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2024 Volume 44 Issue 5  Published: 2024-05-31
    Column on Quality Evaluation of Arnebiae Radix
  • Jian ZHENG
  • Column on Quality Evaluation of Arnebiae Radix
  • Sheng-yun DAI , Jie LIU , Su-ning YUN , Chao-jie LIAN , Fei QIAO , Ke ZAN , Li-nong GUO , Shuang-cheng MA , Jian ZHENG
    doi: 10.16155/j.0254-1793.2024.05.01

    The national drug sampling and inspection project is an important way of drug quality supervision in China which providing strong support for drug supervision and standard improvement. This article summarizes the national drug sampling and inspection project of Arnebiae Radix completed by Institute for Control of Chinese Traditional Medicine and Ethnic Medicine,National Institutes for Food and Drug Control in 2015 and 2022. The results illustrated that the qualification rate of Arnebiae Radix has increased from 43.9% in 2015 to 87.5%,and the qualification rate of Arnebiae Radix has significantly increased. The two nationwide inspections of Arnebiae Radix reflected the scarcity of Arnebiae Radix resources in Xinjiang and Inner Mongolia,resulting in a high market share of unqualified samples. The thin layer identification spots of the unqualified Arnebiae Radix sampled in 2015 were not consistent with the qualified samples. The thin layer identification of the unqualified samples sampled in 2022 was consistent with those of the qualified samples,but the depth of the spots were not consistent with those of the qualified samples,indicating that the current unqualified samples were adulterated samples,which posing greater challenges to the quality supervision of Arnebiae Radix. Through the exploratory research of twice National Drug Sampling and Inspection Project,it is preliminarily believed that it is of great significance to improve the standard test items of Arnebiae Radix,scientifically establish the limit value and strengthen the construction of the quality control system for the supervision.

  • Column on Quality Evaluation of Arnebiae Radix
  • Jie LIU , Sheng-yun DAI , Hai-yuan GU , Fei QIAO , Chao-jie LIAN , Li-nong GUO , Jian ZHENG , Shuang-cheng MA , Jia MI
    doi: 10.16155/j.0254-1793.2024.05.02
    Objective:

    To provide reference for quality control and authenticity identification of Arnebiae Radix medicinal materials and decoction pieces in the market. By studied on the ITS2 sequences’ characters of imported Arnebiae Radix,based on DNA barcoding and PCR-RFLP technologies.

    Methods:

    The ITS2 region was selected as the DNA barcode sequence for comparison and identification of imported Arnebiae Radix and reference medicinal materials. The ITS2 sequences of imported Arnebiae Radix from different sources with reference medicinal materials were compared based on DNA barcoding and PCR-RFLP technologies.

    Results:

    After the restriction endonucliase AluI enzyme digestion,the agarose-gel electrophoresis results of 39 imported Arnebiae Radix samples showed that,only DH3 had bands at around 500 bp,and none bands between 100 bp and 300 bp. And the results of other imported Arnebiae Radix samples had two or three obvious bands between 100 bp and 300 bp. The ITS2 sequences of imported Arnebiae Radix samples were compared with the reference medicinal materials,among which DH3 had the largest differences of 15 bases compared to the reference medicinal materials,the ITS2 sequence of F2 was same to the reference medicinal materials,and other imported Arnebiae Radix samples had 1-9 bases difference compared to the reference medicinal materials. The clustering results showed that the imported Arnebiae Radix sample DH3 was clearly distinguished from other imported Arnebiae Radix samples and reference medicinal materials which was in a single branch. There were 14 samples,which were clustered together with the reference medicinal materials in one branch with support rate ≥50%.

    Conclusion:

    The ITS2 region is selected to compare the similarities and differences of ITS2 sequences between imported Arnebiae Radix samples and reference medicinal materials based on DNA barcode and PCR-RFLP technologies,which provids a reference for effective identification of Arnebiae Radix medicinal materials and decoction pieces,and a strong guarantee for market supervision of Arnebiae Radix medicinal materials.

  • Column on Quality Evaluation of Arnebiae Radix
  • Jie LIU , Hai-yuan GU , Sheng-yun DAI , Fei QIAO , Chao-jie LIAN , Jian ZHENG , JIA Sha-er·SI Ha-ke
    doi: 10.16155/j.0254-1793.2024.05.03
    Objective:

    To design and screen specific primers for efficient amplification and identification of Arnebiae Radix from market based on the concept of nested PCR.

    Methods:

    Nested primers was designed using the software of Primer Premier 5 based on the ITS sequence of Arnebia euchroma and the ITS2 sequence of non-pharmacopoeial Arnebiae Radix. The amplification efficiency of genomic DNA by ITS2 universal primers PCR and nested PCR was compared. The genomic DNA of Arnebiae Radix was amplified directly by nested primers and was detected by agarose gel electrophoresis. The specific primers designed for Arnebiae Radix based on the fragment length and variation sites’ coverage of the amplified product was evaluated.

    Results:

    A total of 11 primers were selected for synthesis after the primers were designed by Primer Premier 5 software. The amplification efficiency of nested PCR was superior to ITS2 universal primers PCR in genomic DNA of Arnebiae Radix. The results of nested primers directly amplified genomic DNA of Arnebiae Radix by agarose gel electrophoresis were better than those of ITS2 primers,and showed a single band. Four pairs of primers,AE-9S/AE-2A,AE-4S/AE-10A,AE-12S/10A,AE-29S/AE-29A,were determined to be suitable for the identification of Arnebiae Radix.

    Conclusion:

    On the basis of DNA barcode identification and nested PCR technology,4 pairs of specific primers are identified which can be used to effectively distinguish Arnebia euchroma from the mainstreamed non-pharmacopoeial Arnebiae Radix in the medicinal materials market,providing reference for the subsequent research and development of identification methods for Arnebiae Radix and other traditional Chinese medicines.

  • Column on Quality Evaluation of Arnebiae Radix
  • Chao-jie LIAN , Sheng-yun DAI , Jie LIU , Li-nong GUO , Fei QIAO , Rui YANG , Hui-juan WANG , Jian ZHENG , Jie LIU
    doi: 10.16155/j.0254-1793.2024.05.04
    Objective:

    To determine the color of Arnebiae Radix, and the contents of six main purple pigment components (acetylshikonin,β-acetoxyisovalerylalkannin, deoxyshikonin, isobutylshikonin,β,β’-dimethylacrylalkannin and isovalerylshikonin) in Arnebiae Radix, and to study on the correlation between the color of Arnebiae Radix and the contents of six main purple pigment components.

    Methods:

    The La,and b values of the sample powder were determined using a spectrophotometer to characterize the color of Arnebiae Radix. The International Commission on Illumination (CIE) had developed a Lab color model,which was a digital description of human vision. A higher L value indicated greater brightness,a higher a value indicated redness and a lower a value indicates greenness,and a higher b value indicated yellowing and a lower b value indicates blueness. The contents of purple pigment components were determined using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC),and the correlation between La,and b values and the contents of six main purple pigments was calculated using SPSS software.

    Results:

    The contents of acetylshikonin in 135 batches of samples ranged from 0.01% to 3.39%. The contents of β-acetoxyisovalerylalkannin ranged from 0.00% to 1.95%. The contents of deoxyshikonin ranged from 0.00% to 0.23%. The contents of isobutylshikonin ranged from 0.01% to 1.13%. And the contents of isovalerylshikonin ranged from 0.02% to 2.88%. The contents of β,β’-dimethylacrylalkannin ranged from 0.01% to 2.17%. There was a significant negative correlation between the contents of acetylshikonin,β-acetoxyisovalerylalkannin and isobutylshikonin and the L (black_white) chromaticity value of Arnebiae Radix,with a Spearman correlation coefficients between -0.138 and -0.222. The chromaticity value of a (red_green) was related to the five components other than acetylshikonin,which were β-acetoxyisovalerylalkannin,deoxyshikonin,isobutylshikonin,β,β’-dimethylacrylalkannin,and isovalerylshikonin,with a spearman correlation coefficients between 0.176 and 0.355;b (blue_yellow) chromaticity value was related to the five components other than β-acetoxyisovalerylalkannin,which were acetylshikonin,deoxyshikonin,and isobutylshikonin,β,β’-dimethylacrylalkannin. β,β’-dimethylacrylalkannin was positively correlated with a coefficient of 0.290,and negatively correlated with the other four components with a coefficients between -0.325 and -0.633.

    Conclusion:

    It is recommended that the assay limits of Arnebiae Radix be revised to β,β’-dimethylacrylalkannin not less than 0.30% and isovalerylshikonin not less than 0.29%.

  • Column on Quality Evaluation of Arnebiae Radix
  • Jie LIU , Sheng-yun DAI , Hai-yuan GU , Fei QIAO , Chao-jie LIAN , Li-nong GUO , Jian ZHENG , Shuang-cheng MA , Xiao-min JIN
    doi: 10.16155/j.0254-1793.2024.05.05
    Objective:

    To compare the regulatory effects of authentic and counterfeit Arnebiae Radix on intestinal flora in mice based on metagenomic sequencing.

    Methods:

    Firstly,24 clean grade female BLAB/C mice were randomly divided into 3 groups:blank control group,A1 (Arnebia euchroma) group and A2 (Arnebiae Radix whose origins were not included in Chinese Pharmacopoeia) group. After gavage arrived at the specified time,colon contents (feces),ileal contents (feces) and small intestinal contents (feces,except ileal parts) were extracted for intestinal flora analysis. Genomic DNA was extracted and amplified by PCR from the extracted mouse intestinal contents. The PCR products were mixed and purified. Then library was constructed and sequenced. After quality control of sequencing data and removal of chimera sequence,the final effective data was obtained. Operational taxonomic unit(OTU) clustering and species annotation were performed on the obtained valid data,and sample diversity analysis was conducted.

    Results:

    In this study,both A1 (Arnebia euchroma) group and A2 (Arnebiae Radix non-pharmacopoeia) group reduced the diversity of mice colon microbiota. At the phylum level,group A1 significantly increased the abundance of Firmicutes in the small intestine and ileum,and groups A1 and A2 significantly increased the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes in the colon. At the genus level,group A1 significantly increased the relative abundance of Lactobacillus in the small intestine of mice,and group A2 significantly increased the relative abundance of Lactobacillus in the ileum of mice. Group A1 increased the relative abundance of Lactobacillus,one of the dominant bacteria in the colon of mice,and group A2 increased the relative abundance of Bacteroides. Alistipes mainly existed in the colon,A2 group significantly reduced the relative abundance of Alistipes in the colon of mice,while Alistipes in the A1 group was cultivated.

    Conclusion:

    According to the results of the regulation effect of intestinal flora,the intestinal flora regulation effect in the two experimental groups of the authentic Arnebiae Radix and its confusion products from markets are not consistent,the results of this study can provide a theoretical basis for further exploring the mechanism of Arnebiae Radix.

  • Column on Quality Evaluation of Arnebiae Radix
  • Rui HUANG , Sheng-yun DAI , Dong-xue WU , Xiao-jun MA , Jie LIU , Li-nong GUO , Dao-er-jia-la , Song JING , Shuang-cheng MA , Jian ZHENG
    doi: 10.16155/j.0254-1793.2024.05.06
    Objective:

    To compare the quality of wild and cultivated Arnebiae Radix,using macroscopic investigation and chemometric analysis of the different components in wild and cultivated Arnebiae Radix from three different habitats.

    Methods:

    Wild and cultivated Arnebiae Radix were collected and their macroscopic features were compared. Using the ACQUITY UPLC BEH C18 (2.1 mm×100 mm,1.7 μm) column,with acetonitrile-0.05% formic acid water as the mobile phase,the contents of D-shikonin,acetylshikonin,β-acetoxyisovalerylshikonin,isobutyrylshikonin,β,β’-dimethylacrylalkannin and isovalerylshikonin in 48 batches of wild and cultivated Arnebiae Radix were determined. The detection wavelength was 275 nm and the flow rate was 0.2 mL·min-1. PCA and OPLS-DA were performed to reveal the differential components of wild and cultivated Arnebiae Radix.

    Results:

    There were great differences in macroscopic features of wild and cultivated Arnebiae Radix,and the linear relationship between the contents of six naphthoquinone components was good. The correlation coefficients were above 0.999,the average recovery rates were 93.4%-102.9%,and the RSDs were less than 3.0%. The contents of six components in different batches of wild and cultivated Arnebiae Radix were quite different,and the contents of D-shikonin and acetylshikonin in wild products were significantly higher than those in cultivated products,indicating that there were still certain differences between wild products and cultivated products. The PCA model established could distinguish wild products and cultivars,and two differentiating components in wild products and cultivars were revealed by OPLS-DA,namely isobutyryl shikonin,β,β’-dimethylacrylalkannin.

    Conclusion:

    By comparing the core size,cork curl degree and specific odor of wild and cultivated products,the two can be identified. The established content determination method is repeatable,specific,stable and feasible. The differential components in wild and cultivated Arnebiae Radix in three different regions are identified,which provides a basis for the quality control of Arnebiae Radix and provides ideas for expanding the source of Arnebiae Radix.

  • Ingredient Analysis
  • Zhen-xia ZHAO , Yun GENG , Rong LEI , -Xuan YIN , Yong-li LIU
    doi: 10.16155/j.0254-1793.2024.05.07
    Objective:

    To establish a method for simultaneous determination of neochlorogenic acid,chlorogenic acid,cryptochlorogenic acid,cynarin,galuteolin,isochlorogenic acid B,isochlorogenic acid A,isochlorogenic acid C in Shanjujiangya capsules by HPLC and analyze compositional change of Chrysanthemi Flos combined with law of quantity transfer.

    Methods:

    The analysis was performed on Waters Symmetry C18 column (250 mm×4.6 mm,5 μm),with mobile phase composed of acetonitrile -0.1% phosphoric acid solution at a flow rate of 1.0 mL·min-1 in gradient elution mode. The column temperature was 30 ℃ and the detection wavelength was 328 nm. The transfer rates of the above eight components were used as the indexes for quality evaluation to study the quantity value of transfer rule from the decoction piece to the extracting solution.

    Results:

    The results showed that the determination of eight components manifested a good linear relationship in the range of mass concentration (r>0.999 9),the average recoveries of neochlorogenic acid,chlorogenic acid,cryptochlorogenic acid,cynarin,galuteolin,isochlorogenic acid B,isochlorogenic acid A,isochlorogenic acid C were 98.3%-101.9%,with RSDs of 0.066%-0.64%. The contents of the above 8 components in 3 samples were 0.257-0.279 mg·g-1,0.629-0.650 mg·g-1,0.402-0.476 mg·g-1,0.454-0.539 mg·g-1,1.118-1.278 mg·g-1,0.653-0.740 mg·g-1,0.659-0.706,1.138-1.167 mg·g-1,respectively.

    Conclusion:

    The HPLC method established in this study is simple,repeatable and stable. The analysis of quantity transfer provides data support for the establishment of content methods and the formulation of limits. This study can provide basis for quality control method of Shanjujiangya capsules.

  • Ingredient Analysis
  • Li-qiu SUN , Dan WANG , Ying-nan ZHAO , Zhi-chun SHI , Jun LI , Jin-lan WANG , Ming ZHAO , Shu-jun ZHANG
    doi: 10.16155/j.0254-1793.2024.05.08
    Objective:

    To establish a quantitative analysis of multi-components by single marker (QAMS) for simultaneous determination of 7 flavanoids (5-hydroxy-6,7,3’,4’-tetramethoxyflavone,apigenin,hispidulin,kaempferol,jaceosidin,eupatilin and casticin) in Artemisiae Argyi Folium.

    Methods:

    The HPLC system consisted of the Agilent ZORBAX SB-C18 column (150 mm×4.6 mm,5 μm) column with gradient elution of acetonitrile and 0.2% phosphoric acid as the mobile phase at a flow rate of 1.0 mL·min-1,a detection wavelength of 350 nm,and a column temperature of 30 ℃. Eupatilin was selected as the internal reference substance,the relative correction factors between eupatilin and the other 6 flavanoids were established,and the contents of these 7 constituents in samples were calculated to realize QAMS. At the same time,compared with the external standard method to verify the accuracy and feasibility of the QAMS method.

    Results:

    Within a certain linear range,the relative correction factors between eupatilin and 5-hydroxy-6,7,3’,4’-tetramethoxyflavone,apigenin,hispidulin,kaempferol,jaceosidin as well as casticin were 0.958,1.387,1.000,0.950,0.957 and 1.297,respectively (RSDs of RCFs were less than 2.0%). The contents of 5-hydroxy-6,7,3’,4’-tetramethoxyflavone,apigenin,hispidulin,kaempferol,jaceosidin,eupatilin,casticin in 20 batches of Artemisiae Argyi Folium were 0.031 4-0.623 5 mg·g-1,0.000 9-0.092 6 mg·g-1,0.020 6-0.170 7 mg·g-1,0.011 0-0.184 7 mg·g-1,0.011 7-0.864 0 mg·g-1,0.253 2-2.555 0 mg·g-1 and 0.015 6-0.250 7 mg·g-1,respectively.

    Conclusion:

    Using eupatilin as the internal reference,QAMS method for 7 flavanoids is established. The method is accurate and reliable,and can be used for quality control and quantitative analysis of Artemisiae Argyi Folium.

  • Ingredient Analysis
  • Jun-sheng HAO , Hong-ying BAO , Si-ri-gu-leng , He MENG , Ya-ting REN , Yan HONG , Ying XIN
    doi: 10.16155/j.0254-1793.2024.05.09
    Objective:

    To establish HPLC fingerprint and determine caffeic acid,isoquercitrin,quercitrin,rosmarinic acid,lithospermic acid and salvianolic acid B in Tournefortia sibirica Linnaeus,and to provide evidence for quality control of Tournefortia sibirica Linnaeus.

    Methods:

    The chromatographic separation was performed on an Agilent Eclipse Plus C18 column (250 mm×4.6 mm,5 μm) with gradient elution (0-60 min,9%B→38%B) of 0.2% phosphoric acid(A) and acetonitrile(B) . The detection wavelength was 330 nm. The column temperature was kept at 40 ℃ and the flow rate was 1.0 mL·min-1. The HPLC fingerprint of all batches of Tournefortia sibirica Linnaeus was established using Similarity Evaluation Software for Chromatographic Fingerprint of Traditional Chinese Medicine (2012 edition) and the common peaks were identified by reference standards. Six constituents in Tournefortia sibirica Linnaeus were quantified.

    Results:

    Eleven common peaks were confirmed,and 6 common peaks were identified by reference standards including caffeic acid,isoquercetin,quercetin,rosmarinic acid,purple oxalic acid,and salvianolic acid B. The similarities of 17 batches samples were 0.931 to 0.996. By the methodology examination,RSDs for the precision test were 1.9%,1.0%,1.4%,0.19%,1.1% and 0.32%,respectively. RSDs for the reproducible test were 3.5%,2.3%,3.3%,0.14%,1.1% and 0.19%,respectively. RSDs for the stability test were 0.80%,1.1%,1.7%,0.52%,0.54% and 0.78%,respectively. Caffeic acid,isoquercitrin,quercitrin,rosmarinic acid,lithospermic acid and salvianolic acid B had good separation and showed good linearity in their respective linear ranges. The average recoveries ranged from 95% to 105%,and the contents (calculated with reference to the dried drug) were between 0.004% to 0.013%,0.030% to 0.259%,0.032% to 0.256%,0.256% to 1.246%,0.018% to 0.072% and 0.062% 0.499%,respectively.

    Conclusion:

    The established HPLC fingerprint and quantification method is stable and reliable,which can provide basis for the quality control of Tournefortia sibirica Linnaeus.

  • Ingredient Analysis
  • Lu-di JIANG , Xiao-yan WANG , Ya-nan LIU , Hai-bo WANG , Yan YANG , Hai-yan LI
    doi: 10.16155/j.0254-1793.2024.05.10
    Objective:

    To establish an HPLC-MS/MS method for simultaneous determination of 11 components(harpagide,salidroside,nuezhenide,lobetyolin,wedelolactone,harpagoside,vaccarin,6-gingerol,atractylenolide Ⅲ,atractylenolide Ⅱ,and atractylenolide Ⅰ)in Gengnianning.

    Methods:

    HPLC assay was performed on C18 column(100 mm×2.1 mm,1.9 μm)with a mixture of methanol and 0.1% formic acid as the mobile phase in gradient elution at a flow rate of 0.3 mL·min-1. The column temperature was 25 ℃ and the injection volume was 1 μL. Detection was carried out on a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer in positive ion mode(harpagide,salidroside,nuezhenide,lobetyolin,wedelolactone and harpagoside)and negative ion mode(vaccarin,6-gingerol,atractylenolide Ⅲ,atractylenolide Ⅱ,and atractylenolide Ⅰ)using an electrospray ion source(ESI). Multiple reaction monitoring(MRM)mode was employed.

    Results:

    The calibration curves were linear within the ranges of 1.485-29.71 μg·mL-1,1.620-32.40 μg·mL-1,7.801-156.0 μg·mL-1,0.518-10.35 μg·mL-1,0.167-3.333 μg·mL-1,0.359-7.179 μg·mL-1,1.455-29.10 μg·mL-1,1.520-30.40 μg·mL-1,0.160-3.205 μg·mL-1,0.143-2.864 μg·mL-1 and 0.157-3.136 μg·mL-1 for harpagide,salidroside,nuezhenide,lobetyolin,wedelolactone,harpagoside,vaccarin,6-gingerol,atractylenolide Ⅲ,atractylenolide Ⅱ,and atractylenolide Ⅰ,respectively. All 11 components showed good linearity(r≥0.998 0). The average recoveries(n=6)were in the range of 95.9%-102.6% with RSDs within 0.90%-3.0%. The contents of harpagide,salidroside,nuezhenide,lobetyolin,wedelolactone,harpagoside,vaccarin,6-gingerol,atractylenolide Ⅲ,atractylenolide Ⅱ and atractylenolide Ⅰ in 10 tested samples from 5 manufactures were 14.8-104.5,37.6-288.5,335.8-1 332.8,6.2-10.1,6.6-61.8,13.7-75.1,57.4-132.8,16.9-70.6,11.8-33.9,3.4-15.4 and 6.5-12.9 μg·g-1.

    Conclusion:

    The developed method is accurate and sensitive. It can be used in quality control of Gengnianning.

  • Ingredient Analysis
  • Xiao-qing GUO , He-bing XIE , Lin YANG , Nimaciren , Baimadanzeng
    doi: 10.16155/j.0254-1793.2024.05.11
    Objective:

    To establish a dual-wavelength method for the determination of amylose and amylopectin in potato starch in Tibet.

    Methods:

    The determination wavelengths of amylopectin and amylopectin in Tibetan potato were 623 and 557 nm,respectively,and the reference wavelengths were 498 and 729 nm. The contents in 11 batches of starch samples collected were determined and analyzed.

    Results:

    The results showed that the mass concentration of amylose and amylopectin showed a good linear relationship (r=0.999 9,r=0.999 8) in the range of 0- 66 μg·mL-1 and 0-90 μg·mL-1,respectively. The average recoveries of amylose and amylopectin were 102.8% (RSD=1.8%) and 98.5% (RSD=2.2%). The precision (RSD=0.071%,RSD=0.31%),repeatability (RSD=0.26%,RSD=2.4%) and stability (RSD=0.14%,RSD=1.4%) were all in compliance with regulations. The contents of amylose and amylopectin in Tibetan potato starch were 36.74% and 45.87%,respectively. Compared with the commercially available potato starch,the amylose content of Tibetan potato starch was significantly increased (P<0.001),while the amylopectin content was significantly decreased (P<0.05).

    Conclusion:

    The method is proved to be suitable for the quality evaluation of potato starch in Tibet. There are significant differences in the contents of amylopectin and amylopectin between potato starch in Tibet and potato starch in the market,which provides an experimental basis for the establishment of quality standards of potato starch in Tibet and the development of high-value products.

  • Metabolism Analysis
  • Jin-yu ZHANG , Yan-cui LI , Chang-hai SUN
    doi: 10.16155/j.0254-1793.2024.05.12
    Objective:

    To establish a ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrum in series method for the quantification of 7-hydroxycoumarin,fraxetin,isofraxidin and scopoletin in the aqueous extract of Acanthopanacis Senticosi Radix et Rhizoma Seu Caulis in rat plasma,and to evaluate the pharmacokinetic behavior and bioavailability in rats.

    Methods:

    The chromatography was performed on Thermo Scientific Hypersil GOLD aQ(100 mm×2.1 mm,1.9 μm)column with 0.1% aqueous formic acid -0.1% acetonitrile formic acid solution (82:18) as the mobile phase at the flow rate of 0.30 mL·min-1,and column temperature of 40 ℃. Mass spectrometry positive ion mode scan was used,and sample size was 5 μL. Healthy SD rats were selected for a single gavage of 10 mL·kg-1 of Acanthopanacis Senticosi Radix et Rhizoma Seu Caulis water extract (equivalent to the dose of 1 g·kg-1 of the original drug). Plasma concentration of the substances was determined at different time intervals after administration,and the pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated using DAS software by non-atrioventricular model fitting.

    Results:

    The methodological results showed that 7-hydroxycoumarin (r=0.999 4),fraxetin (r=0.998 9),isofraxidin (r=0.999 3) and scopoletin (r=0.998 4) had good linearity in the range of 0.05-55 μg·mL-1,and RSDs of precision of the four substances were all less than 15%. The recovery was 85%-115%. The absolute bioavailability ranged from 59% to 78%,and the relative bioavailability ranged from 80% to 87%. The extraction recovery,matrix effect and stability met the relevant requirements.

    Conclusions:

    After a single gavage of the aqueous extract of Acanthopanacis Senticosi Radix et Rhizoma Seu Caulis in rats,the four substances to be tested are absorbed and eliminated by rats. The method validation results are in line with the guiding principles of biological sample analysis methods,and can be applied to evaluate the pharmacokinetic behavior and bioavailability of the aqueous extract of Acanthopanacis Senticosi Radix et Rhizoma Seu Caulis in rats.

  • Safety Monitoring
  • Hong-yang WU
    doi: 10.16155/j.0254-1793.2024.05.13
    Objective:

    To establish a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) method for the determination of 16 photoinitiator residuce levels in medicinal composite membranes,including benzophenone (BP) and 4-methylbenzophenone (4-MBP).

    Methods:

    The samples were extracted by ethylacetate,separated with TR-5MS column. The mass spectrum was analyzed with EI ionization,positive ion mode and selective reaction monitoring (SRM) mode and quantified with internal standard method.

    Results:

    The 16 kinds of photoinitiators had good linear relationships in the range of 0.05-2.0 μg·mL-1,and the correlation coefficients (r) were more than 0.997. The limits of detection (LODs) were 0.03 μg·mL-1. The average recoveries were (n=6) ranged from 81.3% to 94.0%,with RSDs of 2.1%-6.2%. The detection rate of 4-Isopropylthioxanthone (4-ITX) in the medicinal composite membranes was 30%,and the highest content was 0.02 μg·cm-2.

    Conclusion:

    The method is accurate with high sensitivity and simple pretreatment,which can be used for the detecting the kinds of photoinitiators in medicinal composite membranes.

  • Safety Monitoring
  • Tie-hao LIN , Fan ZHANG , Huan-min ZHU , Jian-wen HONG
    doi: 10.16155/j.0254-1793.2024.05.14
    Objective:

    To investigate the microbial contamination in commercially available Angelicae Sinensis Radix decoction pieces and analyze the potential safety risks.

    Methods:

    According to the General Principles of the Pharmacopoeia of the People’s Republic of China (referred to as the “Chinese Pharmacopoeia”) (2020 edition <1108 Microbial Limit Examination of Chinese Herbal Medicine>),the total aerobic microbial count (TAMC),total combined yeasts and molds count (TYMC),heat-resistant bacterial count,control pathogens,and bile-tolerant gram-negative bacterial count were determined. High-throughput sequencing technology was utilized to analyze the dominant microbial species present in representative samples and identify potential objectionable microorganisms.

    Results:

    There was a high level of uncertainty regarding microbial contamination in commercially available Angelicae Sinensis Radix,and the dominant group in different types had significant differences. The TAMC ranged from 102 to 106 CFU·g-1,while a uneven contamination of bile-tolerant gram-negative bacteria,including potentially pathogenic species such as Acinetobacter baumannii,Klebsiella pneumoniae and Enterobacter cloacae,but Salmonella was not detected in any samples. The total combined yeasts and molds count ranged from 101 to 103 CFU·g-1.

    Conclusion:

    The microbial contamination in Angelicae Sinensis Radix is severe and uneven. More data is needed to improve testing methods and evaluation standards for assessing the risk of microbial contamination in Chinese herbal medicine. High-throughput sequencing can provide a more accurate assessment of microbial risks in decoction samples of traditional Chinese herbal medicine.

  • Quality Control
  • Yan SHI , Ning LI , Feng WEI , Shuang-cheng MA
    doi: 10.16155/j.0254-1793.2024.05.15
    Objective:

    To establish a three classification model for cultivated,semi-wild,and wild Astragali Radix characterized by flavonoids,and explore and evaluate the application of techniques of automated machine learning and data augmentation in the field of drug analysis.

    Methods:

    Firstly,correlation analysis and principal component analysis were conducted on the flavonoid content data of Astragali Radix,and models of decision tree and logistic regression were established to analyze the importance of flavonoid components based on the models. Then,using the AutoGluon framework with 5 as num_bag_folds,2 sets of 30 models respectively through 64 batches of real data and 600 batches of virtual data generated based on real data with the TVAE table data generation algorithm for training were obtained,and these models were evaluated by accuracy.

    Results:

    The analysis of machine learning models,indicated that formononetin,campanulin and onospin played the important roles in the quality control of Astragali Radix,especially for the source grade control. The accuracy of model prediction showed that the models based on Neural Net and tree-model always had the best classification effect for Astragali Radix. The virtual data generated by data augmentation technique is basically consistent with the actual data in terms of the accuracy trend of the model training process.

    Conclusion:

    Related techniques of machine learning have good application value in the classification of Astragali Radix characterized by flavonoids.

  • Quality Control
  • Meng-qi LU , Xue-jing ZHANG , Meng-dan XU , Xiao-kang LIU , Ji-yu GONG , Tian-zhu ZHANG
    doi: 10.16155/j.0254-1793.2024.05.16
    Objective:

    To explore the effects of key operating units such as different water contents and drying methods in processing methods on the content of main active ingredients in Atractylodes chinensis(DC.)Koidz. fresh cutting slices. To develop an HPLC method for simultaneous determination of five active ingredient (atractylenolide Ⅲ,atractylenolideⅠ,atractylodin,β-eudesmol,atractylon) in Atractylodes chinensis.

    Methods:

    The Supersil ODS2 column (250 mm×4.6 mm,5 μm ) was used,the mobile phase was 0.1% phosphoric acid (A)- methanol(B) with gradient elution,at the flow rate of 1.0 mL·min-1,the detection wavelength was 220,270,203 nm,and the column temperature was 30 ℃. The entropy weight-TOPSIS method and cluster analysis were combined to determine the best method of fresh cutting process of Atractylodes chinensis.

    Results:

    The validation results of the content determination methodology were good. The contents of five components(atractylenolide Ⅲ,atractylenolide Ⅰ,atractylodin,β-eudesmol,atractylon) were 0.052-0.243,0.195-1.015,2.022-4.418,0.119-5.049,0.209-8.638 mg·g-1,respectively. The optimal cutting moisture content range of Atractylodes chinensis fresh cutting was (40%±3%)-(50%±3%). The results of ANOVA showed that the contents of atractylenolide Ⅲ,atractylenin,β-eudesmol and atractylone were significantly higher in the seven processing(S1-S7) of fresh cutting than in the traditional raw-tanning group(S8). The entropy weight-TOPSIS analysis showed that 60 ℃ microwave drying,40 ℃ microwave drying and 50 ℃ blast drying slices pieces have better quality. Cluster analysis resulted in three groups,accounting for 12.5%,50% and 37.5% respectively.

    Conclusion:

    The results indicate that different drying methods and temperatures have a significant impact on the quality of Atractylodes chinensis slices. This study is valuable for the subsequent research in Atractylodes chinensis fresh cutting slices.

  • Quality Control
  • Mei-mei GAO , Jian-you HUANG , Ya-nan ZHAI , Ling-feng JIANG , Guo-shou LU , Xiao-xi HU , Xue-qing XIA , Dong-mei LI
    doi: 10.16155/j.0254-1793.2024.05.17
    Objective:

    To base on the method of HPLC fingerprint,multi-component quantification and chemical pattern recognition,to evaluate the quality of leaves of Cunninghamia lanceolata from different producing areas and to provide basis for further development and utilization.

    Methods:

    High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to determine the contents of amentoflavone,bilobetin,hinokiflavone,ginkgetin,isoginkgetin and sciadopitysin in the Cunninghamia lanceolata. Fingerprints of 10 batches of Cunninghamia lanceolata from different habitats were established. Based on the common peak area of the fingerprint,the overall quality of Cunninghamia lanceolata was evaluated by principal component analysis(PCA),orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis(OPLS-DA),statistical analysis,and pattern recognition chemometrics methods.

    Results:

    A total of 14 common peaks in 10 batches of leaves of Cunninghamia lanceolata,and the similarity ranged from 0.955 to 1.000 with good consistency. The mass fractions of six biflavones in the sample were 2.42-5.24 mg·g-1,0.10-0.24 mg·g-1,1.55-3.67 mg·g-1,0.21-0.89 mg·g-1,0.10-0.24 mg·g-1 and 0.51-2.39 mg·g-1,respectively,including amentoflavone,bilobetin,hinokiflavone,ginkgetin,isoginkgetin and sciadopitysin. According PCA,the difference in the quality of Cunninghamia lanceolata from different habitats was further evaluated. Ten batches of medicinal materials were divided into three major categories,and four main factors affecting the classification of Cunninghamia lanceolata were found. Finally,OPLS-DA screened the excellent spectral peaks 6,12,7 (7-demethylated ginkgo biloba biflavone),13 (kumatsu biflavone),5 (Amentotaxus argotaenia biflavone),9 (chamaecypress biflavone) and 2,etc,seven differential markers can be used to distinguish different batches of Cunninghamia lanceolata.

    Conclusion:

    The established method is simple to stable and reliable. Combined with chemical pattern recognition,it can be used for the quality evaluation of Cunninghamia lanceolata.

  • Quality Control
  • Yong-qi ZHAO , Hong-wei ZHANG , Zhen-ling ZHANG , Ya-jing LI , Yi-ming WANG
    doi: 10.16155/j.0254-1793.2024.05.18
    Objective:

    To provide a basis for determining the quality markers(Q-Marker) of Lilii Bulbus decoction prepared slices by analyzing the Q-Marker of Lilii Bulbus by fingerprint,multi-component content determination and network pharmacology.

    Methods:

    The fingerprints of 15 batches of Lilii Bulbus prepared slices were established by HPLC,and the common peaks were analyzed chemometrically to screen out the differential components. The contents of the differential components were determined to compare the differences between samples from different habitats. The main pathways through which the differential components of Lilii Bulbus exert their antidepressant effects were analyzed based on network pharmacology,and the differential components were subjected to in vitro cellular antidepressant assays,and finally the Q-Markers of Lilii Bulbus prepared slices were analyzed based on the principle of quality marker screening.

    Results:

    Sixteen common peaks were identified in the 15 batches of Lilii Bulbus extracts,all with similarities above 0.931,7 of which were identified and 4 differential components were screened using chemometrics. The content of the components of regaloside A,regaloside B,and regaloside C were determined in the 15 batches of Lilii Bulbus extracts,and the network pharmacological study revealed that the differential components might exert their antidepressant effects through the targets of TNF,GAPDH and MAPK3,regulating. The results of cellular experiments showed that compared with the model group,the cellular viability of the low,medium and high dose groups of Lilii Bulbus extract was significantly increased (P<0.01),and the cellular viability of the low,medium and high dose groups of regaloside A,regaloside B,and regaloside C was significantly increased (P<0.01).

    Conclusion:

    The fingerprinting and network pharmacology studies suggested that regaloside A,regaloside B,and regaloside C as quality markers of Lilii Bulbus prepared slices,which can provide reference for Lilii Bulbus quality control and pharmacological efficacy studies.

  • Quality Control
  • Li-jun ZHANG , Peng LI , Long-hai LI , Xin-yue ZHANG , Dong-ni MA , Zhuan-ping ZHANG , Fang-di HU , Lei WANG , Hong-mei KE , Peng LI , Li LIU , Chun-yan WU , Xiao-an LI
    doi: 10.16155/j.0254-1793.2024.05.19
    Objective:

    To establish HPLC characteristic chromatogram and multi-index component determination methods,so as to effectively distinguish Pueraria lobata (Willd.) Ohwi (GH),Pueraria thomsonii Benth (FGH) and their confusing species,and to evaluate the quality of Puerariae Flos.

    Methods:

    HPLC was used to analyze the chemical components from different Puerariae Flos with different commercial specifications. The chromatographic conditions were optimized,and the characteristic chromatogram was established. Principal component analysis(PCA) and partial least squares discriminant analysis(PLS-DA) analysis were used to analyze the characteristic chromatogram data of Puerariae Flos with different commercial specifications and to select the differential markers of Puerariae Flos. The differential markers were identified by comparing them with the reference substance,and their contents were determined and the determination results were analyzed.

    Results:

    HPLC characteristic chromatograms of GH,FGH and their confusing species were established,and a total of 18,27,18 and 8 common peaks were matched in GH,FGH,Pueraria lobata var. montana (GMM) and Wisteria sinensis (Sims) Sweet (ZTH) respectively. Ten chromatographic peaks were identified,including puerarin (Pu),daidzin (Da),daidzein (Dae),genistin (Ge),genistein (Gee),kakkalide (Ka),glycitin (Gl),tectoridin (Td),tectorigenin (Tg) and tectorigenin-7-O-xylosylglucoside (Tx),and HPLC method for the determination of the above ten components was established simultaneously. The results of PCA and PLS-DA could distinguish four kinds of samples with different commercial specifications. Gl,Tx,Ge,Td,Ka and one unknown compound 6 were the components with significant differences between the samples with four different commodity specifications. The chemical components of GH and FGH were obviously different from their adulterants. The content of Ka in GH were 10 times as much as that in FGH,and the content of Ge was half as much as that in FGH. Da,Gl was not detected in GH.

    Conclusion:

    The established characteristic chromatogram,chemometrics and multi-index component determination method in this study is rapid,simple,objectively and effectively and comprehensive quality evaluation of Puerariae Flos,which can provide the references for improving the quality control standard of Puerariae Flos.

  • Quality Control
  • Wei SUN , Yue TONG , Ya-li YANG , Yi-ping WANG , Zhen YANG
    doi: 10.16155/j.0254-1793.2024.05.20

    Althought mRNA vaccines have been developed for nearly 30 years,but due to certain technical bottlenecks in production,stability,and reactivity,the development of mRNA vaccines has been relatively slow. During the epidemic of COVID-19,mRNA vaccine had been fully verified its effectiveness and safety for preventing infectious diseases. Here,this article summarized the key quality control attributes and related requirements of mRNA vaccine products for preventing infectious diseases by reviewing the quality control guidance documents of WHO and drug regulatory and standardization agencies,aiming to provide reference for the quality control of mRNA vaccine products for preventing infectious diseases in China.

  • Standard Deliberation
  • Na LI , Ying DU , Ying GENG , Zhao-hui JIN , Xiao-meng QU , Xiao-qi NIE , De-jiang TAN
    doi: 10.16155/j.0254-1793.2024.05.21

    Ongoing procedure performance verification (OPPV) of an analytical procedure is the process of ensuring it continues to meet its intended use after completion of validation. On the basis of previous studies,this paper further discussed the indicators of ongoing procedure performance verification (including system suitability indicators and reported values,etc.) and the implementation of analysis tools (control charts),and demonstrated the specific operation steps of ongoing procedure performance verification with examples. It is hoped that this paper will provide new ideas for the accurate and standardized procedure verification in the pharmaceutical field,especially in the enterprises and regulatory departments.