Quality control of Semen Ziziphi Spinosae standard decoction based on determination of multi-components using TOF-MS/MS and UPLC-PDA technology

A sensitive,fast and comprehensive method for the quality assessment of Semen Ziziphi Spinosae(SZS)standard decoction with characterization of its chemical components was developed and validated.UPLC-Q/TOF-MS/MS system was used to identify thirty-six chemical components of SZS standard decoction which included nucleosides,phenolic acids,alkaloids,and flavonoids.Furthermore,a UPLC-PDA method was validated to simultaneously determine adenosine,protocatechuic acid,magnoflorine,catechin,protocatechin,vicenin II,spinosin,kaempferol-3-rutinoside,and 6'''-feruloylspinosin which represent four species of characteristic compounds.The qualitative method had been validated according to Chinese Pharmacopoeia(2015 edition)in terms of lineary,repeatability,recovery and stability for all analytes,with the results showing good precision,accuracy and stability.In conclusion,the method using UPLC combined with MS and PDA provided a novel way for the standardization and identification of SZS standard decoction,and also offered a basis for qualitative analysis and quality assessment of the preparations for SZS standard decoction.

Discussion on several statistical problems in establishing quality standards of standard decoctions

Since 2016,a number of studies have been published on standard decoctions used in Chinese medicine.However,there is little research on statistical issues related to establishing the quality standards for standard decoctions.In view of the currently established quality standard methods for standard decoctions,an improvement scheme is proposed from a statistical perspective.This review explores the requirements for dry matter yield rate data and index component transfer data for the application of two methods specified in‘‘Technical Requirements for Quality Control and Standard Establishment of Chinese Medicine Formula Granules,"which include the average value plus or minus three times the standard deviation (■±3SD) or 70%to 130%of the average value (■±30%■).The square-root arcsine transformation method is used as an approach to solve the problem of unreasonable standard ranges of standard decoctions.This review also proposes the use of merged data to establish a standard.A method to judge whether multiple sets of standard decoction data can be merged is also provided.When multiple sets of data have a similar central tendency and a similar discrete tendency,they can be merged to establish a more reliable quality standard.Assuming that the dry matter yield rate and transfer rate conform to a binomial distribution,the number of batches of prepared slices that are needed to establish the standard decoction quality standard is estimated.It is recommended that no less than 30 batches of prepared slices should be used for the establishment of standard decoction quality standards.

The Effect of Peony and Licorice Decoction on the Voltage-Gated Sodium Channel Subtype 1.4 Based on Standard Decoction

Objective:The objective of this study is to investigate the inhibitory effect of peony and licorice decoction and its compatibility components on the Nav1.4 voltage-gated sodium channels(VGSCs).Materials and Methods:Writhing test was carried out with ICR mice.Paeonia lactiflora and Glycyrrhiza uralensis group were administrated 0.2 ml of solution of freeze-dried powder dissolved in normal saline with the concentration of 2.94 mg/ml,1.47 mg/ml,and 0.74 mg/ml using intragastric administration,respectively.Peony and licorice decoction groups were administrated 0.2 ml of solution of freeze-dried powder dissolved in normal saline with the concentration of 5.89 mg/ml,2.94 mg/ml,and 1.47 mg/ml using intragastric administration,respectively.For electrophysiology studies,each freeze-dried powder was dissolved in DMSO to make 10 mg/ml and 50 mg/ml stock solutions.The electrophysiological recordings were obtained under visual control of a microscope.For UPLC analysis,the freeze-dried powder was dissolved in methanol and then determines the contents of the nine marker compounds.Results:The effect of G.uralensis on incubation period and writhing frequency was significantly better than that of peony and licorice decoction group and P.lactiflora group.The inhibition rate of 50 mg/ml water extracts of the three samples was significantly higher than that of the 10 mg/ml group.Moreover,the water extract of G.uralensis at 50 mg/ml had the strongest inhibitory effect on I_(Nav) 1.4 of the three.Conclusion:The possible mechanism of peony and licorice decoction in relieving spasm and pain is most likely by inhibiting Voltage-Gated Sodium Channel Subtype 1.4.

Establishment of Characteristic Chromatogram of Honeysuckle Stem Formula Granules Based on the Concept of Whole Process Quality Control

[Objectives]To establish a HPLC characteristic spectrum of honeysuckle stem formula granules,and to evaluate the quality consistency based on the standard decoction.[Methods]Using Agilent ZORBAX SB-C_(18)(5μm,250 mm×4.6 mm)chromatographic column;gradient elution with acetonitrile-0.4%phosphoric acid solution(0.2:99.8,V/V),column temperature at 25℃;detection wavelength at 236 nm;flow rate 1.0 mL/min;using"Similarity Evaluation System for Chromatographic Fingerprint of Traditional Chinese Medicine",to evaluate the similarity of the characteristic chromatogram of crude drug,standard decoction and formula granules of honeysuckle stem.[Results]The similarity of characteristic chromatogram was higher than 0.94,and 6 components were identified from 10 characteristic peaks.[Conclusions]The established method can more comprehensively reflect the overall appearance of the chemical substances in the honeysuckle stem and the transmission law,and can provide an experimental basis for the consistency of the quality of the honeysuckle stem formula granules.