Analysis of Chemical Components and Tissue Distribution of Lujiao Formula Based on UPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo qualitatively analyze the chemical constituents and their tissue distribution in Lujiao formula based on ultra performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-electrostatic field orbitrap high resolution mass spectrometry（UPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS）. MethodThe separation was performed on an ACQUITY UPLC® BEH C18 column（2.1 mm×100 mm， 1.7 μm） with the mobile phase of 0.1% formic acid aqueous solution（A）-methanol（B） in a gradient elution（0-2 min， 4%B； 2-6 min 4%-12%B； 6-38 min， 12%-70%B； 38-38.5 min， 70%B； 38.5-39 min， 70%-95%B； 39-43 min， 95%B； 43-43.1 min， 95%-4%B； 43.1-45 min， 4%B）， the flow rate was 0.3 mL·min-1 with the column temperature of 40 ℃ and the injection volume of 5 µL. The data were acquired by an electrospray ionization（ESI） in the full scanning mode of positive and negative ions， the scanning rang was set at m/z 100-1 500， the collision energies were 10， 20， 40 eV. Retention time， precise relative molecular mass and secondary mass spectrometry fragment ions were used to identify the compounds in Lujiao formula and analyze their tissue distribution， combing with self-established database and comparing with standard substances and published literature data. ResultA total of 260 compounds， including 156 flavonoids， 43 terpenoids， 18 coumarins， 13 organic acids， 7 phenylethanoids， 7 alkaloids and 16 others， were identified or hypothesized from Lujiao formula， 68 of which were identified by comparison with standard substances. And the results of tissue distribution showed that 100， 143， 129 and 126 prototype components were detected in blood， heart， liver and kidney， respectively. ConclusionThe chemical composition of Lujiao formula and their tissue distribution were systematic analyzed， which can provide reference for the quality control， clinical application， pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamic material basis of Lujiao formula and its medicinal materials.

Two new phenylpropanoids from wine-processed Corni Fructus / 中国中药杂志

Six compounds were isolated from aqueous extract of wine-processed Corni Fructus through silica gel, ODS column chromatography, Sephadex LH-20 gel column chromatography, reverse phase preparative HPLC and other chromatographic separation technologies. Their structures were identified with multiple spectroscopical methods including HR-ESI-MS, UV, IR, NMR and ECD and so on. Their structures were established as pinoresinoside B(1), cornusgallicacid A(2),(+)-isolariciresinol-9'-O-β-glucopyranoside(3),(-)-isolariciresinol 3α-O-β-D-glucopyranoside(4),(7R,8S)-dihydrodehydrodiconiferyl alcohol 9-O-β-D-glucopyranoside(5), and(-)-seco isolariciresinol-9'-O-β-D-glucopyranoside(6). Among them, compounds 1 and 2 were two new compounds. The biological activity evaluation results showed that compounds 2 and 6 had strong DPPH free radical scavenging ability, with EC_(50) values of(4.18±1.96) and(21.45±1.19) μmol·L~(-1), respectively. Compounds 1 and 2 had protective effects on H_2O_2-induced oxidative damage in NRK-52E cells in a dose-dependent manner, and the cell survival rate of compound 2 at 100 μmol·L~(-1) was 96.09%±1.77%.

Effect of aqueous extract of Corni Fructus on Aβ_(25-35)-induced brain injury and neuroinflammation in mice with Alzheimer's disease / 中国中药杂志

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of aqueous extract of Corni Fructus on β-amyloid protein 25-35(Aβ_(25-35))-induced brain injury and neuroinflammation in Alzheimer's disease(AD) mice to provide an experimental basis for the treatment of AD by aqueous extract of Corni Fructus. Sixty C57BL/6J male mice were randomly divided into a sham group, a model group, a positive control group(huperizine A, 0.2 mg·kg~(-1)), a low-dose aqueous extract of Corni Fructus group(1.3 g·kg~(-1)), a medium-dose aqueous extract of Corni Fructus group(2.6 g·kg~(-1)), and a high-dose aqueous extract of Corni Fructus group(5.2 g·kg~(-1)). The AD model was induced by lateral ventricular injection of Aβ_(25-35) in mice except for those in the sham group, and AD model mice were treated with corresponding drugs by gavage for 24 days. The behavioral test was performed one week before animal dissection. Hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining was performed to observe the morphology of neurons in the hippocampal region. Flow cytometry was used to detect the apoptosis level of primary hippocampal cells in mice. ELISA kits were used to detect the levels of β-amyloid protein 1-42(Aβ_(1-42)) and phosphorylated microtubule-associated protein Tau(p-Tau) in mouse brain tissues. Immunofluorescence and Western blot were used to detect the expression of related proteins in mouse brain tissues. MTT assay was used to detect the effect of compounds in aqueous extract of Corni Fructus on Aβ_(25-35)-induced N9 cell injury. Molecular docking was employed to analyze the interactions of caffeic acid, trans-p-hydroxy cinnamic acid, isolariciresinol-9'-O-β-D-glucopyranoside, esculetin, and(+)-lyoniresinol with β-amyloid precursor protein(APP), interleukin-6(IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α). Aqueous extract of Corni Fructus could improve the learning and memory abilities of Aβ_(25-35)-induced mice by increasing the duration of the autonomous activity, the rate of autonomous alternation, the preference coefficient, and the discrimination coefficient, and reduce Aβ_(25-35)-induced brain injury and neuroinflammation in mice by increasing the expression levels of interleukin-10(IL-10) and B-cell lymphoma-2(Bcl-2) in brain tissues, decreasing the expression levels of Aβ_(1-42), p-Tau, IL-6, TNF-α, cysteine aspartate-specific protease 3(caspase-3), cysteine aspartate-specific protease 9(caspase-9), and Bcl-2-associated X protein(Bax), and decreasing the number of activated glial cells in brain tissues. The results of cell experiments showed that esculetin and(+)-lyoniresinol could improve Aβ_(25-35)-induced N9 cell injury. Molecular docking results showed that caffeic acid, trans-p-hydroxy cinnamic acid, isolariciresinol-9'-O-β-D-glucopyranoside, esculetin, and(+)-lyoniresinol had good binding affinity with APP and weak binding affinity with IL-6 and TNF-α. Aqueous extract of Corni Fructus could ameliorate cognitive dysfunction and brain damage in Aβ_(25-35)-induced mice by reducing the number of apoptotic cells and activated glial cells in the brain and decreasing the expression level of inflammatory factors. Caffeic acid, trans-p-hydroxy cinnamic acid, isolariciresinol-9'-O-β-D-glucopyranoside, esculetin, and(+)-lyoniresinol may be the material basis for the anti-AD effect of aqueous extract of Corni Fructus.

Iridoids of wine-processed Corni Fructus / 中国中药杂志

A new iridoid glycoside, cornushmf A(1) and nine known iridoids(2-10) were isolated from the water extract of the wine-processed Corni Fructus by various column chromatographies. Their chemical structures were identified by comprehensive spectroscopic methods as 7β-O-(2″-formylfuran-5″-methylene)-morroniside(1), 7-dehydrologanin(2), sweroside(3), 7β-O-methylmorroniside(4), 7α-O-methylmorroniside(5), 7β-O-ethylmorroniside(6), 7α-O-ethylmorroniside(7), cornuside(8), sarracenin(9), and loganin(10).

Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of Astragali Radix-Corni Fructus Herb-pair Extract, in kidney-yin deficiency model

Abstract To investigate the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of Astragali Radix-Corni Fructus herb-pair in kidney-yin deficiency model, which was made by continuously oral gavage of thyroxine. A simple and rapid LC-MS/MS method was developed and validated for the determination of loganin and morroniside in rat plasma and used for the pharmacokinetics study. The kidney-yin deficiency significantly changed the AUC(0-∞), Cmax and CLz/F of loganin and morroniside. The T1/2z of morroniside increased significantly in the kidney-yin deficiency rats. For the pharmacodynamics study, the liver index, kidney index, and ALT, TBIL, UREA, CREA level in the kidney-yin deficiency mice were examined. The herb-pair had been proved to be effective for the treatment of kidney-yin deficiency by affecting the liver, kidney, ALT, UREA and CREA, which showed positively correlated with the dose. The pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics studies in the pathological status could offer more valuable information for the future application of Astragali Radix-Corni Fructus herb-pair.

Pre-formulation physicochemical properties of component-based Chinese medicine of Qinqi Fengshi Fang / 中国中药杂志

Pre-formulation physicochemical properties of the component-based Chinese medicine of Qinqi Fengshi Fang were investigated to provide a research basis for the design of the dosage form for component-based Chinese medicine of Qinqi Fengshi Fang. The macroporous resin adsorption and refining technology was used to prepare the total glycosides extract of Gentianae Macrophyllae Radix, Panacis Majoris Rhizome and Corni Fructus respectively in the prescription of Qinqi Fengshi Fang. Their physicochemical properties were investigated, including solubility, wettability, hygroscopicity, equilibrium solubility, oil-water partition coefficient, and stability. The results showed that the total glycosides of Gentianae Macrophyllae Radix, Panacis Majoris Rhizome and Corni Fructus all had good solubility and wettability. The solubility index of each total glycoside component was greater than 85%, and the water absorption index was greater than 50%. In the range of pH 2.0-7.4, the equilibrium solubility of three kinds of total glycosides all increased with the increase of pH, showing a consistent change trend of solubility. The hydrophilicity was also suitable and similar. Overall, three kinds of total glycosides showed good stability, but strong hygroscopicity. The degree of hygroscopicity was as follows: total glycosides of Gen-tianae Macrophyllae Radix > total glycosides of Corni Fructus > total glycosides of Panacis Majoris Rhizome. Therefore, the hygroscopi-city needed to be considered in the preparation of the component-based Chinese medicine of Qinqi Fengshi Fang. The excipients and packaging materials can be properly selected to reduce the hygroscopicity of the preparation. This study provides a reference for the dosage form design of the component-based Chinese medicine of Qinqi Fengshi Fang.

Study on therapeutic mechanism of Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata- Corni Fructus in sequelae of ischemic stroke based on network pharmacology technology / 中国中药杂志

In ischemic stroke sequela phase, Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata-Corni Fructus drug pair has the effect in protecting damaged neurons, but its mechanism has not been clear. In this study, network pharmacology was used to predict the mechanism of Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata-Corni Fructus in the treatment of ischemic stroke sequela. Through database search and literature retrie-val, 40 active ingredients of Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata and Corni Fructus were obtained, and their targets were obtained through STITCH and TCMSP databases. The targets of ischemic stroke sequela were obtained through OMIM,GAD,TTD and DrugBank databases. By screening the intersections of active ingredients targets and stroke treatment targets, 21 potential targets were obtained. The DAVID database was used for GO enrichment analysis and KEGG pathway analysis of potential targets. GO enrichment analysis showed that Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata-Corni Fructus were mainly involved in regulation of blood pressure, negative regulation of extrinsic apoptotic signaling and positive regulation of angiogenesis. KEGG pathway analysis showed that Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata-Corni Fructus could inhibit inflammatory response and apoptosis signaling pathway by regulating HIF-VEGFA signaling pathway in neural stem cell proliferation, TNF signaling pathway and NF-kappaB signaling pathway. Molecular docking technique was used to verify that Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata-Corni Fructus component has a good binding activity with potential targets. The results showed that in ischemic stroke sequela phase, Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata-Corni Fructus drug pair could play an important role in recovering neural function, promoting the proliferation of neural stem cells, angiogenesis, preventing neural cells apoptosis and regulating inflammatory factors.

Effects of different Chinese meteria medica pair on regulation of adrenal function in mice with hydrocortisone-induced syndrome / 中草药

Objective: To study the effects of different Chinese materia medica combinations on the regulation of adrenal function. Methods Mice with 1.65 mg/(kg•d) hydrocortisone for 14 d to induce drug-induced syndrome was treated synchronously with assissting yang and dissipating cold (Aconm Lateralis Radix Praeparaia-Cinnamomi Cortex), nourishing yin and reducing fire (Anemarrhenae Rhizoma-Phellodendri Chinensis Cortex), tonifying qi and promoting fluid production (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma-Astragali Radix), and tonifying blood and benefiting spirit (Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata-Corni Fructus). The body mass of mice was dynamically observed every day, and the characteristic information such as body mass, holding power, axillary temperature, activity degrees of open field, and infrared temperature were detected by the experimental methodology of mice syndrome differentiation; The mice were sacrificed whose spleen, thymus was weighed and the organ index was calculated. Serum corticosterone, ACTH, adrenaline, and noradrenaline were measured by ELISA. The gene expressions of Star, Cyp11a1, Cyp21a1, Cyp11b1, Cyp11b2, Dbh, Ddc, Pnmt, and Th in the adrenal were detected by real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR. The protein’s expressions of LDLR, SRB1, and StAR were detected by Western blotting. Results:The effects of four different treatments on the reduction of body weight and body temperature caused by hydrocortisone were not significant. The holding power of mice in Aconm Lateralis Radix Praeparaia-Cinnamomi Cortex group was significantly higher than that of hydrocortisone group (P < 0.05). Compared with the hydrocortisone group, the serum corticosterone content of mice in Anemarrhenae Rhizoma-Phellodendri Chinensis Cortex group increased significantly (P < 0.01); The genes expression of Star, Cyp11b1, and Cyp11b2 was significantly up-regulated (P < 0.05, 0.01); The proteins expression of SRBI and StAR were significantly up-regulated. Conclusion: The nourishing yin and purging fire treatment group (Anemarrhenae Rhizoma-Phellodendri Chinensis Cortex) is the best to correct and protect the adrenal cortex function in mice with hydrocortisone induced syndrome at low dose.

Effects of Corni Fructus on retinol transport in mice with dry eye syndrome induced by benzalkonium chloride / 中草药

objective: To investigate the regulatory effect of Corni Fructus on retinol transport, and to elucidate its molecular mechanism in the treatment of dry eye syndrome and enrich the basis of “acid tonifying liver and improving vision”. Methods: A total of 60 BALB/c mice were randomly divided into six groups with 10 mice in each group, including control group, model group (saline 0.02 mL/g), positive control group (Dendrobium Nocturnal Pills 2.9 g/kg), Corni Fructus low, medium, and high dose group (12, 24, and 48 g/kg). The dry eye model mice were induced by the benzalkonium chloride eye drops. After successful modeling, mice were treated with different doses of Corni Fructus decoction for four consecutive weeks. One hour after the last dose, the intervention of Corni Fructus decoction on dry eye model mice was evaluated by determining the amount of tear secretion and tear film rupture time. The content of serum preprotein (PA), RBP, and retinol in liver was detected by ELISA method. The expression of CRBP and STRA6 in lacrimal gland was detected by IHC and Western blotting. Results: Compared with the control group, the tear secretion and tear film rupture time in the model group were significantly decreased, and the serum PA, RBP, and the content of vitamin A in the liver of the other groups were significantly lower than those of the control group (P < 0.01). Compared with the model group, the levels of serum PA, RBP, and vitamin A in liver were significantly increased in each drug intervention group (P < 0.01). Compared with the control group, the content of CRBP and STRA6 in the lacrimal gland of the model group decreased significantly (P < 0.01). Compared with the model group, the content of CRBP and STRA6 in the lacrimal gland of each drug intervention group was significantly higher than those in the model group (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). Conclusion: During the occurrence of dry eye, there are vitamin A deficiency and retinoic acid abnormal transportion in the body. The acid drug Corni Fructus can improve the status of vitamin A deficiency by increasing the absorption of vitamin A, and then regulate the process of retinol transport. This may be one of the molecular mechanisms of acid entering the liver and improving vision.

Overview on modern research of “Qin medicine” / 中草药

Shaanxi has a long history and profound cultural heritage. It has been referred to as “Qin” for a long time in history. Shaanxi is rich in medicinal plant resources, various main Chinese medicines such as Fraxini cortex, Gentianae Macrophyllae Radix, Ten “Qin medicine” (Astragali Radix in Zizhou County, Bupleuri Radix in Baoji, Corydalis Rhizoma in Yang County, Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma in Shangluo, Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata in Hanzhong; Eucommiae Cortex in lueyang County; Gastrodiae Rhizoma in Ningshan County; Polyporus in Ningshan County; Scutellariae Radix in Chengcheng County; Corni Fructus in Foping County; Polygonati Rhizoma in Lueyang County) and “Taibaiqi medicine” are typically species of “Qin medicine”. In history, “Qin medicine” represents genuine medicinal materials produced from Shaanxi Province and the surrounding region. In recently, the industry of “Qin medicine” becomes one of the most valuable resources in Shaanxi, which also contributes to the integral part of Chinese medical and health services. Here, the research progress on germplasm resources, cultivation techniques, plantation base construction, variety breeding, bioactive compounds, and quality control of “Qin medicine” were integrated and reviewed, and its future development of “Qin medicine” was also prospected.

Corni Fructus attenuates testosterone-induced benign prostatic hyperplasia by suppressing 5α-reductase and androgen receptor expression in rats

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) is a major cause of abnormal overgrowth of the prostate mainly in the elderly. Corni Fructus has been reported to be effective in the prevention and treatment of various diseases because of its strong antioxidant effect, but its efficacy against BPH is not yet known. This study was designed to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of Corni Fructus water extract (CF) in testosterone-induced BPH rats. MATERIALS/METHODS: To induce BPH, rats were intraperitoneal injected with testosterone propionate (TP). Rats in the treatment group were orally administered with CF with TP injection, and finasteride, which is a selective inhibitor of 5α-reductase type 2, was used as a positive control. RESULTS: Our results showed that the increased prostate weight and histopathological changes in BPH model rats were suppressed by CF treatment. CF, similar to the finasteride-treated group, decreased the levels of testosterone and dihydrotestosterone by TP treatment in the serum, and it also reduced 5α-reductase expression and concentration in prostate tissue and serum, respectively. In addition, CF significantly blocked the expression of the androgen receptor (AR), AR co-activators, and proliferating cell nuclear antigen in BPH rats, and this blocking was associated with a decrease in prostate-specific antigen levels in serum and prostate tissue. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that CF may weaken the BPH status through the inactivation of at least 5α-reductase and AR activity and may be useful for the clinical treatment of BPH.

Study on ecological suitability regionalization of Corni Fructus based on Maxent and ArcGIS model / 中国中药杂志

Through planting regionalization the scientific basis for planting area of high-quality medicinal materials was predicted. Through interview investigation and field survey, the distribution information of Corni Fructus in China was collected,and 89 sampling point from 14 producing areas were collected. Climate and topography of Corni Fructus were analyzed, the ecological adaptability of study was conducted based on ArcGIS and Maxent. Different suitability grade at potential areas and regionalization map were formulated. There are nine ecological factors affecting the growth of Corni Fructus, for example precipitation in November and March and vegetation type. The results showed that the most suitable habitats are Henan, Shaanxi, Zhejiang, Chongqing, Hubei, Sichuan, Anhui, Hunan and Shandong province. Using the spatial analysis method,the study not only illustrates the most suitable for the surroundings of Corni Fructus,but also provides a scientific reference for wild resource tending, introduction and cultivation, and artificial planting base and directing production layout.

Simultaneous determination of morroniside, loganin, cornuside, oleanolic acid, and ursolic in Corni Fructus terpenoids medicinal preparation base on RP-HPLC / 中草药

Objective: To establish RP-HPLC strategy to simultaneously determine the terpenoids constitute of Corni Fructus preparation which is useful for the intervention of acute immunological liver injury in mice induced by concanavalin A (ConA), including morroniside, loganin, cornuside, oleanolic acid and ursolic, thus providing a scientific basis on the quality controls of Corni Fructus terpenoids and related medicinal preparations. Methods: RP-HPLC method and Zorbax SB-C18 column (150 mm × 4.6 mm, 5 μm) chromatographic column were employed; 2 mmol/L γ-cyclodextrin was added into the mobile phase containing acetonitrile and 0.1% ortho-phosphoric acid for gradient elution; The volume flow was 1.0 mL/min, the column temperature was 30 ℃ and the detection wavelengths were 240, 360, and 210 nm; The injection volume was 3 μL. Results: The linear range in morroniside, loganin, cornuside, oleanolic acid, and ursolic acid was 10.42—333.33, 23.44—750.00, 9.11—291.67, 10.42—333.33, and 13.02—416.67 mg/L, respectively; The average recovery in the selected samples was 95.60%—98.02%, RSD was 1.47%—1.89%; The repeatability RSD was 1.46%—1.71%; The stability RSD was 1.29%—1.76%; Six batches of the Corni Fructus terpenoids medicinal preparation contained the average quality of morroniside, loganin, cornuside, oleanolic acid, and ursolic acid respectively was 669.6—680.2, 850.1—869.5, 94.1—96.4, 164.3—166.1, and 85.6—87.6 mg/L. Conclusion: The method established in this study is a credible way to determine the concents of morroniside, loganin, ornuside, oleanolic acid, and ursolic acid in the Corni Fructus terpenoids medicinal preparation with its simplicity, good repeatability, high sensibility and recovery rate.

Decoction Amount Changes of Verbascoside and Gallic Acid in Single Decoction and Combined Decoction of Rehmanniae Radix Preparata,Corni Fructus and Poria / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE:To investigate the decoction amount changes of verbascoside,gallic acid in single decoction and com-bined decoction of rehmanniae radix preparata,corni fructus and poria,and provide scientific basis for further study of effective substance basis. METHODS:The single decoction,combined decoction with each 2 medicine and combined decoction with the 3 medicines of rehmanniae radix preparata,corni fructus and poria,were respectively prepared. HPLC was adopted to detect and com-pare the decoction amount of active component verbascoside in rehmanniae radix preparata and active component gallic acid in cor-ni fructus in each group. RESULTS:Compared with single decoction of rehmanniae radix preparata,the decoction amount of ver-bascoside was decreased in combined decoction of poria+rehmanniae radix preparata(P<0.01),decoction amount of verbascoside was increased in combined decoction of corni fructus+rehmanniae radix preparata or combined decoction with the 3 medicines(P<0.01). Compared with single decoction of corni fructus,the decoction amount of gallic acid in each combined decoction was de-creased (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS:The combined decoction of rehmanniae radix preparata,corni fructus and poria has certain promotion and inhibition effects on the decoction of verbascoside in rehmanniae radix preparata and inhibition effect on the decoc-tion of gallic acid in corni fructus. It is speculated verbascoside may be one of the main components in combined decoction playing the role of effectiveness.

Effects of Rehmanniae Radix Preparata and Poria on decoction amounts of three constituents in Corni Fructus / 中成药

AIM To study the effects of Rehmanniae Radix Preparata (A) and Poria (B) on decoction amounts of loganin,morroniside and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural in Corni Fructus (C).METHODS These three medicinal materials were combined one another and divided into seven groups (A,B,C,A + B,A + C,B + C and A + B + C).Then the contents of three constituents were determined by HPLC.RESULTS Compared with the single decoction of Corni Fructus,the decoction amounts of loganin and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural were decreased,and that of morroniside was increased at the time of mixed decoction of Rehmanniae Radix Preparata and Corni Fructus,or Rehmanniae Radix Preparata,Poria and Corni Fructus.This situation was just the contrary at the time of mixed decoction of Poria and Corni Fructus.CONCLUSION The mixed decoction of Corni Fructus,Rehmanniae Radix Preparata and Poria increases the decoction amount of morroniside,which may make mixed decoction liquid show better efficacy.

Correlation of powder particle size, cell wall-breaking, rate and in vitro dissolution rate of Liuwei Dihuang Pill / 中草药

Objective: To investigate the relationship among powder particle size, cell wall-breaking rate, and dissolution of Liuwei Dihuang Pill (LDP) in vitro. Methods: Particle size and cell wall-breaking rate of four kinds of LDP were measured by laser particle size instrument and optical microscope. The loganin and paeonol were taken as indexes, the feature of dissolution for the above four kinds of LDP was examined by grouting method. Results: There were significant differences in the distribution of particle size, wall-breaking rate, and dissolution among different crushing degrees of LDP. With the decrease of the powder particle size, the wall-breaking rate and relative cumulative dissolution of loganin and paeonol increased. The rate of characteristic cell wall-breaking in the micro powder of Corni Fructus, Alismatis Rhizoma, and Moutan Cortex could reach 100%. Conclusion: Moderately changing degree of smash could cause cell wall-breaking rate changes, so as to control effective ingredient the dissolution rate and extent of Chinese medicine.

Simultaneous determination of nine kinds of active components in Hugan Agent by RP-HPLC / 中草药

Objective: To establish an RP-HPLC method for simultaneous determining the contents of nine kinds of components in Hugan Agent such as loganin, paeonflorin, scuteuarin, baicalin, baicalein, deoxyschizandrin, schisandrin, schizandrin C, and ursolic acid, and to provide the quality guarantee for it. Methods: Agilent Zorbax SB-C18 (150 mm×4.6 mm, 5 μm) column was used. Acetonitrile and 0.1% phosphoric acid water-solution were used as mobile phase of gradient elution, and the volume flow was at 1.0 mL/min; Ultraviolent determination wavelength was 236, 280, and 210 nm; Column temperature was at 30℃, and injection volume was 5 μL. Results: The lowest detection limit in loganin, paeonflorin, scuteuarin, baicalin, baicalein, deoxyschizandrin, schisandrin, schizandrin C, and ursolic acid respectively was 12.0, 2.60, 5.75, 9.75, 14.39, 19.06, 14.90, 15.63, and 16.08 ng; The linear range was 583.33-18.229, 916.67-28.65, 541.67-16.93, 416.67-13.02, 500.00-15.63, 458.33-14.32, 625.00-19.53, 458.33-14.32, and 1 000.00-31.25 mg/L, respectively; The average recovery in Hugan Agent was 103.51%, 104.19%, 95.16%, 96.71%, 105.61%, 96.12%, 97.09%, 96.87%, and 105.90%, respectively; The repeatability RSD was 1.39%, 1.41%, 1.87%, 1.91%, 1.79%, 1.45%, 1.32%, 1.71%, and 1.49%, respectively; The stability RSD was 1.36%, 1.22%, 1.87%, 1.91%, 1.93%, 1.56%, 1.39%, 1.78%, and 1.61%, respectively. 6 batche of Hugan Agent contained the average quality of loganin, ursolic acid, paeonflorin, scuteuarin, baicalin, baicalein deoxyschizandrin, schisandrin, and schizandrin respectively was 216.5-222.5, 40.8-42.8, 125.4-136.3, 144.0-147.3, 1640.8-1947.3, 497.5-515.0, 15.0-17.3, 33.6-36.0, and 3.0-3.9 mg/L. Conclusion: The method is believable for determining the concent of loganin, paeonflorin, scuteuarin, baicalin, baicalein, deoxyschizandrin, schisandrin, schizandrin C, and ursolic acid in Hugan Agent with its simplicity, sensibility, repeatability, and better recovery rate.

Correlation Study on Storage Time and the Content of 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural in Corni Fructus / 中国中医药信息杂志

Objective To study the correlation between storage time and the content of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF) in Corni Fructus because of the color change caused by storage time. Methods Corni Fructus samples of different storage time with 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 years were collected. The contents of 5-HMF were determined by HPLC. Results The HPLC determination method of 5-HMF in Corni Fructus was established. The contents of 5-HMF varied from undetected value to 0.292 8%, with the increase of storage time of 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 years and the color gradually deepened from red, dark red, reddish brown to brown. The contents of 5-HMF in black wine-prepared Corni Fructus were 0.954 4%-1.837%. Conclusion The browning of Corni Fructus is related to the production of 5-HMF. With the extension of storage time of Corni Fructus, the color gradually deepens and the content of 5-HMF increase significantly. The storage time of Corni Fructus can be suggested to be one year.

Qualitative and Quantitative Methods for Corni Fructus in Guishao Dihuang Pills / 中国药师

Objective:To establish the qualitative and quantitative methods for Corni Fructus in Guishao Dihuang pills. Methods:A TLC method was used to identify morroniside and loganin. An HPLC method was used to determine the content of morroniside and lo-ganin in Corni Fructus. Results:The TLC spots were clear with good separation and specificity. The linear range of morroniside was within 0. 010-2. 620 μg (r=0. 999 9) and the average recovery was 102. 75% (RSD=1. 40%, n=6). The linear range of loganin was within 0.009-2.170 μg (r =0.999 9), and the average recovery was 103.59% (RSD =1.10%, n =6). Conclusion: The method is accurate, simple and feasible with good repeatability, which can be used for the quality control of Corni Fructus in the prepa-ration.

Optimization of ultrafiltration technology for water extract in Cornus officinalis / 中草药

Objective: To explore the possibility for the application of ultrafiltration technology using polysulfone (PS) hollow fiber membrane to purlfy the water-extraction of Corni Fructus and optimize the preparation procedure. Methods: The PS membrane of different aperture 5×104, 1×104, and 6×103 were studied on the applicability with water-extraction of Corni Fructus. The proper molecular weight retention was optimized with the removal of liquid impurities and the transformation. Taking the ratios of loganin transmittance and common polymers (pectin, tannin, protein, and starch) retention as indexes, the proper ultrafiltration condition was optimized by response surface method. Results: The PS membrane with interception molecular weight of 1×104 had better separation efficiency and the preferred operation parameters were 0.1 MPa of pressure, 50℃ of liquid temperature, and solution concentration of 0.13 g/mL. Conclusion: The preferred aperture of PS membrane and the operation conditions are feasible for the purification of water-extraction of Corni Fructus, which can improve the production efficiency.