Effects of different decoction methods on functional components of rhubarb based on pseudo-targeted metabolomics / 中草药

Objective: The effects of different decoction time and different decoction temperature on its chemical constituents of anthraquinones, anthrone, and tannins were revealed by pseudo-targeted metabolomics, which provided the basis for clinical use of rhubarb. Methods: Using LTQ-Orbitrap-MSn to accurately excavate the characteristic ions of various chemical components of rhubarb, the ion pairs of chemical components were determined as much as possible by characteristic ions to obtain the peak area of various components by using the MRM mode of QQQ-MS. The effects of different decoction methods on the chemical components of rhubarb was compared by multivariate statistical analysis combined with paired t test. Results: Both decoction time and decoction temperature have impacts on the chemical components of rhubarb decoction. Short-term decocting for 15 min was beneficial to the dissolution of dianthrone glycosides and anthraquinone glycosides, while long-term decocting for 60 min was beneficial to the dissolution of tannins; Compared with boiling water maceration, boiling water decoction was more favorable for the dissolution of anthraquinones and tannins. Conclusion: This paper adopts the method of pseudo-targeted metabolomics, and clearly points out that short-term decocting or maceration is conducive to exerting the laxative effect of rhubarb, and long-time boiling decocting is conducive to exerting clearing heat and detoxifying efficacy, which provides a reference for the clinical application of rhubarb.

Theoretical basis and effect characteristics of andrographolide against COVID-19 / 中草药

Since December 2019, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has spread rapidly in China. National Health Commission of the People’s Republic of China and local departments have released a number of diagnosis and treatment plans for COVID-19. Some plans recommend Xiyanping Injection for the clinical treatment of COVID-19. The active component of the drug is the total sulfonate of andrographolide, which is a derivative of andrographolide. This paper summarized the pharmacological action and clinical application of andrographolide, and proposed that it has the functions of clearing heat and detoxification, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory, and definite therapeutic effect on respiratory system diseases including viral pneumonia and upper respiratory tract infection, and a large number of clinical data have been accumulated. Andrographolide has a potential antiviral effect on the treatment of COVID-19, and can reduce the level of inflammation in patients, improve respiratory symptoms, inhibit concurrent bacterial infection, and improve the body immunity. At the same time, it will not bring the immunosuppressive effect of hormone drugs, and the incidence of adverse reactions is low. In addition, Andrographolide has certain hepatoprotective effects and clinical value for treating cardiovascular diseases in clinical experience, suggesting that it may have some protective effects on drug-induced liver injury, heart injury and liver injury caused by durgs against COVID-19, but further clinical verification is needed. The pharmacological action and clinical application of andrographolide are summarized. This paper also analyzes the etiology, pathogenesis and dialectical treatment of COVID-19 from the perspective of traditional Chinese medicine, and points out that the treatment of COVID-19 with andrographolide is consistent with the theory of traditional Chinese medicine.