Yan Yan,Cheng-Zhi Chai,Da-Wei Wang,Xin-Yi Yue,Dan-Ni Zhu,Bo-Yang Yu
Ge-Gen Decoction (GGD) is a classical formula of traditional Chinese medicine. It is generally used for treating common cold, fever and influenza in China and South East Asia. In this study, a systematic method was established for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of the major constituents in GGD. For qualitative analysis, a method of liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (Q-TOF MS/MS) was developed for identification of multi-constituents. Based on the UV spectra, retention time and MS spectra, sixty compounds in GGD extract were identified or tentatively characterized by comparing with reference substances or literatures. According to the qualitative results, a new quantitative analysis method of GGD was established by HPLC-DAD. Fourteen representative compounds unequivocally identified were chosen as marker components which were derived from five herbs in GGD excluding Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens and Jujubae Fructus. The analytical method was validated through intra- and inter-day precision, repeatability and stability, and the R.S.D. was less than 3.18%, 4.48%, 3.36% and 3.54%, respectively. The LODs and the LOQs for the analytes were less than 1.06 and 3.12 μg mL −1 , respectively. The overall recoveries ranged from 94.8% to 105.6%, with the R.S.D. ranging from 0.68% to 3.23%. Then the new method was applied to determine twelve batches of GGD commercial products of three dosage forms. The results indicated that the new approach was applicable in the routine analysis and quality control of GGD products. The study might provide a basis for quality control of GGD, and further study of GGD in vivo .
YiQiFuMai Powder Injection (YQFM) is a re-developed preparation based on the well-known traditional Chinese medicine formula Sheng-mai-san. It has been widely used for the treatment of cardiovascular disease with definite clinical efficacy in China, but its bioactive molecules remain obscure. In this study, an effective method has been employed as a tool for screening active components in YQFM, using human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) extraction and liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (Q-TOF MS/MS). Nine compounds, which could interact with HUVECs, were identified as ginsenosides Rb1, Rc, Rb2, Rd, 20(S)-Rg3, 20(R)-Rg3, Rk1/Rg5 and schisandrin by comparing with reference substances or literature. In vitro assays showed that schisandrin at concentrations of 10–100 μM protected HUVECs from hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) injury, increased cell viability, nitric oxide (NO) content and decreased lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) leakage, malonaldehyde (MDA) content and ROS generation. Moreover, schisandrin pretreatment inhibited cell apoptosis, as evidenced by inhibiting activation of caspase-3 and increasing the Bcl-2/Bax ratio. These data indicate that HUVECs biospecific extraction coupled with HPLC-ESI-Q-TOF-MS/MS analysis is a reliable method for screening potential bioactive components from traditional Chinese medicines. Meanwhile, the vascular endothelium protective property of schisandrin might be beneficial for the treatment of cardiovascular disease.