Bioassay of anti-gel bioactivity of Chuanxiong Rhizoma and related Chinese patent medicines / 中草药

ABSTRACT

Objective: Owing to fibrinogen dosage, this study is to develop a method for the bioassay of anti-gel bioactivity of Chuanxiong Rhizoma in vitro, and evaluate the antithrombotic effect of Chuanxiong Rhizoma and its related Chinese patent medicines. Methods: Chuanxiong Rhizoma powder was extracted in ethanol and water, respectively. The mixed extract was used as sample to quantify the level of fibrinogen when the stable fibrin gel was formed in vitro. The fibrinogen dosage was chosen as biomarker for anti-gel bioactivity. Sodium ferulate was chosen as reference. The anti-gel bioactivity of Chuanxiong Rhizoma was calculated according to the direct measurement belong to the bioassay statistical method in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia 2015 (Vol. 4). Moreover, the amounts of anti-gel bioactivity were quantified in nine Chuanxiong Rhizoma samples including Chuanxiong Rhizoma raw materials, decoction pieces, and related Chinese patent medicines to evaluate the applicability for this developed method. Results: Both sodium ferulate and the extract of Chuanxiong Rhizoma showed significant anti-gel bioactivity (P < 0.01). The RSD for the amounts of anti-gel bioactivity was 4.00% (n = 6) in six replicated tests with the confidence limit rate of 7.82% (n = 6). The amounts of anti-gel bioactivity were significant difference among the various types of Chuanxiong Rhizoma samples, i.e. 0.72-1.14 U/g for five Chuanxiong Rhizoma raw materials, 0.68 and 1.32 U/g for Chuanxiong Rhizoma decoction pieces and processed slice with yellow wine, 2.56 and 2.51 U/g for Tongmai Granules and Xuefu Zhuyu Tablets. Conclusion: The developed method can accurately quantify the level of anti-gel bioactivity in Chuanxiong Rhizoma raw materials, decoction pieces and related Chinese patent medicines to assess their antithrombotic effect.