Characterization of Collagen Peptides in Elaphuri Davidiani Cornu Aqueous Extract with Proliferative Activity on Osteoblasts Using Nano-Liquid Chromatography in Tandem with Orbitrap Mass Spectrometry.

First documented in Shennong Bencao Jing (about 200 B.C.-200 A.D.), Elaphuri Davidiani Cornu (EDC) has been recorded for its effects in strengthening bones and balancing other aspects of overall health for approximately 2000 years. In the present study, our aim was to investigate which are the components of the active EDC fraction by a peptidomic strategy. We explored the extent to which EDC increases the proliferation of osteoblasts by measuring the elevations in osteonectin and type I collagen mRNA levels and characterized it using nano-flow liquid chromatography in tandem with orbitrap mass spectrometry. In total, 272 peptide sequences from collagens were determined. "Hot regions" in parent proteins determined by peptide heat maps which indicated that amino acid sequences in the regions might undergo proteolysis easily and generate peptides. Among the identified peptides, 90.2% were hydrophilic, and the molecular weight of 97.1% of identified peptides was lower than 2000 Da. According to these results, EDC collagen-derived peptides were easily analyzed and identified. Moreover, this methodology is feasible to characterize the active peptides matrices originated from collagen hydrolysates or some other animal horn- derived TCMs.

[comparisons of pharmacokinetic profile of eleven bioactive components in Haizao Yuhu decoction modified with Haizao and Gancao anti-drug pair in normal rats].

Haizao Yuhu decoction (HYD) is a formula that has been used for approximately 500 years and famous for its efficiency in treating thyroid-related diseases in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). HYD was first presented by Chen Shi-gong in a famous surgical monograph named Waike Zhengzong during the Ming Dynasty. We conducted the research to investigate the possible pharmacokinetic profile of different prescriptions of HYD in rats, in order to reveal the interactions of Haizao and Gancao drug pair with other herbs in HYD. Liquiritin, naringin, besperidin, peimine, peiminine liquiritigenin, glycyrrhizic acid, hergapten, nobiletin, osthole, glycyrrhetinic acid in blood samples were determined by UPLC-MS/MS. The result revealed tbat Haizao could enhance the peak concentration of glycyrrhizic acid. The other herbs in HYD may promote'the absorption of flavonoids in Gancao in normal rats, but inhibit the absorption of saponins and accelerate their metabolism. Gancao and Haizao drug pair could enhance the bioavailability of hesperidin, peimine, bergapten, nobiletin and osthole and prolong the elimination of peimine and naringin.