[Analysis of dynamic changes of flavonoids and alkaloids during different drying process of Morus alba leaves].

OBJECTIVE: To find out dynamic changes of flavonoids and alkaloids in Morus alba leaves by analyzing influence of different drying method and drying degrees, in order to provide evidence for quality evaluation of Morus alba leaves. METHODS: Different drying methods, programmed temperature methods and constant temperature methods were adopted to dry Morus alba leaves samples respectively. Contents of flavonoids and alkaloids were analyzed by HPLC-PDA and LC-TQ/MS respectively. RESULTS: It's shown obviously that the content of flavonoids were influenced heavily by different drying methods. Methods that suitable for flavonoids were freezing-dried > shade-dried > dried > sun-dried > microwave-dried > infrared-dried; Methods that suitable for alkaloids were freezing-dried > shade-dried > dried > sun-dried > infrared-dried > microwave-dried. The 55 -65 degrees C group was shown to be the lowest in both flavonoids and DNJ while the 85 - 95 degrees C group was shown to be the best for DNJ. For fagomine, the 45 degrees C group was shown to be the lowest concentrations while the 95 - 105 degrees C group was shown to be the highest. Samples with different moisture were shown to be different in content of flavonoids and alkaloids. And samples with 10% moisture contain highest flavonoids while those with 30% - 50% moisture contain lowest flavonoids. Content of DNJ and fagomine raised as moisture decreasing. In addition, the 55 - 65 degrees C group was better than the 95 -105 degrees C one in alkaloids content. CONCLUSION: The results provide optimal drying methods and condition for drying Morus alba leaves, and foundations for uncovering biochemical transform of Morus alba leaves.

[Study on optimization of drying method and its mechanism in Ginkgo biloba leaves].

To provide a scientific evidence for the initial primary processing method, an ultra-high performance liquid chromatography combined with a triple quadrupole electrospray tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) was used to analyze the contents variation of catechins, flavonoids, flavonoid glycosides, biflavones, terpene lactones and phenolic acids during the process of drying in the sun, in the shade, and baked with 35, 45, 60, 80 degrees C, respectively. The results show that drying in the 80 degrees C is conducive to the accumulation of catechins, flavonoid glycosides, terpene lactones, better than the effects of other procedures. Therefore, the fast drying at 80 degrees C is beneficial for the retention of various types of active ingredient of Ginkgo biloba, and this method could be applied as a preferably dry processing.

Toxicity of daphnane-type diterpenoids from Genkwa Flos and their pharmacokinetic profile in rat.

Daphnane-type diterpenoids (DDs) are the main types of plant diterpene orthoesters known and have remarkable biological activities. However, the in vivo toxicity and pharmacokinetic profile of DDs remains unkonwn. The aim of this study was to investigate the toxicity and pharmacokinetic profile of DDs from Genkwa Flos (Thymelaeaceae). The toxicity of diterpenoids was evaluated after oral administration of total diterpenoids extract from Genkwa Flos to rats, and the blood concentration of diterpenoids was analyzed by ultra performance liquid chromatography tandem triple-quadrupole mass spectrometry (UPLC-TQ-MS). The diterpenoids were confirmed to be the toxic components of Genkwa Flos. The pharmacokinetic profile of these diterpenoids was quite different due to their different structures. Although the contents of yuanhuafine and yuanhuapine were low in the extract, the blood concentrations were extremely high. In contrary, the contents of genkwanine F and Wikstroemia factor M1 in the extract were much higher, but they could not be detected in the blood. This result implied that yuanhuafine and yuanhuapine but not genkwanine F and Wikstroemia factor M1 were the potentail toxic components of Genkwa Flos in vivo. This paper shows for the first time the toxicity of diterpenoids from Genkwa Flos was correlated with their blood concentration and when DDs were used for medicinal purposes, their contents in herb as well as their blood concentrations should be considered.

Casbane diterpenoids from the roots of Euphorbia pekinensis.

Four casbane diterpenoids, together with three known related compounds were isolated from the roots of Euphorbia pekinensis. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic studies and comparison with the known related compounds. In addition, the absolute configuration of three compounds was determined by the modified Mosher's method. The isolated compounds were evaluated for their cytotoxic activity against seven human cancer cell lines by a WST-8 assay.

UPLC-Q-TOF/MS coupled with multivariate statistical analysis as a powerful technique for rapidly exploring potential chemical markers to differentiate between radix paeoniae alba and radix paeoniae rubra.

To explore rapidly the potential chemical markers for differentiating Radix Paeoniae Alba and Radix Paeoniae Rubra, a method is proposed based on ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF/MS) coupled with multivariate statistical analysis. Batches of commercial samples were analyzed by UPLC-Q-TOF/MS. The datasets of t(R)-m/z pair, ion intensities and sample codes were further processed with orthogonal partial least squared discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) to compare holistically the difference between these two kinds of samples. Then statistics were used to generate an S-plot, in which the variables (t(R)-m/z pair) contributing most to the difference were clearly depicted as points at the two ends of "S", and the components correlated to these ions should be regarded as the chemical markers. The identities of the most changed markers can be identified by comparing the mass/UV spectra and retention times with those of reference compounds and/or tentatively assigned by matching empirical molecular formulae with those of known compounds published in the literature. Using this proposed approach, albflorin, paeoniflorin, oxypaeoniflorin, benzoylpaeoniflorin, galloylalbiflorin and paeoniflorigenone were found to be the differentiating components for discrimination of Radix Paeoniae Alba and Radix Paeoniae Rubra. Moreover, paeoniflorin sulfonate and its isomer, isomaltopaeoniflorin sulfonate, were found to be the characteristic markers for all Radix Paeoniae Alba samples that were processed by sulfurdioxide gas fumigation. The results suggested that this newly established approach could be used to explore rapidly the potential chemical markers for herbs with similar chemical characteristics.

[Determination of terpene lactones in Ginkgo biloba leaves in different ages by UPLC-TQ-MS].

OBJECTIVE: To establish an ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with triple quadrupole mass (UPLC-TQ-MS) for determination of four terpene lactones. METHOD: Chromatographic separation was carried out on a ACQUITY UPLC BEH C18 column (2.1 mm x 100 mm, 1.7 microm) with isocratic elution of 70% methanol at a flow rate of 0.4 mL x min(-1), the column temperature was set at 30 degrees C; Waters Xevo TQ worked in multiple reaction monitoring mode. RESULT: All calibration curves were linear (r > 0.990 3) over the tested ranges. The average recoveries ranged from 98.83% to 103.9% with RSD value below 3.0%. The contents of total terpene lactones in Ginkgo biloba leaves were significantly different in different ages. The contents in the leaves of young ginkgo tree were higher than that in old tree. CONCLUSION: The method was simple and fast with high precision, sensitivity and repeatability, which can be used for qualitative and quantitative analysis of terpene lactones in G. biloba leaves.

Simultaneous quantification of flavonol glycosides, terpene lactones, biflavones, proanthocyanidins, and ginkgolic acids in Ginkgo biloba leaves from fruit cultivars by ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography coupled with triple quadrupole mass spectrometry.

On the basis of liquid chromatography coupled with triple quadrupole mass spectrometry working in multiple reaction monitoring mode, an analytical method has been established to simultaneously determine flavonol glycosides, terpene lactones, biflavones, proanthocyanidins, and ginkgolic acids in Ginkgo biloba leaves. Chromatographic separation was carried out on an Acquity BEH C18 column (100 mm × 2.1 mm, 1.7 µ m) with gradient elution of acetonitrile and 0.10% formic acid (v/v) at a flow rate of 0.4 mL/min, and column temperature 30°C. The developed method was validated in terms of linearity, accuracy, precision, stability, and sensitivity. The optimized method was successfully applied to analyze twenty-two G. biloba leaf samples of fruit cultivars collected from different places in China. Furthermore, hierarchical clustering analysis (HCA) was performed to evaluate and classify the samples according to the contents of the twenty-four chemical constituents. All of the results demonstrated that the developed method was useful for the overall evaluation of the quality of G. biloba leaves, and this study was also helpful for the comprehensive utilization and development of G. biloba resources.

[Study on UPLC specific chromatogram of Lily and its specific peaks compositions analysis by QTOF-MS].

OBJECTIVE: To establish the UPLC specific chromatogram of Lily and analyze the specific peaks compositions by ESI-QTOF-MS. METHODS: The samples were conducted by ACQUITY UPLC BEH C18 Column (2.1 mm x 100 mm, 1.7 microm) and eluted with acetonitrile and 0.1% formic acid at the flow rate of 0.4 mL/min. The detection wavelength was set at 320 nm and column temperature was 35 degrees C. Negative ion mode was chosen for qualitative analysis. The capillary voltage was set at 3.0 kV. The nebulization gas was set to 600 L/h at 350 degrees C, and the source temperature was 120 degrees C. RESULTS: The specific chromatogram of Lily was obtained. There were 19 common peaks. Twelve phenylpropenoid glycerides compositions were identified. Among them, 6 compositions were identified by comparison with the reference substances and others were identified by MS and MS2 data. CONCLUSION: UPLC specific chromatogram can be used for the quality evaluation of Lily, giving support to quality control comprehensively.

[Metabolism of naringin produced by intestinal bacteria].

Naringin has been reported to possess a wild range of biological activities. However, the route and metabolites of naringin produced by intestinal bacteria are not well understood. In this paper, different bacteria were isolated from human feces and their abilities to convert naringin to different metabolites were studied. Ultra performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF/MS) with automated data analysis software (MetaboLynx) was applied to fast analysis of naringin metabolites. Using MSE and mass defect filter techniques, three metabolites were detected and tentatively identified. The results indicated that acetylation, hydrolyzation and hydrolyzation with hydrogenation were the major metabolic pathways of naringin in vitro. Then, we studied the gene sequence of the 16S rRNA of the bacteria by extraction of genomic DNA of the strain, PCR amplification and clone of the 16S rRNA. The consequence proved that Enterococcus sp.30, Bacillus sp.46, Escherichia sp.54 and Escherichia sp.63 have the peculiar metabolism characteristic of naringin.

[The incompatibility mechanism based on the interaction of multiple-components for Flos Genkwa and Radix et Rhizoma Glycyrrhizae].

By investigating the interaction between components from Flos Genkwa (FG) and Radix et Rhizoma Glycyrrhizae (RRG) and the dissolution profile of toxic components in co-decoction, the characteristics and possible mechanism of incompatibility were revealed. Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF/MS) and ultra-high performance liquid chromatography triple-quadrupole mass spectrometry (UPLC-TQ/MS) were used to analyze multi-components in different herb extractions prepared by different ratios of FG/FG processed by vinegar (FGV) and RRG, which reflect the interaction and characteristics of multiple components in incompatibility combinations. The results showed that the components dissolution was influenced by compatibility ratio with certain regularity. Whether FG processed by vinegar or not, with the increase of RRG in co-decoction, the dissolution of diterpenes, especially for yuanhuacine, yuanhuadine and yuanhuajine, the toxic ingredients of FG, increased significantly. From these results, the material basis and one possible mechanism of incompatibility between FG and RRG is the increasing dissolution of diterpenes, toxic components of FG in co-decoction process, which caused by interaction between multi-components in these two herbs.

Antithrombotic phenolic compounds from Glycyrrhiza uralensis.

A new coumestan, named glycyrurol, and nine phenolic compounds were isolated from the ethyl acetate extract of the roots and rhizomes of Glycyrrhiza uralensis. Their structures were elucidated based on spectroscopic analysis and literature data, and anticoagulative assay found significant antithrombotic activity of compounds 4, 8 and 10.

[Construction of a rapid identification method for chemical constituents in traditional Chinese medicine based on liquid chromatography-hybrid mass spectrometry-database].

UNLABELLED: To establish a rapid component identification method for chemical constituents contained in traditional Chinese medicines and natural products by using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry database technology. METHOD: Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography electrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS) was applied to collect the retention time and mass spectrum data of chemical constituents contained in traditional Chinese medicines and natural products, and establish a mass spectrum database. The Identify function from Chromalynx XS module in Masslynx workstation was applied to identifiy each chromatographic peak in an automatic and rapid manner. The retention time correction method was used to correct the retention time of identical compounds in different chromatographic systems, in order to improve the adaptability of the method. RESULT: Currently, the UPLC-MS library contains LC-MS information of more than 210 such chemical constituents as alkaloids, flavonoids, quinones, phenylpropanoids and terpenes, including retention times, xact molecular weights of quasi-molecular ion peaks and their fragment ions under positive and negative modes, respectively. The detection rate of identifying samples by suing the method was around 90%. CONCLUSION: Compared with manual identification, the method is simple, rapid and highly accurate. The usage of the linear correction for retention times helps solve the disunity of mass spectrum databases caused by different retention times in different chromatographic systems to a certain extent, and expand the application range of the method.

[Identification of the metabolites of Sinisan extract in rat plasma, urine, feces and bile after intragastric administration].

Sinisan is a widely used traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in treating various diseases; however, the in vivo metabolic profile of its multiple components remains unknown. In this paper, ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF/MS) was applied to identify the metabolites of Sinisan extract in rat plasma, urine, feces and bile after intragastric administration. Using MS(E) and mass defect filter techniques, 41 metabolites of 10 parent compounds (naringin, naringenin, hesperidin, neohesperidin, liquiritin, liquiritigenin, glycyrrhizic acid, glycyrrhetinic acid, saikosaponin a and saikosaponin d) were detected and tentatively identified. It was shown by our results that these compounds was metabolized to the forms of hydroxylation, glucuronidation, sulfation, glucuronidation with sulfation and glucuronidation with hydroxylation in vivo.

Characterization of nucleosides and nucleobases in fruits of Ziziphus jujuba by UPLC-DAD-MS.

The fruit of Ziziphus jujuba , named dazao in Chinese, has been utilized as food as well as crude drugs in China for thousands of years. To explore the profiles of the nucleosides and nucleobases in this fruit, an ultraperformance liquid chromatograph coupled with a photodiode array detector and electrospray ionization-mass spectrometer method (UPLC-DAD-MS) has been established and validated in this paper. The validated method was successfully applied for the simultaneous characterization and quantitation of 9 nucleosides and nucleobases in 49 dazao samples, which comprised 43 cultivars from 26 cultivation regions. Furthermore, principal component analysis (PCA) was performed to classify the samples on the basis of the contents of the nine analyzed compounds. The results showed that almost all of these dazao samples were rich in nucleosides and nucleobases, although their contents were obviously various, and the proposed method could serve as a prerequisite for quality control of jujube products.