Quantitative identification of TCM Q-markers based on analytical hierarchy and the entropy weight comprehensive method by taking Shaoyao Gancao decoction as an example
10.16438/j.0513-4870.2020-1412
- VernacularTitle:基于层次分析-熵权法的中药质量标志物量化辨识方法研究——以芍药甘草汤为例
- Author:
Li-mei FENG
;
Yan-yan CHEN
;
Shi-jun YUE
;
Ding-qiao XU
;
Rui-jia FU
;
Jie YANG
;
Yu-ping TANG
- Publication Type:Research Article
- Keywords:
analytic hierarchy process;
entropy weight method;
Q-marker;
quantitative identification;
Shaoyao Gancao decoction
- From:
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica
2021;56(1):296-305
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
The quality markers (Q-markers) of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) have become a topic of interest in TCM research in recent years. Nonetheless, there is still no consensus on how to scientifically characterize TCM Q-markers. Our study establishes an identification method for TCM Q-markers based on the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) and the entropy weight comprehensive method. By constructing an evaluation system encompassing the target layer, the factor layer and the control layer, AHP can be used to analyze the weight of three core TCM quality attributes, including effectiveness, testability and specificity. Following that, the entropy weight method is employed to analyze the specific indicators for each attribute based on the literature and experimental data. Finally, the comprehensive weight of each index is obtained by combining the two weights, and the comprehensive weight and the specific value of each component is multiplied and summed to obtain the integrated score ranking, and thereby identify the TCM Q-markers. Taking Shaoyao Gancao decoction as an example, the analysis revealed that the top 8 components are as follows: paeoniflorin > quercetin > albiflorin > glycyrrhizic acid > naringenin > liquiritin > oxypaeoniflorin > benzoylpaeoniflorin, and can be identified as Q-markers of Shaoyao Gancao decoction. This study not only provides support for the establishment of quality standards and process quality control of TCM formulae, but also provides innovative ideas and methods for quantitative evaluation and accurate identification of TCM Q-markers.
