1.Comparison of volatile constituents in two types of mugwort leaves (produced in Qichun and Nanyang) using the headspace GC-MS
Yuan ZHANG ; Liping KANG ; Zhongqiu TENG ; Zhilai ZHAN ; Tiegui NAN ; Aixiang ZHOU ; Lanping GUO
Journal of Acupuncture and Tuina Science 2016;14(3):164-169
Objective:To compare the volatile constituents in mugwort leaves produced in Qichun, Hubei Province and Nanyang, Henan Province.
Methods:The volatile constituents were extracted using headspace heating and analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Then a qualitative analysis was made according to the standard database provided by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the relative contents of each constituent were calculated using the peak area normalization method.
Results:A total of 59 compounds were identified from the mugwort leaves from Qichun and 51 compounds were identified from the mugwort leaves from Nanyang. These mainly include monoterpenoids, sesquiterpenoids, CxHyOz and other compounds involving the aldehyde, ketone, alkane and benzene. The mugwort leaves from Qichun and Nanyang share 32 common volatile constituents. The chromatographic peak area of identified compounds accounting for 96.38% of GC-MS total chromatographic peak areain Qichun mugwort leaves, versus 95.54% of that in Nanyang mugwort leaves.
Conclusion:The headspace heating extraction combined with GC-MS technology can evidently display similarities and differences of volatile constituents in mugwort leaves produced in different areas and thus provide scientific basis for the quality and screening of mugwort leaves.
2.Herbal Textual Research on Sanguisorbae Radix in Famous Classical Formulas
Tianyu NI ; Shuili ZHANG ; Bing YU ; Zhilai ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2023;29(5):58-67
By reviewing ancient materia medica, medical books, prescription books and modern literature, the herbal textual research of Sanguisorbae Radix has been conducted to verify the name, origin, evolution of scientific name, producing area, harvesting time, quality evaluation and processing methods. Through herbal textual research, the name of Diyu was first published in the Shennong Bencaojing, and has been used as the proper name of this herb for generations since then. The origin of the mainstream Diyu of previous generations was the roots of Sanguisorba officinalis or its variant S. officinalis var. longifolia. In ancient times, this herb was preferred to those with soft and fat roots, according to this characteristic, its origin should be S. officinalis var. longifolia. In modern literature, the root is preferred to those with thick, hard, pink or red sections, without rhizomes or fibrous roots, according to these characteristics, its origin should be S. officinalis. Most of the time, the past generation used Diyu directly. Occasionally, Sanguisorbae Radix was processed by frying with vinegar, baking or other methods. Since the Qing dynasty, the carbonized products has appeared and has continued to now. Based on research, it is recommended that the roots of S. officinalis var. longifolia should be used in the development of famous classical formulas, and the processing method should be selected according to the formula.
3.Rapid authentication of different herbal medicines by heating online extraction electrospray ionization mass spectrometry
Zidong QIU ; Chaofa WEI ; Xiang LI ; Changjiangsheng LAI ; Zhilai ZHAN ; Yan JIN ; Li ZHOU ; Qingxiu HAO ; Jian YANG ; Shuanglong WANG ; Liping KANG ; Luqi HUANG
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2023;13(3):296-304
The rapid and accurate authentication of traditional Chinese medicines(TCMs)has always been a key scientific and technical problem in the field of pharmaceutical analysis.Herein,a novel heating online extraction electrospray ionization mass spectrometry(H-oEESI-MS)was developed for the rapid and direct analysis of extremely complex substances without the requirement for any sample pretreatment or pre-separation steps.The overall molecular profile and fragment structure features of various herbal medicines could be completely captured within 10-15 s,with minimal sample(<0.5 mg)and solvent consumption(<20 μL for one sample).Furthermore,a rapid differentiation and authentication strategy for TCMs based on H-oEESI-MS was proposed,including metabolic profile characterization,characteristic marker screening and identification,and multivariate statistical analysis model validation.In an analysis of 52 batches of seven types of Aconitum medicinal materials,20 and 21 key compounds were screened out as the characteristic markers of raw and processed Aconitum herbal medicines,respectively,and the possible structures of all the characteristic markers were comprehensively identified based on Com-pound Discoverer databases.Finally,multivariate statistical analysis showed that all the different types of herbal medicines were well differentiated and identified(R2X>0.87,R2Y>0.91,and Q2>0.72),which further verified the feasibility and reliability of this comprehensive strategy for the rapid authentication of different TCMs based on H-oEESI-MS.In summary,this rapid authentication strategy realized the ultra-high-throughput,low-cost,and standardized detection of various complex TCMs for the first time,thereby demonstrating wide applicability and value for the development of quality standards for TCMs.
4.Herbal Textual Research on Magnoliae Flos in Famous Classical Formulas
Tianyu NI ; Shuili ZHANG ; Li TANG ; Zhilai ZHAN ; Bing YU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2023;29(8):80-92
By reviewing ancient materia medica and combining with modern literature, the textual research of Magnoliae Flos has been conducted to verify the name, origin, producing area, harvesting and processing methods, in order to provide basis for the selection and use of this herb in the development of famous classical formulas. After the textual research, it could be seen that the correct name of Magnoliae Flos was Xinyi in the past dynasties, meaning spicy flower buds. The main original plants used in past dynasties are Magnolia denudata and M. biondii. The history of the research on its scientific name in recent times is complicated, many foreign scholars have given several different scientific names, but most of them are inconsistent with the actual situation of Magnoliae Flos used in ancient China, because foreign scholars failed to collect the original plants of Magnoliae Flos for accurate identification. Before the Ming dynasty, Magnoliae Flos was mainly produced in Shaanxi, and then the recorded production areas gradually increased. After the founding of the People's Republic of China, the products produced in Henan named M. biondii were highly respected, and Henan was regarded as authentic producing area, and because of the collection and distribution through Yuzhou, it was customarily called Huichunhua. In ancient times, the harvesting period of Magnoliae Flos mostly concentrated in the first and second months of the lunar calendar, and the flower buds of M. biondii were also recommended to be used as medicine, but nowadays the flower buds are mostly collected in winter and spring, and those with dry buds, large size, yellow-green color, tight inner petals, fragrant smell, and no impurities are preferred. In the past dynasties, raw products were the mainstream, and there were also frying, soaking and so on. Based on the results, it is suggested that the flower buds of M. biondii should be used in the development of famous classical formulas. If the original formula does not specify the processing requirements, the raw products can be used as medicine.
5.Herbal Textual Research on Piperis Kadsurae Caulis in Famous Classical Formulas
Jing MENG ; Le WANG ; Yixue ZHUANG ; Zhilai ZHAN ; Chengzi YANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2023;29(8):93-102
Through consulting the ancient materia medica and medical books, combined with modern literature, this paper made a textual research on the name, origin, producing area, harvesting time and processing method of Piperis Kadsurae Caulis, in order to provide basis for the development of the famous classical formulas containing this herb. According to textual research, it is shown that the earliest name for Piperis Kadsurae Caulis as medicine was Nanteng in Bencao Shiyi, and there were other names such as Dinggongteng and Shinanteng in the ancient materia medica. The name of Haifengteng should appear in the Ming dynasty. Before the Song dynasty, the origin of Piperis Kadsurae Caulis was probably derived from caulis of Piper wallichii. After the Song dynasty, the main origins should be some species in Piper, such as P. kadsura and P. hancei, and its origin in the successive editions of Chinese Pharmacopoeia was only P. kadsura. Combining the original plant research, market survey and distribution of wild resources, it is suggested that the Haifengteng used in the famous classical formulas apart form the P. kadsura, the P. hancei should be add as original plant. Due to climate change and the heat-loving habit of Piper, the producing area of Haifengteng gradually moved from the Qinling Mountains to the southern areas rich in Piper, and Quanzhou area of Fujian province has been recommended since the Ming dynasty. The harvesting period of Piperis Kadsurae Caulis is from July to August in the lunar calendar, the above-ground parts are dried by removing fibrous roots, thin stems and leaves. In the past dynasties, there are few records on the processing of this herb, so it is suggested that Piperis Kadsurae Caulis in famous classical formulas without special processing requirements should be used as raw products.
6.Herbal Textual Research on Moslae Herba in Famous Classical Formulas
Feng SHAN ; Wanxiang ZHANG ; Shuihan ZHANG ; Hao LIU ; Zhilai ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2023;29(12):1-12
Through the textual research and analysis of the variety, origin, processing, quality evaluation and clinical application of Moslae Herba in ancient and modern literature, its origin of materia medica was clarified. Moslae Herba has experienced variety changes in history. Elsholtzia ciliata was the mainstream variety during and before the Song dynasty, however, during the Ming and Qing dynasties, emerging variety of Mosla chinensis rose to the mainstream status due to its remarkable efficacy and the formation of cultivation, and differentiated into two commodities(wild variety of Qingxiangru and cultivated variety of Jiangxiangru), cultivated products formed an authentic producing area in Jiangxi. The three varieties coexisted during the Ming and Qing dynasties, and the Elsholtzia varieties were gradually eliminated. Variety changes have caused changes in the functions and indications of drugs. E. ciliata had the effect of clearing heat and was mainly used to treat heatstroke and cholera, while M. chinensis was used for exogenous wind cold and dampness in the summer because of its warm and strong sweating properties, but not for cholera. Traditional Moslae Herba is mainly harvested in the summer and autumn (flowering to fruiting stage) and the above-ground parts are dry in the shade and used as medicine. Modern Qingxiangru is mostly harvested before the flowering period, and Jiangxiangru is harvested after flowering and fruiting in late summer and early autumn. In summary, according to the 2020 edition of Chinese Pharmacopoeia, the dried above-ground parts of Moslae Herba should be selected for Xinjia Xiangruyin in the Catalogue of Ancient Famous Classical Formulas(The First Batch), mainly the cultivated variety of Jiangxiangru, and the raw products is cut into segments and used as medicine. It is suggested that when applying and developing famous classical formulas containing Moslae Herba at different periods of time today, the origin should be established in conjunction with clinical efficacy.
7.Herbal Textual Research on Acanthopanacis Cortex in Famous Classical Formulas
Wanxiang ZHANG ; Shuihan ZHANG ; Hao LIU ; Zhilai ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2023;29(12):26-37
Through the textual research and analysis of ancient and modern documents of Acanthopanacis Cortex(AC), this paper combed the variety, origin, harvesting, processing and ancient quality evaluation methods of AC, and clarified the historical context of the mixing of its common counterfeit product(Periplocae Cortex), in order to provide a basis for the development of famous classical formulas containing AC. AC was first published in Shennong Bencaojing with the name of Wujia, Wujiapi is the name rectification in all dynasties since Leigong Paozhilun. According to the description of inflorescence location and fruit morphology of Wujia in the materia medica, it is judged that the mainstream origin of AC used in previous dynasties was Acanthopanax gracilistylus. Periplocae Cortex was mixed with AC in the period of the Republic of China because it was in line with the "like Lycii Cortex, light, brittle and fragrant". The origin of Wujiapi recorded in past dynasties was concentrated in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River, mainly in Hubei, Henan, Anhui and other places. Since modern times, the traditional quality evaluation of AC has been gradually summarized, with thick skin, white color and fragrant smell as the best. The traditional harvesting and processing of AC involved picking the stems in May and July of the lunar calendar, picking the roots in October, and drying in the shade. In modern times, the roots of AC are harvested, washed, peeled and dried in summer and autumn. In the past dynasties, there were rice wine processing, Euodiae Fructus boiling, ginger juice processing and other methods. In modern times, it is usually cut into thick slices after the cleansing. According to the research results, it is suggested that the root bark of A. gracilistylus should be selected as the origin of AC in famous classical formulas, which should be processed into the medicine according to the specific prescription requirements. In addition, it is suggested to restore the medicinal name of Periplocae Cortex as Yangtao, in order to reduce its chaotic influence on the medicinal use of AC.
8.Analysis on the Dosage, Dose and Administration Method of Decoctions in Ming and Qing Dynasties Based on Catalogue of Ancient Classic Famous Formulas (First Batch)
Lin ZHANG ; Ruoshui TANG ; Wei ZHANG ; Bing LI ; Zhilai ZHAN ; Jia SONG ; Yanling FU ; Huamin ZHANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;65(8):866-869
The dosage, dose and administration method of decoctions are important factors affecting the efficacy of prescriptions. By analyzing 35 decoction formulas from the Ming and Qing dynasties within the Catalogue of Ancient Classic Famous Formulas (First Batch), it was found that the average dosage was equivalent to about 65 g, of which 71.4% (25/35) of the prescriptions had a dosage ≤60 g. And among them, the dosage of decoctions in the Ming dynasty was significantly smaller than that in the Qing dynasty. Considering the characteristics of formulas in Song dynasty, it is believed that decoctions in Ming and Qing dynasties were influenced by the popular use of decoctions during the Song, Jin, and Yuan dynasties. Some decoctions recorded a dosage of one dose instead of one day, which was more evident in the Ming dynasty. However, by the Qing dynasty, the usage of prescriptions with a dosage of one day gradually became more common. Therefore, in the practical research and application of classic famous formulas from the Ming and Qing dynasties, it is advised to pay attention to the difference between the dosage, one dose and the daily dosage. It is necessary to determine whether to double the dosage of the original formula based on the actual use, in order to ensure the clinical efficacy.
9.Herbal Textual Research on Tsaoko Fructus in Famous Classical Formulas
Hui WEN ; Meiquan YANG ; Tianmei YANG ; Zhilai ZHAN ; Jinyu ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(4):89-99
This article systematically analyzes the historical evolution of the origin, scientific name, medicinal parts, quality evaluation, harvesting and processing and other aspects of Tsaoko Fructus by consulting ancient materia medica, medical books, prescription books in the past dynasties and combining with the modern literature, so as to provide a basis for the development and utilization of famous classical formulas containing Tsaoko Fructus. According to the research, the name of Caoguo(草果) was first used in the Taiping Huimin Heji Jufang(《太平惠民和剂局方》) in the Northern Song dynasty, Tsaoko Fructus is the correct name of the herbal medicine in all dynasties, and there are also aliases such as Caokou, Doukou, Loukou, Laokou and Caodoukou. The mainstream source of Tsaoko Fructus used in the past dynasties is the dried mature fruit of Amomum tsaoko of Zingiberaceae, but Tsaoko Fructus was often used as a nickname for Amomi Fructus Rotundus or Alpiniae Katsumadai Semen during the Song dynasty. Bencao Pinhui Jingyao(《本草品汇精要》) in the Ming dynasty was the earliest materia medica that recorded Tsaoko Fructus as a separate medicinal herb in sections. Under the influence of early ancient books, there were some books that confused Tsaoko Fructus with other Zingiberaceae plants during the Qing dynasty, it was not until modern times that Tsaoko Fructus was distinguished from other plants. The origin of Tsaoko Fructus is Yunnan and Guangxi, and then gradually expanded to Guizhou and other places. Now Yunnan is the province with the largest planting area of Tsaoko Fructus, and has become the main producing area. Since modern times, it has been recorded in the literature that the quality of Tsaoko Fructus is mainly characterized by large, full, red-brown and strong in smell. According to ancient records, the harvest time of Tsaoko Fructus was in the eighth month of the lunar calendar, and they were mostly used for peeling or simmering. Currently, the harvest period of Tsaoko Fructus is October to November, and then sun-dried or dried after harvesting. The records of the properties and functional indications of Tsaoko Fructus are basically consistent with the ancient and modern documents, which is warm in nature, pungent in flavor, belonging to the spleen and stomach meridians, moderate in dryness and dampness, intercepting malaria and eliminating phlegm, used for internal resistance of cold and dampness, abdominal distension and pain, fullness and vomiting, malaria cold and fever, and plague fever. Based on the research results, it is suggested that A. tsaoko should be used as the medicinal base for the development of famous classical formulas containing Tsaoko Fructus, processing method can be according to the requirements of the prescription, and if the requirements of concoction are not indicated, it can be used in the form of raw products.
10.Herbal Textual Research on Selaginellae Herba in Famous Classical Formulas
Yinan LU ; Jing MENG ; Yangyang CHEN ; Zhilai ZHAN ; Chengzi YANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(7):31-39
By consulting the ancient Chinese herbal books, medical books and formularies of the past dynasties, and combining with modern research data, this paper makes a systematic textual research on the name, origin, place of origin, traditional quality evaluation, harvesting and processing of Selaginellae Herba, so as to provide a basis for the development and utilization of the relevant famous classical formulas. According to the textual research, Juanbai is the correct name of the herbal medicine in all dynasties, and there are also aliases such as Baozu, Qiugu, Jiaoshi and Jiusi Huanhuncao. The origin of Selaginellae Herba in the ancient herbal books was Selaginella tamariscina in all dynasties. Since the Republic of China, S. pulvinata has been gradually used as another origin of Selaginellae Herba. In ancient times, the producing area of S. tamariscina was mainly in Shandong, Hebei, Henan, Shaanxi, Jiangsu and Sichuan, etc. Nowadays, it is produced all over the country. S. pulvinata is mainly produced in Guangxi, Fujian, Sichuan, Guizhou, Yunnan, Hebei and so on. Since the recent times, it is concluded that the quality of the green color, complete and unbroken is good. Before the Qing dynasty, it was recorded that the harvesting time of Selaginellae Herba was generally from April to July, and it was expanded to all year round since the Qing dynasty. After harvesting, remove the sediment(sand and mud), cut off the fibrous roots and dry in the shade or in the sun. The processing methods in all dynasties were mainly carbonizing by stir-frying and stir-bake to brown, and some ancient books contained the processing method of brine boiling, which was rarely used in modern times. Based on the results, it is recommended that S. tamariscina should be used as the base material of Selaginellae Herba. Because of more impurities, it should be fully purified to ensure the cleanliness of the herb, and the processing method can be based on the prescription requirements, if the processing requirements are not specified, the raw products can be used, charcoal products is recommended for use as an hemostatic.