rat models of gastric ulcer, and preliminarily explore the anti-ulcer mechanisms of AL, the model of gastric ulcer was imitated by local acetic acid injection into gastric mucosa in rats by surgery according to the modified Okabe method. All rats were randomly divided into the following 10 groups： sham-operation group, model group, omeprazole group, Sanjiu Weitai granule group, crude AL low dose group, crude AL middle dose group, crude AL high dose group, processed AL low dose group, processed AL middle dose group, and processed AL high dose group. Rats were administered via intragastric (ig) two times each day, for 10 consecutive days. Blood was collected from the abdominal aorta, serum was separated, and the ulcer tissues were taken. The levels of inflammatory factors interleukin 6, 8 (IL-6, 8), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in serum and gastric tissues were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and the mRNA expressions of TNF-α and IL-8 in gastric tissues were detected by quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The protein expressions of TNF-α and IL-8 in gastric tissues were detected by immunohistochemistry. Compared with sham-operation group, the levels of TNF-α, IL-8, IL-6, PGE2 as well as the mRNA expressions and protein expressions of TNF-α, IL-8 in gastric tissues were significantly higher in model group. The above levels were reduced in different degrees in all treatment groups. Compared with the crude AL, same dose of processed AL was more effective in decreasing the levels of TNF-α, IL-8, IL-6, PGE2 in serum and gastric tissues and down-regulating the mRNA expressions of TNF-α and IL-8 in gastric tissues, with significant difference in middle dose groups and high dose groups. The results showed that AL had potent anti-inflammatory effects in rat models of gastric ulcer induced by acetic acid, and the processed AL had more obvious effect. The anti-ulcer action of AL could be attributed partly to down-regulating the levels of TNF-α, IL-8, IL-6 and PGE2.

[Comparasion of Antis Egg-case Before and After Preparing in Reproducing Kidney-Yang Deficiency Model Rats].

Ojective: To compare the effects of antis egg-case before and after preparing in reproducing kidney-Yang deficiency model rats,and to explore the best medicinal part of antis egg-case. Methods: Divide the rats into nine groups randomly: antis egg-case group, salt fried antis egg-case group, steamed antis egg-case group, eggs from antis egg-case group, eggs from salt fried antis egg-case group, eggs from steamed antis egg-case group, egg shell from antis egg-case group, egg shell from salt fried antis egg-case group, and egg shell from the steamed antis egg-case group. Make kidney-Yang deficient model by giving the rats hydrocortisone. Two weeks later, give the rats treatment for four weeks, compare the effects of antis egg-case by determining the contents of NO,TSH,T3,T4,EPI,NE,17-OH,CORT,T,E2,coefficient of thyroid, body temperature, coefficient of adrenal and kidney, weight and water intake. Results: Antis egg-case before and after preparing increased the contents of T3,T4,EPI,NE and T, increased weight, body temperature, coefficient of thyroid and adrenal, but reduced the contents of NO and E2,the coefficient of kidney and water intake were also decreased. Conclusion: The medicinal materials came from different medicinal parts of antis egg-case before and after preparing can treat the symptoms of kidney-Yang in different degrees. The effects of antis egg-case to treat kidney-Yang deficient has been strengthened after preparing, salt fried antis egg-case and eggs from salt fried antis egg-case played the more important role.

[Study on Variation of Gastroprotective Effect of Atractylodes lancea Rhizome Before and After Processing].

Objective: To compare the gastroprotective effect between the crude and bran-processed Atractylodes lancea rhizome in the rat model of gastric ulcer. Methods: The model of gastric ulcer was imitated by acetic acid in rats. The levels of epidermal growth factor( EGF) and trefoil factor 2( TFF2) in serum and stomach were determined by the double-antibody sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay( ELISA),and the mRNA expressions of EGF and TFF2 in stomach were analyzed by quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction( RT-PCR). The protein expressions of EGF and TFF2 in stomach were examined by immunohistochemistry. Results: The productions of EGF,TFF2 and the mRNA expressions of EGF and TFF2 were notably up-regulated by both crude Atractylodes lancea rhizome and bran-processed Atractylodes lancea rhizome. Compared with the crude Atractylodes lancea rhizome,the processed Atractylodes lancea rhizome was more effective. Conclusion: The gastroprotective effect of Atractylodes lancea rhizome was enhanced after stir-frying with wheat bran in the rat model of gastric ulcer induced by acetic acid.

[Study on protective effect of Sijunzi decoction (red/white ginseng) on H2O2-induced H9c2 cardiomyocytes apoptosis].

In this study, efforts were made to screen out the drug concentration of Sijunzi decoction (red ginseng) for in vitro intervention of H9c2 cardiomyocytes, select high, medium and low groups for subsequent experiments, establish the H2O2-induced myocardial cell apoptosis to investigate the protective effect of Sijunzi decoction (white/red ginseng), provide reference ginseng ingredients in Sijunzi decoction used to treat ischemic heart disease and reflect its curative effect, and observe its impacts on SOD, MAD, LDH and other indexes to preliminarily define the action mechanism. According to the results, red ginseng in Sijunzi decoction showed a better protective effect on H2O2-induced myocardial cell injury than that of white ginseng. Both of them could enhance SOD activity and reduce MDA production and LDH release, so as to significantly reduce the amount of apoptotic myocardial cells and play protective role.

[Determination of Five Active Components in Morinda officinalis from Different Habitats by HPLC].

OBJECTIVE: To establish a sensitive and specific high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method for simultaneous determination of alizarin anthraquinones (1-methoxy-2-hydroxy anthraquinone,1,2-dimethoxy-3-hydroxy anthraquinone, rubiadin-1- methylether, 1,3-dihydroxy-2-methoxy anthraquinone, rubiadin) in Morinda officinalis from different habitats. METHODS: The analysis was carried out on an Ecosil C18 column (250 mm x 4.6 mm, 5 µm) and detected with an UV detector at the wavelength of 277 nm. Gradient elution was carried out with acetonitrile-0.2% phosphoric acid at the flow rate of 0. 8 mL/min. The column temperature was set at 30 °C. RESULTS: The calibration curves were linear in the range of 0.2856-34.27 g/mL for 1-methoxy-2-hydroxy anthraquinone (r = 0.9999), 0.3268-39.22 g/mL for 1,2-dimethoxy-3-hydroxy anthraquinone (r = 0.9999), 0.3450-41.40 µg/mL for rubiadin-1- methylether (r = 0.9999), 0.1248-14. 98 µg/mL for 1,3-dihydroxy-2-methoxy anthraquinone (r = 0.9999) and 0.0508-6.096 µg/ mL for rubiadin (r = 0.9994), respectively. The average recoveries of the five components were 99.4%, 100.2%, 101.4%, 97.2%, 103.2%, respectively. The content of active components of samples from 10 different hatitats were in the range of 0.0025-0.0722 mg/ g, 0.0016-0.0658 mg/g, 0.0022-0.0684 mg/g, 0.0182-0.3965 mg/g and 0. 0014-0.0179 mg/g. CONCLUSION: The established method is accurate, reliable, and can be used for the simultaneous determination of the five components in Morinda officinalis, which provides a scientific basis for the quality evaluation of Morinda officinalis.

[Effects of Processing on Phellodendri Chinensis Cortex Based on Material and Energy Metabolism].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the pharmacodynamic indicators of Phellodendri Chinensis Cortex with its processed products, in order to study the processing mechanism. METHODS: The effects of raw Phellodendri Chinensis Cortex and its processed products on 17 kinds of indicators in rats were compared, such as the biological characteristics (weight and rectal temperature), material metabolism (lactic acid, acetone acid and triglyceride), energy metabolism (Na+ - K+ -ATPase, Ca2+ -Mg2+ -ATPase, LDH, SDH and liver glyco- gen), thyroid function axis (T3, T4, TSH and TRH), cyclic nucleotide ( cAMP, cGMP and cAMP/cGMP value). RESULTS: Phellodendri Chinensis Cortex and its salt processing product changed the indicators including weight, rectal temperature, material metabolism, energy metabolism, thyroid function shaft and cyclic nucleotide in rats. The effect of salt processing product was better than that of the raw one, but wine processing product had little effects. CONCLUSION: The "cold" influence of Philodendri Chinensis Cortex is enhanced after pro- cessing with salt,but induced after processing with wine.

[Effect of Different Processed Products and Extracts of Morinda officinalis Root on Adjuvant-Induced Arthritis in Rats].

OBJECTIVE: To study the therapeutic effects of different processed products and extracts of Morinda officinalis root in rat adjuvant-induced arthritis (AA) model, and to explore the possible mechanism. METHODS: AA model in SD rats was established, then the arthritic rats were randomly divided into seven groups such as model, Tripterygium Glycosides Tablet (TGT), morinda with xylem, morinda, salt-steamed morinda, licorice-processed morinda, morinda EtOAc extract, morinda n-BuOH extract, H2O residue, total polysaccharides and control groups. The paw edema and arthritis indexes were observed, and the contents of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), IL-6, IL-2 and INF-γ in AA rats serum were detected by ELISA. RESULTS: Morinda processed by salt and n-BuOH extract could reduce paw swelling and levels of TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-6 and INF-γ in AA rats serum, which followed by morinda EtOAc extract. The differences were significant compared with the model group (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Salt-steamed morinda and morinda n-BuOH extract have the best curative effect, followed by morinda EtOAc extract. Reducing TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-6 and INF-γ contents in serum may be the mechanism of drug treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

[Application of Cocktail Probe Drugs for Detecting Influences of Raw and Processed Phellodendri Cortex on Cytochrome P450 Isoforms].

OBJECTIVE: To research and compare the influences of raw and processed Phellodendri Cortex on the cytochrome P450 four isoforms by Cocktail probe drugs, and to explore the processing principle of Phellodendri Cortex. METHODS: SD rats were randomly divided into raw group,processed with rice-wine group, processed with salt-water group and blank control group, which were given raw decoction, processed with rice-wine decoction, processed with salt-water decoction (3.24 g/kg) and normal saline respectively for one week, then given the mixture of four probe drugs on the 8th day, and soon after the blood samples were obtained through the orbits at a series of time-points. HPLC method was used to determine the concentrations of probe drugs in rat plasma, and pharmacokinetic parameters were estimated by DAS3.0. The effect of raw and processed Phellodendri Cortex on cytochrome P450 were judged indirectly by the pharmacokinetic parameters. RESULTS: Compared with the blank control group, the t½ significantly increased of theophylline in raw and processed with salt-water group. The CL/F significantly decreased and AUC(0-t) AUC(0-∞). significantly increased of theophylline in raw and processed with rice-wine groups. The t(½) AUC(0-∞) and AUC(0-∞) significantly decreased and CL/F significantly increased of dapsone in raw, processed with rice-wine and processed with salt-water group. The AUC(0-t) significantly increased of chlorzoxazone in raw and processed with salt-water group. The t(½), AUC(0-∞). and AUC(0-t) significantly decreased and CL/F significantly increased of chlorzoxazone in processed with rice-wine group. The AUC(0-t), significantly decreased of tolbutamide in raw, processed with rice-wine and processed with salt-water groups. CONCLUSION: The raw Phellodendri Cortex can inhibit CYP1A2, induce CYP3 A4 and also is need to make a further research work on CYP2C9 and CYP2E1. Meanwhile, it also can change the activities of cytochrome P450 after processed with rice-wine and salt-water. The Phellodendri Cortex processed with rice-wine can reduce the inhibitory effect of CYP1A2 and enhance induction of CYP3A4, it provides reference and basis to make an interpretation about Phellodendri Cortex processed with rice-wine.

Comparison of the anti-ulcer activity between the crude and bran-processed Atractylodes lancea in the rat model of gastric ulcer induced by acetic acid.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: The rhizome of Atractylodes lancea (AL, Compositae, Chinese name: Cangzhu; Japanese name: Sou-ju-tsu) has been used traditionally for the treatment of various diseases such as digestive disorders, rheumatic diseases, and influenza in China, Korea and Japan. The crude AL and AL bran-processed are both listed in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia. However, the differences between the effects of the crude and AL bran-processed on gastric ulcer were poorly understood, and the mechanisms for the treatment of gastric ulcer were not clear. This study aimed at comparing the anti-ulcer effects between the crude AL and AL processed in acetic acid induced model in rats and evaluating the mechanisms of action involved in the anti-ulcer properties of AL. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The model of gastric ulcer was imitated by acetic acid in rats, and AL was gavaged. The serum and gastric tissues were collected. The levels of epidermal growth factor (EGF), trefoil factor2 (TFF2), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin 6, 8 (IL-6, 8) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in serum and gastric tissues were determined by the double-antibody sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and the mRNA expressions of EGF, TFF2, TNF-α, and IL-8 in stomach were analyzed by quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Meanwhile, histopathological changes were evaluated by hematoxylin and eosin (HE) stain. The protein expressions of EGF, TFF2, TNF-α, and IL-8 were examined by immunohistochemistry in stomach. RESULTS: The results demonstrated that the damage of gastric tissue was obviously alleviated and the productions of TNF-α, IL-8, IL-6, and PGE2 and the mRNA expressions of TNF-α, and IL-8 were notably inhibited. Furthermore, the productions of EGF and TFF2 and the mRNA expressions of EGF and TFF2 were significantly stimulated by both crude AL and AL processed in a dose-dependent manner. Compared with the crude AL, the processed AL was more effective. CONCLUSION: The AL processed had more satisfactory effects in treatment of gastric-ulcer than the crude AL. The anti-ulcer effects of AL could be attributed to the anti-inflammatory properties via down-regulating TNF-α, IL-8, IL-6 and PGE2 and to the gastroprotective effects via up-regulating EGF and TFF2.

[Metabolomics analysis revealing multiple compounds changed in rhubarb after processing].

Untargeted metabolomics analysis of rhubarb and stewed rhubarb samples shows that the determined samples clearly clustered in to two groups, indicating that the processing procedures caused changes in the composition and/or content of components in rhubarb. Ten components were identified by UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS and references, which intensity declined in rhubarb after processing. Targeted metabolomics analysis of rhubarb and stewed rhubarb samples indicated that aloe-emodin, rhein, emodin and physcion were detected with lower intensity in stewed rhubarb samples than in rhubarb samples. Metabolomics analysis of rhubarb and stewed rhubarb indicated the various components of rhubarb changed after processing.

[Determination of amino acids in Galli Gigerii endothelium corneum by HPLC with pre-column derivatization].

Hydrolytic amino acids were extracted by acid hydrolysis method, then derivatized with phenyl isothiocyanate (PITC). And the samples were analysed by HPLC on an Ultimate Prime C18 (4.6 mm x 250 mm, 5 microm) column with gradient elution of 0.1 mol x L(-1) sodium acetate buffer solution (adjusted to pH 6. 5)-acetonitrile (93:7) (A) and acetonitrile-water (8:2) (B) at a flow rate of 1.0 mL x min(-1). Column temperature was 40 degrees C and the detected wavelength was 254 nm. Amino acids derivative solution remained stable in 36 hours. The response was linear for 16 amino acids with a correlation coefficient r > 0.999 5. The average recoveries were 98.01% -101.8%. The method is reliable with good accuracy and repeatability, which is useful for the determination of amino acids in Galli Gigerii Endothelium Corneum.

[Study on decoction's effect of different processed rhizomes of Cibotium barometz on retinoic acid induced male rats osteoporosis].

This study compared the decoction's HPLC figures of the different processed rhizomes of Cibotium barometz including the raw, the sand-baked, the wined, the steamed and the salted, on the basis of which, with the sand-baked Drynaria fortunei decoction as the positive control group, comparingall groups' decoction, concentration of which was 104.2 g x L(-1), for 4 weeks, by their effects (s-TRAP and total scores of OPG, Ca, P, IL-6, TNF-alpha and IL-1) on retinoic acid induced male rats osteoporosis. The experiment results showed the sand-baked and the wined were better than the steamed, the salted and the raw;in the processing methods' selection, the sand-baked was a better heating method than the steamed and the rice wine was the better excipient than the salt. It provided a reference to explain the processing principle of rhizomes of C. barometz and work mechanism of anti-osteoporosis.

Metabolomic study of raw and processed Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz by LC-MS.

Bai-Zhu, the dried rhizome of Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz (AMK), is widely used as a tonic herbal in eastern Asia. It is commonly used as prepared slices in clinic by stir-frying with wheat bran (processed AMK). In the theories of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), Bai-Zhu possesses significantly different therapeutic effects before and after processing. However, the molecular mechanics of this processing is still unknown. In this paper, the strategy of metabolomics was employed to investigate the changes of chemical constituents in Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz after processing. Meanwhile, the cell activity test variation of processed and unprocessed medicine was used to interpret the processing mechanism of AMK. Using ultra-performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-QTOF/MS) with the method of multivariate statistic analyses including principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least square-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA), atractylenolide I, atractylenolide II, atractylenolide III, atractylenolide VI, 7-hydroxycoumarin, 8-ß-methoxy atractylenolide I and Selina-4 (14), 7 (11)-dien-8-one were rapidly explored as the potential chemical markers of raw and processed AMK, respectively. Furthermore, it could be speculated that the processing mechanism of AMK was to increase the content of atractylenolide III which could strengthen the effect on gastrointestinal function.

A new saikogenin from the roots of Bupleurum bicaule.

AIM: To study the chemical constituents from the roots of Buleurum bicaule Helm (Apiaceae). METHOD: Silica gel, Sephadex LH-20, MPLC Rp-C18 column chromatography, and HPLC were used for isolation of compounds. The structures were elucidated on the basis of 1D- and 2D-NMR technology and HRESI-MS. Compounds were evaluated in vitro for their inhibitory ability against the proliferation of rat mesangial cells by the MTT method. RESULTS: Twelve compounds were isolated, and their structures were identified on the basis of their spectroscopic and physico-chemical properties as 13, 28-epoxy-olean-11-en-3-one (1), saikogenin E (2), saikogenin G (3), 11α-methoxy-3ß, 16ß, 23, 28-tetrahydroxyolean-12-ene (4), saikogenin D (5), prosaikogenin F (6), prosaikogenin A (7), prosaikogenin G (8), prosaikogenin D (9), laccaic acid (10b), methyl gallate (11), and ethyl gallate (12). Compounds 1, 2, 7, 8, and 10 were observed to have inhibitory activity against mesangial cell proliferationin to different degrees. CONCLUSION: Compound 1, 8, and 10 exhibit significant inhibitory effects on rat mesangial cell proliferation induced by Ang II.