Xanthoceras sorbifolium seeds have a wide range of applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries. To compare and analyze the chemical compositions of different parts of X. sorbifolium seeds and explore the potential value and research prospects of non-medicinal parts, this study used ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography quadrupole Orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry(UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS) to detect the chemical composition of various parts of the seeds. A total of 82 components were preliminary identified from X. sorbifolium seeds, including 5 amino acids, 4 polyphenols, 3 phenylpropionic acids, 7 organic acids, 15 flavonoids, 6 glycosides, and 23 saponins. Mass spectrometry molecular networking(MN) analysis was conducted on the results from different parts of the seeds, revealing significant differences in the components of the seed kernel, seed coat, and seed shell. The saponins and flavonoids in the seed kernel were superior in terms of variety and content to those in the seed coat and shell. Based on the chromatographic peaks of different parts from multiple batches of samples, multivariate statistical analysis was carried out. Four differential components were determined using HPLC, and the average content of these components in the seed kernel, seed coat, and seed shell were as follows: 0.183 6, 0.887 4, and 1.440 1 mg·g~(-1) for fraxin; 0.035 8, 0.124 1, and 0.044 5 mg·g~(-1) for catechin; 0.032 9, 0.072 0, and 0.221 5 mg·g~(-1) for fraxetin; 0.435 9, 2.114 7, and 0.259 7 mg·g~(-1) for epicatechin. The results showed that catechin and fraxetin had relatively low content in all parts, while fraxin had higher content in the seed coat and seed shell, and epicatechin had higher content in the seed kernel and seed coat. Therefore, the seed coat and seed shell possess certain development value. This study provides rapid analysis and comparison of the chemical compositions of different parts of X. sorbifolium seeds, which offers an experimental basis for the research and clinical application of medicinal substances in X. sorbifolium seeds.
Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid/methods* ; Catechin/analysis* ; Flavonoids/analysis* ; Seeds/chemistry* ; Saponins/analysis*

The quality of Paeoniae Radix Alba and Paeoniae Radix Rubra is evaluated by root thickness, and paeoniflorin serves as a common quality indicator of them. However, the correlation between the content of bioactive compounds and the root size is still unclear. Therefore, this study characterized the distribution patterns and content of seven bioactive compounds including paeoniflorin in different tissues of Paeonia lactiflora roots, analyzed the correlation between the root size and the content of bioactive compounds based on the xylem-to-bark ratio, and further determined the index components for quality assessment. Nine samples of fresh P. lactiflora roots were collected from the genuine cultivation area. The distribution of bioactive compounds in different tissues on the cross-section of the root was firstly analyzed by desorption electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry imaging(DESI-MSI). Subsequently, the content of bioactive compounds was determined in the xylems and barks of the roots by UPLC. The compounds with the largest difference between the xylem and the bark were selected by orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis(OPLS-DA). The results indicated that paeoniflorin, benzoylpaeoniflorin, oxypaeoniflorin, gallic acid, and 1,2,3,4,6-pentagalloylglucose were significantly accumulated in the xylems, while albiflorin and catechin were mainly distributed in the barks. Paeoniflorin and albiflorin, with the largest differences in the xylem and the bark, had the highest content in the two tissues. The root diameter was positively correlated with paeoniflorin content and negatively correlated with albiflorin content. As isomers with different efficacies, paeoniflorin or albiflorin can be chosen as the quality marker corresponding to specific clinical application to launch quality classification evaluation of multi-functional Chinese medicines.
Bridged-Ring Compounds ; Catechin/analysis* ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid/methods* ; Gallic Acid/analysis* ; Monoterpenes/analysis* ; Paeonia/chemistry* ; Plant Roots/chemistry* ; Spectrometry, Mass, Electrospray Ionization

The present study was designed to investigate the bioactive constituents of Xanthoceras sorbifolia in terms of amounts and their antioxidant, DNA scission protection, and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities. Simultaneous quantification of 10 X. sorbifolia constituents was carried out by a newly established ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole mass spectrometry method (UHPLC-MS). The antioxidant activities were evaluated by measuring DPPH radical scavenging and DNA scission protective activities. The α-glucosidase inhibitory activities were investigated by using an assay with α-glucosidase from Bacillus Stearothermophilus and disaccharidases from mouse intestine. We found that the wood of X. sorbifolia was rich in phenolic compounds with the contents of catechin, epicatechin, myricetin, and dihydromyricetin being 0.12-0.19, 1.94-2.16, 0.77-0.91, and 6.76-7.89 mg·g(-1), respectively. The four constituents strongly scavenged DPPH radicals (with EC50 being 4.2, 3.8 and 5.7 μg·mL(-1), respectively) and remarkably protected peroxyl radical-induced DNA strand scission (92.10%, 94.66%, 75.44% and 89.95% of protection, respectively, at a concentration of 10 μmol·L(-1)). A dimeric flavan 3-ol, epigallocatechin-(4β→8, 2β→O-7)-epicatechin potently inhibited α-glucosidase with an IC50 value being as low as 1.2 μg·mL(-1). The established UHPLC-MS method could serve as a quality control tool for X. sorbifolia. In conclusion, the high contents of antioxidant and α-glucosidase inhibitory constituents in X. sorbifolia support its use as complementation of other therapeutic agents for metabolic disorders, such as diabetes and hypertension.
Antioxidants ; analysis ; pharmacology ; Biphenyl Compounds ; metabolism ; Catechin ; analogs & derivatives ; analysis ; pharmacology ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; DNA ; drug effects ; DNA Damage ; Flavonoids ; analysis ; pharmacology ; Glycoside Hydrolase Inhibitors ; analysis ; pharmacology ; Mass Spectrometry ; Picrates ; metabolism ; Plant Extracts ; chemistry ; pharmacology ; Sapindaceae ; chemistry ; Triterpenes ; analysis ; pharmacology ; Wood ; chemistry ; alpha-Glucosidases ; metabolism

To study the chemical constituents of Camellia sinensis var. assamica. The compounds were isolated by NKA Macroporous resin silica gel, Sephadex LH-20, RP-C18 column chromatographies and semi-preparative HPLC,and their structures were elucidated by physicochemical properties and spectral analysis. Thirteen compounds were isolated and identified as caffeine (1), theobromine (2), gallic acid (3), (+)-catechin (4), ampelopsin (5), (-)-epicatechin (6), (-)-epiafzelechin (7), (-)-epicatechin-3-O-gallate (8), (-)-epiafzelechin-3-O-gallate (9) , (+)-catechin-3-O-gallate (10) , (+)-afzelechin-3-O-gallate (11), quemefin-3-O-alpha-L-arabinopyranosid (12), and (-)-epicatechin-3-O-p-hydroxybenzoate (13). Compounds 2, 5, 10-13 were isolated from this plant for the first time, and compound 11 is a new natural product.
Camellia sinensis ; chemistry ; Catechin ; analogs & derivatives ; analysis ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; Flavonoids ; analysis

OBJECTIVETo establish a HPLC method for the determination of gallic acid and catechin in Rheum palametum and to study the changes of gallic acid and catechin content in R. palametum during processing.

METHODThe contents of gallic acid and catechin were determined simultaneously by HPLC on the Zorbax Eclipse XDB-C18 (4.6 mm x 250 mm, 5 microm) column at 30 degrees C with gradient elution. The flow rate was 0.9 mL x min(-1) and the detecting wave-length was 277 nm.

RESULTThere were obvious differences in contents of gallic acid and catechin between the crude herbal material and other four kinds of processed products of R. palametum. Compared to crude herbal material, the contents of gallic acid increased evidently increased in the five processed pieces, up to 139. 3% in the processed piece of braising with liquor. The contents of catechin were similar to gallic acid in the pieces of vinegar and the liquor sauted, but nearly not founded in the braising with liquor and the charring products.

CONCLUSIONThe different processing methods have certain effect on the content of gallic acid and catechin in R. palametum.

Catechin ; analysis ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; analysis ; Gallic Acid ; analysis ; Rheum ; chemistry

OBJECTIVETo develop a HPLC method for the determination of arbutin, bergenin and catechin in Chinese herb Bergenia, and to provide a scientific basis for evaluating the quality and reasonable utilization of the herb.

METHODThe HPLC analysis was achieved by using a C18 column and methanol-water as the mobile phase, with a flow rate of 1.0 mL min(-1), and detected by UV at 275 nm. The contents of arbutin, bergenin and catechin in the different parts of axial root, fibrous root and blade from Bergenia purpurascens and B. crassifolia.

RESULTThe contents of arbutin, bergenin and catechin have a few difference in B. purpurascens and B. crassifolia, and varies significantly in the different part of axial root, fibrous root and blade from some species. The contents of bergenin are higher in axial root, fibrous root, and the content of arbutin is higher in blade.

CONCLUSIONThis HPLC method can be used to determine simultaneously the content of arbutin, bergenin and catechin, and can establish a foundation for scientific study and evaluating the quality of species in Bergenia.

Arbutin ; analysis ; Benzopyrans ; analysis ; Catechin ; analysis ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; methods ; Plant Components, Aerial ; chemistry ; Plant Roots ; chemistry ; Reproducibility of Results ; Saxifragaceae ; chemistry

PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of catechin on apoptotic cell death in the lens epithelium of rats with cataract. METHODS: Cataract was induced by intraperitoneal injection of 100 mg/kg N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (MNU) to ten day-old Sprague-Dawley rats. The neonatal rats were randomly divided into five groups (n=15 in each group): a control group, and four cataract-induction groups, treated with either 0, 50, 100, 200 mg/kg catechin. We performed slit-lamp biomicroscopic analysis, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay, Western-blot for Bcl-2 and Bax, and immunohistochemistry for caspase-3. RESULTS: Apoptotic cell death in lens epithelial cells that increased following cataract formation in rats was suppressed by cathechin. CONCLUSIONS: Catechin inhibited cataract-induced apoptotic cell death in the lens epithelium and may prove useful for the prevention of cataract progression.
Analysis of Variance ; Animals ; Animals, Newborn ; Apoptosis/*drug effects ; Blotting, Western ; Caspase 3/metabolism ; Cataract/chemically induced/*drug therapy ; Catechin/*pharmacology ; Immunoenzyme Techniques ; In Situ Nick-End Labeling ; Lens, Crystalline/*drug effects ; Random Allocation ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

The contents of gallic acid, catechin, albiflorin, paeoniflorin, benzoic acid and paeonol extracted in different growth years, collecting season and of different parts of Paeonia lactiflora were determined. The results showed that the contents of catechin and paeoniflorin in Paeonia lactiflora collected in autumn are the highest, and the contents of benzoic acid was lower than that of those collected at other time. The longer is the age of Paeonia lactiflora, the higher is the contents of catechin and paeoniflorin. The contents of catechin and paeoniflorin in the root of Paeonia lactiflora were higher than those in other parts of the plant. There is a certain content of paeoniflorin in the leaves of Paeonia lactiflora. Judging from the result, paeoniflorin is synthesized in the leaf and then transported to the root. Catechin is not synthesized in the leaf, but mainly in the root. Paeonia lactiflora should be collected in autumn, and immature plant should not be collected.
Acetophenones ; analysis ; Benzoates ; analysis ; Benzoic Acid ; analysis ; Bridged-Ring Compounds ; analysis ; Catechin ; analysis ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; methods ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; analysis ; Gallic Acid ; analysis ; Glucosides ; analysis ; Monoterpenes ; Paeonia ; chemistry ; Plant Leaves ; chemistry ; Plant Roots ; chemistry ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry ; Seasons

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the effect of clearance of superoxide anion by catechin on the expression of nitrogen monoxidum (NO) and endothelial nitricoxide synthase (eNOS) and apoptosis in endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) induced by angiotensin II (Ang II).

METHODSThe marrow endothelial progenitor cells of Sprague-Dawley rats were isolated and assigned to control (no treatment), Ang II treatment and Ang II + catechin treatment groups. After 48 hrs of culture, the concentration of O2*- in the supernate was measured by the NBT method, and NO concentration in the supernate was measured by the nitrate reductase method; the apoptosis rate of EPCs was detected by the TUNEL method; the mRNA expression of eNOS was detected by RT-PCR; the protein expression of eNOS was detected by Western blot analysis.

RESULTSAng II of 10-6 mol/L was determined as the suitable concentration for cell induction by the MTT test. Catechin of 400 mg/L was determined as an advisable intervention dosage. The apoptosis rate of EPCs in the control, the Ang II and the Ang II+catechin treatment groups were 2.48+/-0.12%, 54.18+/-0.77% and 16.87+/-0.35%, respectively, and there were significant differences among the three groups (P<0.01). The O2*- concentration in the Ang II and the Ang II+catechin treatment groups (81.7+/- 3.6 and 62.3+/- 2.2 U/L respectively) was significantly higher than that in the control group (33.7+/- 2.8 U/L) (P<0.01). An increased NO concentration was also found in the Ang II (189. 8+/- 9.0 micromol/L) and the Ang II+catechin treatment groups (276.4+/- 10.1 micromol/L) compared with that in the control group (105.8+/- 9.8 micromol/L) (P<0.01). There were significant differences in the concentrations of O2*- and NO between the Ang II and the Ang II+catechin treatment groups (P<0.05). The mRNA (P<0.05) and protein expression (P<0.01) of eNOS in the Ang II and the Ang II+catechin treatment groups increased significantly compared with those in the control group. The Ang II+catechin treatment group showed increased eNOS protein expression compared with the Ang II group (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONSAng II may induce the generation of O2*-, inactivate NO and increase gene and protein expression of eNOS in EPCs. Catechin might decrease the apoptosis of EPCs through the effective clearance of O2*-and the reduction of NO inactivation and of eNOS protein uncoupling.

Angiotensin II ; pharmacology ; Animals ; Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Catechin ; pharmacology ; Cell Survival ; drug effects ; Endothelial Cells ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Female ; Nitric Oxide ; biosynthesis ; Nitric Oxide Synthase Type III ; analysis ; genetics ; RNA, Messenger ; analysis ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Stem Cells ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Superoxides ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo study the effect of H2O2 on the proliferation and apoptosis of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) and the antogonistic effects of catechin on the cell apoptosis induced by H2O2 in rats.

METHODSImmuno-fluoreascence assay was applied to detect CD34, CD133 and VEGFR-2 expression. EPCs of generation 2 were divided into control cells, H2O2-treated cells and catechin-H2O2-treated cells (H2O2: 100 mg/L; catechin: 10 mg/L). Genomic DNA was extracted by the conventional method after intervention for the analysis of apoptosis ladder pattern. The MTT assay was applied to detect proliferation rate of EPCs.

RESULTSThe cultured cells at day 10 expressed CD34, CD133 and VEGFR-2. DNA apoptosis ladder pattern appeared in H2O2-treated cells 2 days after intervention. After 3 days of intervention DNA apoptosis ladder pattern appeared in both H2O2-treated cells and H2O2-catechinjtreated cells, with more ladders and grayer scale in H2O2 -treated cells. Compared with the controls, H2O2-treated cells and H2O2-catechin-treated cells showed significantly decreased proliferation rate (p<0.01), with the lowest proliferation rate at the 2nd day (p<0.05). The H2O2-catechin-treated cells showed increased proliferation rate than H2O2-treated cells at the 1st, 2nd and 3rd days.

CONCLUSIONSH2O2 may impair EPCs proliferation and induce EPCs apoptosis. Catechin may increase the capacity of EPCs for the resistance to apoptosis induced by H2O2.

AC133 Antigen ; Animals ; Antigens, CD ; analysis ; Antigens, CD34 ; analysis ; Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Catechin ; pharmacology ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Endothelial Cells ; cytology ; drug effects ; Female ; Glycoproteins ; analysis ; Hydrogen Peroxide ; toxicity ; Peptides ; analysis ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Stem Cells ; cytology ; drug effects ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-2 ; analysis