Unveiling the Q-Markers of Viscum coloratum (Kom.) Nakai: Enhancing Clinical Efficacy for the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Viscum coloratum (Kom.) Nakai, a traditional Chinese medicine for rheumatoid arthritis, faces emergency challenges in clinical quality control due to inconsistent formulations and the lack of standardized evaluation criteria. To resolve this issue, this study established a systematic quality control framework for Viscum coloratum (Kom.) Nakai based on the concept of quality markers (Q-markers) in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Following TCM Q-markers principles, 10 potential candidates identified in our previous study were selected based on the key criteria, including effective separation and high abundance. A comprehensive five-dimensional evaluation system, for assessing reproducibility, content, stability, relevance, and effectiveness, was developed using an integrated analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) methodologies. Data normalization and weighted scoring facilitated the construction of a "spider-web" model for multicriteria decision-making, with a relative proximity threshold (≥ 0.409) applied to identify the most suitable Q-markers. Finally, through this approach, four candidates were ultimately selected as Q-markers for Viscum coloratum (Kom.) Nakai: viscumneoside III (VIS), homoeriodictyol-7-O-β-glucoside (HOG), oleanolic acid (OLA), and chlorogenic Acid (CHL). This systematic approach enhances Viscum coloratum (Kom.) Nakai quality control and provides insights for TCM standardization.
Lateal Flow Immunoassay for Sensitive and Rapid Detection of Methylisomiroestrol in Pueraria candollei Using Monoclonal Antibody
Methylisomiroestrol is a novel chromene compound with moderate estrogenic activity and an important biomarker for quality control in Pueraria candollei. The indirect competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (icELISA) provides high sensitivity, complexity, time consumption, and difficulty for practical fields. This study aimed to develop a rapid qualitative detection for methylisomiroestrol in P. candollei using monoclonal antibodies as lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA). The LFIA was developed and evaluated for sensitivity, cross-reactivity, and application to plant samples. Methylisomiroestrol (0.12-62.5 ng/mL) was used to determine the limit of detection (LOD). Cross-reactivity was assessed with related compounds such as chromenes and isoflavonoids. The developed method was applied to detect methylisomiroestrol in P. candollei samples and compared to icELISA. The LFIA showed 31.25 ng/mL for the LOD of methylisomiroestrol within 15 min. Cross-reactivity revealed interactions with related chromenes including isomiroestrol (8.89%), miroestrol (4.22%), and deoxymiroestrol (3.08%) and isoflavonoid compounds (< 0.6%). The application to P. candollei samples showed consistency results with the icELISA method that confirmed the qualitative detection of methylisomiroestrol in both root and stem materials. The developed LFIA provided a simple, quick, and easy-to-use method for the qualitative detection of methylisomiroestrol for quality control. However, further improvement toward semiquantitative analysis would increase the method's utility for comprehensive herbal medicine standardization.
GC-MS Analysis of Pergularia tomentosa Essential Oil: Determination of Antibacterial, Antifungal, and Anti-Inflammatory Activities
Pergularia tomentosa plant is used in African and Asian medicine for treating infections and inflammation. Despite its ethno-pharmacological relevance, no comprehensive study defines the chemical composition and the full spectrum of biological activities of this plant. To address these gaps, essential oil was extracted via hydro-distillation and analyzed for its components using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). A total of 24 compounds were identified, predominantly terpenes (70.3%), with major constituents being 1-hexanol (18.2%), cis-limonene oxide (15.6%), and β-myrcene (12.4%). The antimicrobial potential was assessed against clinically relevant bacterial and fungal strains using broth microdilution. Notably, the oil exhibited strong antimicrobial activity, particularly against Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MIC = 8.05 μg/mL) and Bacillus subtilis (MIC = 16.1 μg/mL). Antioxidant capacity measured via DPPH and ABTS assays showed moderate radical scavenging activity (IC₅₀ = 0.829 and 0.712 mg/mL). The oil also demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory activity (83.91% inhibition of protein denaturation at 0.5 mg/mL), comparable to the standard drug diclofenac. This research provides a detailed chemical profile alongside antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory evaluations of Pergularia tomentosa L. essential oil. These findings not only validate traditional uses but also suggest its potential as a natural therapeutic agent, offering a promising alternative to synthetic drugs.
Validated LC-MS/MS Method for the Quantitative Determination and Pharmacokinetic Profiling of Fedratinib (TG101348), an Oral JAK2 Inhibitor, in CD1 Mice Plasma
Fedratinib, a selective Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) inhibitor approved by the FDA for the treatment of myeloproliferative neoplasms, particularly myelofibrosis (MF), has clinical relevance. Despite this, no liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method has been reported for its quantification in biological matrices. This study aimed to develop and validate an LC-MS/MS method for quantifying fedratinib in mice plasma and assessing its pharmacokinetics. The method employed a Sciex 4500 triple quadrupole mass spectrometer with a Shimadzu LC system in positive ionization mode. Chromatographic separation was achieved using a Phenomenex Kinetex C18 column (2.1 × 50 mm, 5.0 μm) with a gradient mobile phase of 5 mM ammonium formate in 0.1% formic acid and acetonitrile at a flow rate of 0.8 mL/min. Telmisartan was used as the internal standard (IS). The method was validated in accordance with USFDA M10 bioanalytical guidelines. Fedratinib and IS were detected at m/z 525.5 → 468.9 and m/z 515.2 → 276.0, respectively. The assay demonstrated excellent sensitivity (LLOQ: 0.5 ng/mL), linearity (0.5 to 1000.0 ng/mL, r = 0.99), and accuracy (95.80-104.52%). Stability studies confirmed the analyte's integrity across multiple freeze-thaw cycles. The developed LC-MS/MS method is selective, sensitive, fully validated, and was successfully applied to pharmacokinetic studies.
HPLC Profile-Based Chemometric Discrimination of Cinnamomum cassia by Geographic Origin
Cinnamon is a valuable commodity, used in medicine and many other fields, and its quality depends on its origin. Therefore, classifying cinnamon by its growing region is essential. This study classified 134 cinnamon samples by their geographical origin based on the content of three key compounds, coumarin, cinnamic acid, and cinnamaldehyde, using machine learning techniques, including XGBoost, support vector machine, random forest, voting, stacking, and convolutional neural network models. The results indicated that the XGBoost model achieved the highest accuracy (76.47%) among the targeted approaches. It also showed that using only the concentrations of these three was insufficient to reliably distinguish cinnamon groups. To address limitations, an untargeted approach used the full HPLC chromatogram at 280 nm. This approach significantly improved classification performance, with voting and stacking models reaching an accuracy of 94.18%. SHapley Additive exPlanations analysis further revealed the retention times corresponding to the most critical signals to model predictions. On the other hand, applying principal component analysis to reduce the data dimensionality significantly improved the performance of the established model to an impressive accuracy of 100%. These results suggested an efficient approach to discriminate cinnamon origins by integrating HPLC data with machine learning.
From Separation to Safety Prediction: Validated RP-HPLC Method for Simultaneous Estimation of Sitagliptin and Lobeglitazone, LC-MS/MS Identification of Degradant Products, and In Silico Safety Profiling
Diabetes mellitus is a global health burden, necessitating effective combination therapies. The fixed-dose formulation of sitagliptin phosphate (SGP, 100 mg) and lobeglitazone sulfate (LGS, 0.5 mg) offers synergistic benefits by enhancing insulin sensitivity and glucose-dependent insulin secretion. However, simultaneous quantification remains challenging due to their dosage disparity and the narrow therapeutic index of LGS. This study reports a validated, stability-indicating RP-HPLC method for concurrent estimation of SGP and LGS in a synthetic mixture. Separation was achieved on a Pursuit 5 Diphenyl column (150 × 4.6 mm, 5 μm) using a gradient of 0.1% formic acid and acetonitrile at 1.0 mL/min, with PDA detection at 254 nm. The method complied with ICH Q2(R2) guidelines, showing specificity, linearity, accuracy, precision, and robustness. Forced degradation studies revealed marked instability of SGP under acidic and alkaline conditions, whereas LGS remained stable. LC-MS/MS analysis identified a major degradation product at m/z 234, and probable fragmentation pathways were proposed. In silico ADMET and toxicity profiling predicted high gastrointestinal absorption for all degradation products, with PI-1 and PI-2 flagged for carcinogenicity and all except PI-3 showing nephrotoxicity. This integrated analytical-computational approach provides a reliable tool for quality control and safety assessment of this antidiabetic formulation.
Effects of Compound Kushen Injection on the Pharmacokinetics of Fluoxetine in Rats
In clinical treatment, compound kushen injection (CKI) is often used in combination with fluoxetine (FLX) to enhance the therapeutic effect on tumor-related depression in patients with tumors. To systematically investigate the pharmacokinetic interaction between CKI and FLX in plasma through UPLC-MS/MS analysis. Healthy male Sprague-Dawley rats were allocated to experimental or control groups; the experimental group received an injection of CKI (2 mg/kg) for 7 days, whereas the control group received an equivalent volume of saline. On Day 7, both groups received a single oral dose of FLX (10 mg/kg). Blood samples were subsequently collected from the tail vein at 15 time points over 72 h, after which the plasma concentrations of FLX were quantified using a validated UPLC-MS/MS method. The key pharmacokinetic parameters of FLX differed significantly (p < 0.05) between the two groups. Compared with those in the control group, the AUC, C, and T of FLX in the experimental group increased by 457.06%, 248.25%, and 90.62%, respectively, while CL/F, VF, and T decreased by 74.14%, 60.49%, and 41.11%, respectively. These findings demonstrate that CKI coadministration markedly alters FLX pharmacokinetics, potentially impacting treatment efficacy and safety.
Banxia Xiexin Decoction Ameliorates Ulcerative Colitis via a Flora-Metabolite-Inflammation Axis Through Integrated Metabolomic and Microbiome Analysis
Banxia Xiexin Decoction (BXD), a classic traditional Chinese medicine formula traditionally used for gastrointestinal disorders, has demonstrated considerable therapeutic potential in ulcerative colitis (UC). Yet, its mechanism of action remains incompletely elucidated. In this study, we applied an integrated strategy incorporating UPLC-Q-TOF/MS-based plasma metabolomics and gut microbiome analysis to explore the anti-UC effects of BXD. In a DSS-induced murine model of UC, BXD treatment mitigated colonic inflammation, as evidenced by reduced levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α), repaired intestinal barrier integrity, and restored metabolic homeostasis via regulation of tryptophan and nitrogen metabolism. Notably, BXD promoted the production of microbially derived tryptophan metabolites, including indole-3-propionic acid (IPA) and indole-3-carboxaldehyde (IAld). IAld acts as a ligand for the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), facilitating the differentiation and function of regulatory T cells (Tregs) and thereby helping to suppress excessive inflammation. Gut microbiota analysis further indicated that BXD enriched beneficial genera such as Akkermansia and Bifidobacterium, while reducing the abundance of pro-inflammatory bacteria belonging to the Lachnospiraceae family. These results demonstrate the role of BXD in modulating the flora-metabolite-inflammation axis, providing a scientific rationale for its use in UC and highlighting its multi-target actions involving anti-inflammatory effects, metabolic reprogramming, and microbiota restoration.
Beyond the Database: Integration of Network Pharmacology and UHPLC-QTOF-MS/MS to Reveal the Neuroprotective Potential of Bai Mi Decoction in Stroke Therapy
Network pharmacology is instrumental in understanding how TCM works by targeting specific pathways. This study examines different mechanisms using three network pharmacology approaches, focusing on the TCM "Bai Mi Decoction" (BMD). The neuroprotective effects of BMD were evaluated in a middle cerebral artery occlusion-reperfusion (MCAO/R) rat model. The composition of BMD extract (BMDE) and its components in brain (BMDB) were analyzed using UHPLC-QTOF-MS/MS, alongside documented constituents from the database (BMDD). A network pharmacological analysis was conducted to explore the similarities and differences in BMD's neuroprotective mechanisms. BMD showed a strong neuroprotective effect in MCAO/R rats, as indicated by lower neurological deficit scores, smaller cerebellar infarct sizes, and improved histopathological changes. Analysis identified 45, 11, and 22 components in BMDE, BMDB, and BMDD, respectively, with 29, 26, and 23 potential therapeutic targets. However, most database-listed compounds were not found in actual samples. Functional enrichment and pathway network analysis showed that BMDE and BMDB shared the most targets. MAPK1 was the only common target across all groups, targeted by crocetin, the sole shared compound. BMD proved highly effective in MCAO/R rats, with compounds found in BMD extracts or in vivo better reflecting the actual pharmacological mechanisms than database-derived ones.
Analysis of Metabolic Differences of Major Alkaloids From Corydalis Decumbentis Rhizoma in Normal and Gut Microbiota-Depleted Rats Based on UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS
The primary active constituents in Corydalis Decumbentis Rhizoma (Xiatianwu, XTW) are isoquinoline alkaloids, which generally exhibit low oral bioavailability. This low bioavailability suggests that these compounds may be metabolized by gut microbiota prior to absorption. However, the characteristics of gut microbiota-mediated metabolism of XTW in vivo remain unclear. This study employed ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS) to identify prototype compounds and metabolites of XTW in rat feces. The metabolic profiles of XTW between the control and pseudo-germ-free (GF) rats were systematically analyzed to delineate the gut microbiota-mediated metabolic profile of XTW in rat feces. In the control group, 92 compounds were identified, with 70 of them categorized as metabolites. In the pseudo-GF group, 80 compounds were identified, among which 44 compounds were categorized as metabolites. The significant reduction in metabolite diversity in the pseudo-GF group indicates that gut microbiota-mediated metabolism was suppressed. Moreover, the levels of certain prototype alkaloids and Phase I metabolites were significantly lower in the pseudo-GF group, while Phase II metabolites were compensatorily increased. The findings demonstrate that suppression of the gut microbiota alters the in vivo metabolism of XTW. These findings provide new evidence for understanding the role of gut microbiota in the metabolism of XTW.
Multidimensional Interrogation of the Toxicity-Efficacy Balance in Chinese Medicinal Alkaloids via MOFs, Network Pharmacology, and Chromatography
Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) offer a revolutionary platform for addressing the inherent toxicity-efficacy paradox of bioactive alkaloids in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). This review summarizes recent advances in MOF-based strategies for detoxification and potentiation of alkaloid drugs by integrating TCM holism principles with modern material science. We emphasize a methodology that combines network pharmacology for in silico prediction of multi-target mechanisms with chromatographic techniques (e.g., HPLC, LC-MS) for experimental validation of key alkaloids. Using Coptis chinensis against influenza A virus (H1N1) as an example, network pharmacology identifies modulation of TNF-α and IL-6 pathways as core mechanisms, while chromatographic analysis confirms and quantifies the predicted bioactive compounds (e.g., berberine and coptisine). This validated multi-target profile provides a rational basis for designing MOF-based systems capable of targeted co-delivery and controlled release of alkaloids, thereby achieving synergistic toxicity reduction and efficacy enhancement. It presents a robust, methodology-rich framework that bridges computational prediction, analytical validation, and precision delivery for modernizing TCM alkaloid research.
Mechanistic Insights Into Astragali Radix n-Butanol on Podocyte Injury via Cell Cycle Regulation
The traditional Chinese medicine Astragali Radix (AR) shows therapeutic effects on nephrotic syndrome (NS), with AR n-butanol (AR-B) particularly ameliorating podocyte injury. Nevertheless, the molecular mechanisms are unclear. This study investigates how serum containing AR-B (AR-B-S) mitigates podocyte injury. Using rats as serum donors, we established an adriamycin (ADR)-induced injury model. The findings indicated that the optimal preparation protocol for AR-B-S was as follows: using serum collected 3.5 h after administration, incubating it at 56°C for 30 min, and employing a final concentration of 2.5%. Subsequently, compositional analysis using UPLC-MS technology and integrated network pharmacology predicted potential pathways, with more than 30% of AR-B-S targets for amelioration of podocyte injury related to the cell cycle. Furthermore, ADR was shown to facilitate the transition of MPC5 cells from a quiescent to a differentiated state. Additionally, ADR was demonstrated to have the ability to cause mitotic arrest in podocytes, which in turn leads to apoptosis. Conversely, intervention with AR-B-S was found to reverse ADR-induced mitotic arrest through the PI3K/Akt pathway, reducing podocyte apoptosis. This study showed AR-B-S reduces podocyte damage by regulating the cell cycle, providing a methodological reference for herbal serum preparation and suggesting a new therapeutic target for kidney disease.
Greenness, Blueness, and Whiteness Assessment of Novel Chromatographic Methods for Separation and Simultaneous Analysis of Zuclopenthixol and Its Major Potentially Toxic Impurity: A Comparative Study
Zuclopenthixol was reported to treat schizophrenia, psychoses, and acute bipolar mania. 2-Chlorothioxanthon is reported to be zuclopenthixol official Impurity C (IMP C), and it is considered to be zuclopenthixol synthetic precursor. IMP C was reported to have toxicity on mRNA and protein expression. Environmentally validated HPTLC and HUPLC were developed for the simultaneous analysis of zuclopenthixol and IMP C in the analytical standard form and in pharmaceutical form, according to ICH guidelines. Regarding the HPTLC method, zuclopenthixol and its toxic impurity were separated using a mobile phase consisting of dichloromethane:ethyl acetate:triethylamine (6:4.5:0.4, v/v), and the scanning wavelength was 257 nm. For the HUPLC method, the simultaneous separation was completed within 2 min using Waters, CORTECS C (4.6 mm × 150, 2.7 μm) as a stationary phase. The applied mobile phase was an isocratic mixture of methanol:water (80:20, v/v), pH was 3.25 ± 0.02 using orthophosphoric acid, pumping at 3 mL/min, and the detection wavelength was 257 nm. To evaluate the greenness value of the presented methods, the Eco-Scale Assessment method, Analytical Greenness Metric, and Green Analytical Procedure Index were applied. The practicality of the analytical methods was evaluated using the Blue Applicability Grade Index. Additionally, the analytical whiteness was determined via the RGB algorithm.
Elucidating Wenshen Xuanbi Decoction's Anti-Osteoporotic Mechanisms via Integrated Multiomics Analysis
This study aimed to systematically investigate the active components and therapeutic mechanisms of Wenshen Xuanbi Decoction (WSXBT) against primary osteoporosis (POP) using an integrated multi-omics approach. HPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS analysis identified 28 chemical constituents in WSXBT. Through network pharmacology, transcriptomic profiling (GSE35958), single-cell RNA sequencing (GSE147287), and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), we identified 15 core targets of WSXBT against POP, with CTNNB1 and AKT1 emerging as the top candidates. Enrichment analyses revealed that these targets are involved in key biological processes, such as cellular senescence, osteoclast differentiation, Wnt signaling, and the PI3K-Akt pathway. Molecular docking and dynamics simulations confirmed stable binding between key WSXBT components (e.g., glycyrrhizic acid) and the core targets AKT1 and CTNNB1. Our findings suggest that WSXBT exerts its anti-osteoporotic effects by modulating the PI3K-AKT and Wnt signaling pathways, thereby promoting osteogenesis and inhibiting osteoclastogenesis. This study provides a scientific basis for the clinical application of WSXBT and advances the understanding of multi-target mechanisms underlying traditional Chinese medicine compound actions.
Comprehensive Review of Analytical Approaches for Vinblastine and Vincristine in Cancer Research
Vinblastine (VBL) and vincristine (VCR) are vinca alkaloids derived from Catharanthus roseus and are among the most widely used chemotherapeutic agents for treating hematological malignancies and solid tumors. Due to their narrow therapeutic index and complex structural nature, accurate, sensitive, and selective analytical methods are crucial for quantifying these drugs in pharmaceutical formulations, biological matrices, and environmental samples. This review provides a comprehensive overview of reported analytical techniques for VBL and VCR, drawing on major databases such as Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, PubMed, and Google Scholar, with a focus on the English-language literature. The discussed methods include chromatographic, spectroscopic, electroanalytical, and capillary electrophoretic techniques. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), particularly when coupled with LC-MS/MS, offers exceptional sensitivity, with detection limits as low as 0.025 ng/mL in plasma. Conventional HPLC-UV methods, though less sensitive, remain widely applied in plant extract analysis. Electroanalytical approaches, such as voltammetry using nanomaterial-modified electrodes, offer eco-friendly and cost-effective alternatives with detection limits as low as 0.3 nM. Key analytical considerations include light sensitivity, pH and temperature control, and matrix interferences. Overall, recent methodological advancements enable reliable quantification of VBL and VCR, supporting safer clinical application, toxicity monitoring, and environmental surveillance.
Rapid, Reliable, and Green: A Novel RP-HPLC Method for Quercetin Estimation in Green-Synthesized Nanoparticles
Quercetin (QUE) is a natural flavonoid phyto-constituent found in fruits and vegetables with diverse medicinal properties. Green synthesis nanoparticles using plant extracts have gained attention for their eco-friendly and safe approach. The present work aimed to develop a facile, accurate, and reliable reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) technique to determine QUE in nanoparticles. Chromatographic separation was done with a C18 column (4.6 × 250 mm, 5 μm) with a mobile phase of methanol and 0.1% orthophosphoric acid (OPA) (80:20, v/v) with a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min at 371 nm. The method developed for QUE proved to be highly linear in the range of 0.1-8.0 μg/mL (R>0.999) with a retention time of 3.5 min. The limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) were 0.6 and 2.1 μg/mL, respectively. Validation parameters such as accuracy, precision, robustness, and specificity were in accordance with ICH guidelines. The novelty of the research work depends on attaining a maximum of QUE at a lower retention time compared to conventional methods.
A Simultaneous Determination of 14 Chemical Compounds From Rubi Fructus in Rat Plasma by UHPLC-QTRAP-MS/MS and Application in Pharmacokinetics Study
Rubi Fructus (RF) is a traditional Chinese medicine that is both edible and medicinal. It is commonly used for daily health preservation by soaking in water and is also widely used in clinical treatment for kidney deficiency and frequent urination. Despite its extensive application, comprehensive pharmacokinetic studies on its multiple components are still relatively scarce. In order to systematically elucidate the in vivo dynamic processes of multiple components in RF, a simple and sensitive method was established and validated for the simultaneous determination of 14 compounds (ellagic acid, kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside, tiliroside, rutin, gallic acid, isoquercitrin, astragalin, kaempferol, p-coumaric acid, catechin, 3,4-dihydroxybenzaldehyde, protocatechuic acid, quercetin, and 4-hydroxybenzoic acid) in the plasma of rats by ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography coupled with triple-quadrupole linear ion-trap tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QTRAP-MS/MS). The method validation confirmed excellent linearity, acceptable precision and accuracy, as well as satisfactory extraction recovery and matrix effect for 14 compounds. The pharmacokinetic parameters of nine bioactive components in RF were successfully determined in rat plasma. A high C (1307.33 ng/mL) and a relatively long T (10.62 h) were exhibited by ellagic acid. The findings provide a theoretical basis for elucidating its pharmacological mechanisms and clinical applications.
Naringenin Inhibits the Formation of N-Carboxymethyllysine and Ameliorates Inflammation Induced by it in RAW 264.7 Cells
Utilizing active ingredients to inhibit the formation of N-carboxymethyllysine (CML) and alleviate CML-induced inflammation damage is crucial for treating diabetic nephropathy caused by CML. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the inhibitory effect and mechanism of naringenin (Nar) on the formation of CML and CML-induced inflammation damage in RAW 264.7 cells. The results indicated that Nar could dose-dependently inhibit the formation of CML in the system of L-lysine and glyoxal (GO) by producing mono-GO-Nar, as evidenced by liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Furthermore, CML-induced inflammatory injury in RAW 264.7 cells was alleviated by Nar through the reduction of gene expression levels of TNF-α and IL-6. Further mechanistic studies suggested that Nar inhibited inflammatory injury via the AGEs/RAGE/NF-κB pathway. In summary, our results initially demonstrated that Nar could inhibit the formation of CML and alleviate CML-induced inflammation, which might represent a novel mechanism by which Nar combats chronic diseases where CML plays a significant role.
Identification and Verification of the Anti-Insomnia Compounds From Herbal Pair Albiziae Cortex and Polygoni Multiflori Caulis Using Immobilized 5-HT Receptor Chromatography
This study employed an affinity chromatography approach to investigate the potential molecular mechanism of the Albiziae Cortex and Polygoni Multiflori Caulis herbal pair, which is commonly used for treating insomnia. Briefly, the haloalkane dehalogenase and its substrate were fused separately onto the serotonin 1A receptor and amino microspheres. Receptors were bound onto chromatographic stationary phases specifically through biological orthogonal interactions. Subsequently, catechin, methyl-O-digalloyl-hexose, 2,3,5,4'-tetrahydroxystilbene-2-O-β-D-glucoside (THSG), and julibroside J were identified as active components in the herbal pair extract targeting the receptor. A mice model of insomnia was used to validate the anti-insomnia effects. The herbal-pair extract, catechin, and THSG significantly reduced sleep latency and increased sleep duration. Furthermore, on-column analysis and molecular docking revealed the binding characteristic. Adsorption isotherm analysis indicated a homogeneous binding process, which was further supported by injection amount-dependent analysis. The latter also provided binding constants of (5.70 ± 0.61) × 10 M for catechin and (4.05 ± 0.20) × 10 M for THSG. Molecular docking revealed critical binding residues (Asp116, Val117, Thr121, Lys191, Thr196, and Ser199), primarily via van der Waals forces and hydrogen bonds. Collectively, immobilizing the serotonin 1A receptor enables the screening of biologically active compounds from complex systems effectively and shows a degree of general applicability.
Comprehensive UHPLC-ESI-Orbitrap-MS Profiling and Bioactivity-Guided Fractionation of Euphorbia greenwayi: Mechanistic Insights Into Anti-Inflammatory and Antiaging Bioactive Metabolites
The rise of inflammation- and age-related diseases reveals a need for safer therapies, with medicinal plants offering promising bioactive compounds for treatment. This study used chromatographic and NMR tools along with UHPLC-ESI-LIT-Orbitrap-MS to analyze the phytochemical profile of Euphorbia greenwayi's main fractions (EG1:EG5), which showed promising dose-dependent inhibition of COX-1, COX-2, and LOX enzymes through multivariate data analysis. A total of 125 metabolites were identified via UHPLC-ESI-LIT-Orbitrap-MS, including nine isolated and NMR-structurally confirmed compounds, representing diverse chemical classes including phenolic acids and flavonoid glycosides as key components. Furthermore, this study utilized multivariate statistical methods, including Hierarchical Clustering Analysis (HCA) and Orthogonal Projection to Latent Structures Discriminant Analysis (OPLS-DA), to classify solvent fractions based on their chemical composition. The results demonstrated significant dose-dependent inhibitory effects of cyclooxygenase COX-1, COX-2, and lipoxygenase (LOX) enzymes. Notably, Fraction EG5 exhibited potent antiaging effects, as demonstrated by its inhibitory activity on collagenase and elastase enzymes. Further investigation revealed bioactive metabolites, such as xanthurenic acid, tricin, and quercetin, contributing to the anti-inflammatory and antiaging properties. These findings provide valuable insights into the therapeutic potential of E. greenwayi, particularly for anti-inflammatory and antiaging applications, and lay a foundation for future pharmacological studies on its bioactive compounds.
Establishment of UPLC-MS/MS Method for Determining the Content of Memantine in Rat Plasma and Its Pharmacokinetic Differences at Different Altitudes
This study aimed to establish an UPLC-MS/MS method for determining memantine (MM) in rat plasma and to investigate its pharmacokinetic variations at different altitudes. MM was separated on a Hypersil Gold C18 column using a gradient elution method and detected by selected reaction monitoring (SRM). Sixteen fasted SD rats were randomized into low- and high-altitude groups (n = 8 each) and orally administered MM at 5 mg/kg. Serial blood samples were collected at 0-, 0.08-, 0.25-, 0.5-, 0.75-, 1-, 2-, 4-, 8-, 12-, 24-, 36-, and 48-h postdose for pharmacokinetic analysis. Compared with the low-altitude group, the high-altitude group exhibited a 72.15% increase in the area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC(0-∞)), a 39.97% reduction in apparent volume of distribution (Vz/F), the apparent clearance (CLz/F) decreased by 41.99%, the peak concentration (Cmax) increased by 131.52%, while the half-life (t) and time to peak concentration (Tmax) showed no significant changes. In conclusion, high-altitude hypoxia significantly affects MM metabolism in rats, potentially posing a risk of drug accumulation in plasma. The research findings provide a reference for the rational use of MM in high-altitude regions.
