Rapid Spontaneous Resolution of the Acute Subdural Hematoma: Case Series and Review of Literature.

BACKGROUND: Traumatic acute subdural hematoma (ASDH) is an oft encountered entity in neurosurgery. While resolution of such thick SDHs usually takes time, certain cases of rapid spontaneous resolution have also been reported. This article attempts to review the pathophysiology, clinical and radiological features of such cases, as well as provide an insight into decision making for their management. METHODS: Electronic literature search was done to look for similar cases of spontaneous rapid resolution of ASDH. Five of authors cases have been described. Their clinical and radiological features along with those of cases from literature search were tabulated and analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 44 relevant cases were included for analyses. Of these, 39 cases were from 33 articles found in existing literature and 5 cases were from author's collection. The M:F ratio was 25:19 with a mean age was 41.84(SD-4.094) years. Twenty -six patients showed "Rapid" neurological improvement (24 hours) occurred in 10 patients. The mean hematoma resolution time on CT scan was 13.78 hours (SD 16.46) ranging from 1- 72 hours. Twenty-nine patients showed redistribution of hematoma, most commonly to tentorium and falx cerebelli. CT scan findings were classified into 5 types as per the nature of hypodensity around hematoma. The geometric mean time to resolution of hematoma was least for type 2 (7.27 hours) and type 1(7.52 hours) patients. CONCLUSION: Selected patients of ASDH with rapid neurological improvement and specific CT findings may show spontaneous resolution of ASDH. Multicentric studies with larger study population may provide better insight into the nature and outcomes of such entities.

Shedding new light on rapidly resolving traumatic acute subdural hematomas.

BACKGROUND: Rapidly resolving acute subdural hematomas (RRASDHs) have been described in case reports and case series but are still poorly understood. We hypothesized that a cohort analysis would confirm previously reported predictors of RRASDH including coagulopathy, additional intracranial hemorrhage, and low-density band on imaging. We also hypothesized that rapid resolution would be associated with improved trauma outcomes. METHODS: We reviewed all nonoperative acute subdural hematomas (ASDHs) treated at our center from 2011 to 2015. Inclusion criteria were ASDH on computed tomography (CT), admission Glasgow coma score >7, and repeat CT to evaluate ASDH change. RRASDH was defined as reduced hematoma thickness by 50% within 72 h. Clinical data, CT findings, and trauma end points were analyzed for the RRASDH and nonresolving groups. RESULTS: There were 154 ASDH patients included, with 29 cases of RRASDH. The RRASDH group had a lower rate of comorbidities than the nonresolving group (58.6% versus 78.4%, P = 0.03) and a lower rate of prehospital anticoagulation (7.7% versus 37.1%, P = 0.004). Previously reported predictors of RRASDH did not differ between the groups, nor did any clinical outcome measures. When compared with patients who experienced rapid growth (>50% increased width in 72 h), the RRASDH group had lower mortality (3.4% versus 23.5%, P = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this is the largest review of RRASDHs. We identified two previously unrecognized factors that may predict resolution; however, previously reported predictors were not associated with resolution. We also found no relationship between RRASDHs and improved standard trauma outcomes, calling into question the clinical significance of RRASDH.

Development of new efficient method for isolation of phenolics from sea algae prior to their rapid resolution liquid chromatographic-tandem mass spectrometric determination.

The extraction of phenolic compounds from 4 different sea algae samples, three brown algae (Cystoseira abies-marina, C. abies-marina grinded under cryogenic conditions with liquid nitrogen, Undaria pinnatifida and Sargassum muticum) and one red algae (Chondrus crispus) via solid phase extraction using micro-elution solid-phase extraction (µ-SPE) plate method was studied. Prior to µ-SPE, 50mg of algae with 80% methanol mixture was extracted in hyphenated series by various extraction techniques, such as pressurized liquid extraction and Ika Ultra-Turrax® Tube Drive, in combination with ultrasound assisted extraction. The µ-SPE plate technique reduced the time of sample pre-treatment thanks to higher sensitivity and pre-concentration effect. Selected groups of benzoic acid derivatives (p-hydroxybenzoic, protocatechuic, gallic, vanillic, and syringic acids), hydroxybenzaldehydes (4-hydroxybenzaldehyde, and 3,4-dihydroxybenzaldehyde), and cinnamic acid derivatives (p-coumaric, caffeic, ferulic, sinapic, and chlorogenic acids) were determined using rapid resolution liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry detection with negative ion electrospray ionization (RRLC-ESI-MS) using multiple reactions monitoring. LOQs of measured samples varied in the range 0.23-1.68ng/mL and LODs in the range 0.07-0.52ng/mL. The applied method allowed a simultaneous determination of phenolics (i.e. free, esters soluble in methanol, glycosides, and esters insoluble in methanol) in less than 5min (including alkaline or acidic hydrolysis of raw extracts) from sea algae extracts.

Pharmacokinetic and Metabolic Studies of Ginsenoside Rb2 in Rats / 分析化学

A rapid resolution liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometric (RRLC-Q-TOF-MS) method was established and optimized for the analysis of pharmacokinetic behavior of ginsenoside Rb2 in rats by intravenous injection administration.The metabolism of ginsenosides Rb2 in vivo rat was also explored.In the experiment,Agilent SB C18 column was selected for the sample separation with 0.1％ aqueous formic acid solution as mobile phase (A) and acetonitrile as mobile phase (B) at a flow rate of 0.2 mL/min,and the injection volume was set to 5 μL.Q-TOF-MS was carried out in electron pray ionization (ESI) negative ion mode.The limit of quantification (LOQ,S/N =10) and limit of detection (LOD,S/N=3) were 0.10 and 0.08 μg/mL,respectively,and the linear range was 0.1-1.26 μg/mL.The experiment results showed that the concentration-time profile of ginsenoside Rb2 conformed to a two-compartment pharmacokinetic model after intravenous administration for rats.The mean plasma elimination half-lives were (23.58±1.10) min (t1/2α),(1306.55±147.23) min (t1/2β) for Rb2.By analyzing the urine of rats after intravenous administration and the fecal samples after oral administration of ginsenoside Rb2,it was found that the metabolites were M6,M2 (CY),F2,and C-K.

Metabonomics Study of Chronic Heart Failure by Rapid Resolution Liquid Chromatography-Quadrupole Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry / 分析化学

In this study, the rapid resolution liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (RRLC-QTOF/MS) was used to profile the metabolites of urine samples from chronic heart failure (CHF) patients and healthy controls to find the differential metabolites which could provide the scientific evidence to explain the pathogenesis of the disease and supply a better therapy plan.Urine samples from 15 CHF patients (age (62.27±3.14) years) and 15 healthy controls (age (65.41±4.63) years) were analyzed by RRLC-QTOF/MS.After processing the data, the multivariate statistical analysis (principal component analysis, PCA) was performed to find the potential biomarkers.Result showed that urine samples of CHF patients were successfully distinguished from those of healthy controls.Two significantly differentially expressed metabolites, uridine and alanyltryptophan, were found and identified as potential biomarkers.The result showed that the LC-MS based metabolomics approach had good performance to identify potential biomarkers, and the disorder of uracil metabolism and Tryptophan metabolism may play an important role in the mechanism of CHF.

The Profiling and Identification of the Absorbed Constituents and Metabolites of Guizhi Decoction in Rat Plasma and Urine by Rapid Resolution Liquid Chromatography Combined with Quadrupole-Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry.

Guizhi decoction (GZD), a well-known traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) prescription consisting of Ramulus Cinnamomi, Radix Paeoniae Alba, Radix Glycyrrhizae, Fructus Jujubae and Rhizoma Zingiberis Recens, is usually used for the treatment of common colds, influenza, and other pyretic conditions in the clinic. However, the absorbed ingredients and metabolic compounds of GZD have not been reported. In this paper, a method incorporating rapid resolution liquid chromatography (RRLC) with quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (Q-TOF-MS) was used to identify ingredients after oral administration of GZD. Identification of the primary components in GZD, drug-containing serum and urine samples was carried out in order to investigate the assimilation and metabolites of the decoction in vivo. By comparing the total ion chromatograms (TICs) of GZD, a total of 71 constituents were detected or characterized. By comparing TICs of blank and dosed rat plasma, a total of 15 constituents were detected and identified as prototypes according to their retention time (tR) and MS, MS/MS data. Based on this, neutral loss scans of 80 and 176 Da in samples of rat plasma and urine helped us to identify most of the metabolites. Results showed that the predominant metabolic pathways of (epi) catechin and gallic acid were sulfation, methylation, glucuronidation and dehydroxylation; the major metabolic pathways of flavone were hydrolysis, sulfation and glucuronidation. Furthermore, degradation, oxidation and ring fission were found to often occur in the metabolism process of GZD in vivo.

Non-targeted and targeted metabolomics approaches to diagnosing lung cancer and predicting patient prognosis.

Lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer death in China. We characterized metabolic alterations in lung cancer using two analytical platforms: a non-targeted metabolic profiling strategy based on proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR) spectroscopy and a targeted metabolic profiling strategy based on rapid resolution liquid chromatography (RRLC). Changes in serum metabolite levels during oncogenesis were evaluated in 25 stage I lung cancer patients and matched healthy controls. We identified 25 metabolites that were differentially regulated between the lung cancer patients and matched controls. Of those, 16 were detected using the non-targeted approach and 9 were identified using the targeted approach. Both groups of metabolites could differentiate between lung cancer patients and healthy controls with 100% sensitivity and specificity. The principal metabolic alternations in lung cancer included changes in glycolysis, lipid metabolism, choline phospholipid metabolism, one-carbon metabolism, and amino acid metabolism. The targeted metabolomics approach was more sensitive, accurate, and specific than the non-targeted metabolomics approach. However, our data suggest that both metabolomics strategies could be used to detect early-stage lung cancer and predict patient prognosis.

A single marker choice strategy in simultaneous characterization and quantification of multiple components by rapid resolution liquid chromatography coupled with triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry (RRLC-QqQ-MS).

Single standard to determine multi-components (SSDMC) method has been accepted as an efficient technique for the quality control of Traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs), especially for overcoming the shortage of reference standards. HPLC-UV methods have been applied to establish SSDMC method for quantitative analysis in several plant medicines and Chinese patent medicines, however, no LC-MS methods have been used. The purpose of this study is to put forward an improved strategy for the choice of single marker in SSDMC using rapid resolution liquid chromatography coupled with triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry (RRLC-QqQ-MS). Five different Panax genus plants, recorded in the Chinese Pharmacopeia 2015 edition, were used as research subjects. An improved SSDMC strategy for simultaneous characterization and determination of 18 bioactive saponins in five Panax plants was put forward, and which was validated to be more superior. Then, it was fully investigated with respect to linearity, LODs, LOQs, precision and accuracy. Coupling with multivariate statistical analysis, the established and validated SSDMC strategy could be successively used in discrimination of the five Panax genus plants.

Rapid Resolution of Grief with IV Infusion of Ketamine: A Unique Phenomenological Experience.

Ketamine, a primarily FDA-approved anaesthetic agent is also used as recreational drug. Based on preclinical findings and later the clinical observations it is noted to have rapid antidepressant effect due to its mechanisms related to NMDA antagonism. In spite of established evidence of ketamine being effective in depression with significant role in treatment resistant cases as well, there was absolute dearth of literature regarding its utility in grief-related disorders. In this context we present a case of 28-year-old graduate male who presented to us in complicated grief following death of his wife due to obstetric complications. With the patient and immediate family members consenting for use of ketamine as off-label use, patient had single IV infusion of ketamine following which he had unique phenomenological experience ultimately resolving his grief in few minutes. Through this case we highlight the enormous therapeutic promise of ketamine in complicated grief.

Metabonomic study of the effects of different acupuncture directions on therapeutic efficacy.

Posterior circulation ischemia (PCI) is a common clinical ischemic cerebrovascular disease that can endanger the lives of patients in severe cases. Our previous research found that needling the Fengchi (GB20) acupoint presents a significant effect on PCI and that different acupuncture directions can exert different effects. To investigate the biological mechanism of acupuncture directions, rapid resolution liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry-based metabonomic techniques are used to analyze the metabolic profiles of urine samples. The urine samples were obtained from 30 healthy control subjects, 60 PCI patients before and after treatment of different acupuncture directions. Six metabolites, including LPE (22:6), estrone, uric acid, vanillylmandelic acid, N-acetyl-l-tyrosine, and 4-hydroxyphenylacetylglutamine were identified as potential biomarkers of acupuncture treatment of PCI. Acupuncture treatment of PCI patients significantly changed the levels of these potential biomarkers. Moreover, different acupuncture directions showed different effects on the contents of these biomarkers. These results strongly support the belief that acupuncture direction performs an important function in acupuncture intervention. The findings provide new insights into the mechanism of acupuncture treatment and reveal that acupuncture manipulation results in various curative.

A Metabonomics Study of Childhood Pneumonia by Rapid Resolution Liquid Chromatography Quadrupole Time-of-flight Mass Spectrometry / 分析化学

In this study, the rapid resolution liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry ( RRLC-QTOF/MS ) was used to profile the metabolites of urine samples from Childhood Pneumonia ( CP) patients and healthy controls and find the potential biomarkers which can support evidence to early diagnose and cure the disease. Choose 10 CP patients ( age 47. 72 ± 2. 35 months) and 10 healthy controls ( age 46 . 65 ± 1 . 97 months ) . The urine samples were analyzed by RRLC-QTOF/MS and then the resulting data matrices were analyzed by principal components analysis ( PCA ) to find the potential biomarkers. Urine samples of CP patients were successfully distinguished from those of healthy controls. A total of two significantly changed metabolites have been found and identified as potential biomarkers. It is suggested that the disorder of purine metabolism and amino acid metabolism may play an important role in the mechanism of CP.

Urinary Metabonomic Investigation into Acute Photo Damage of Rats Induced by Ultraviolet B Irradiation using Rapid Resolution Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry / 分析化学

A rapid resolution liquid chromatography quadruple time-of-flight mass spectrometric ( RRLC-Q-TOF/MS) method combined with multivariate statistical analysis was applied to investigate the changes of endogenous metabolites in murine urine before and after ultraviolet B ( UVB ) irradiation for the purpose of discussing the physiological mechanism of acute injury caused by UVB radiation. A narrow-band UVB ( NB-UVB) (TL-01, peak value 312nm) was used to establish the acute light damage model. The urine samples were centrifuged before four times dilution treatment, subsequently the diluted urine samples were separated on a Supelco Ascentis Express C18 column using water (0. 1% formic acid) and acetonitrile as mobile phase by gradient elution. The differences metabolites with major contribution for grouping were found out based on the metabolic profiling analysis of principal component analysis ( PCA) and cluster analysis ( CA) , which could illustrate their possible mechanism of actions by means of relevant pathways. A prediction model was built to investigate the forecasting ability of the acute photo damage induced by UVB irradiation through the partial least square discriminant analysis ( PLS-DA ) . The results of multivariate statistical analysis showed that the blank control group was separated from UVB model group quite well, 11 endogenous metabolites were identified as the potential biomarkers through comparison with the database, tandem mass spectrum data and standard substance, which indicated the UVB radiation may affect the sphingolipid metabolism, nucleic acid metabolism, linoleic acid metabolism and amino acid metabolism pathways. These different metabolites could be helpful for diagnosing the light damage induced by UVB radiation

Determination of 15 sedative residues in mutton by rapid resolution liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

BACKGROUND: The use of xenobiotic compounds in animal husbandry has given rise to consumer anxieties regarding residual risk and food safety. Thus, animal tissues have become main samples for residue analysis and food safety for sedatives. In this study, a rapid resolution liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (RRLC-MS/MS) method was established for the determination of 15 sedatives residues in mutton. RESULTS: After enzymolysis, sedatives residues in mutton were extracted by ammonium hydroxide-acetonitrile (10:90, v/v) and determined by RRLC-MS/MS with quantification by standard curve method. The calibration curves showed good linearity within the concentrations of 0.5-50 µg kg(-1) with the correlation coefficients (r(2)) ranged from 0.9639 to 0.9984. The limits of detection (LODs) and quantification (LOQs) were 0.25-2.5 and 0.5-5 µg kg(-1), respectively. The average recoveries of spikes samples were in the ranges of 74.1-116.8% with relative standard deviations of intra- and inter-day ranged from 2.6% to 11.2% and from 2.1% to 11.4%, respectively. CONCLUSION: This method is simple, sensitive and accurate in the determination of sedative residues.

A Metabonomics Study of Atherosclerosis by Rapid Resolution Liquid Chromatography Quadrupole Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry / 分析化学

A rapid resolution liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometric ( RRLC-QTOF/MS) method was used to profile the metabolites of urine samples from atherosclerosis ( AS) patients and healthy controls and find the differential metabolites which could provide the scientific evidence to explain the pathogenesis and early disease diagnose. In the study, 15 AS patients ( age46. 84±2. 41 years) and 15 healthy controls ( age45 . 72±1 . 93 years ) was screened out by VaSera VS-1000 . The urine samples were analyzed by RRLC-QTOF/MS and the resulting data matrices were analyzed by multivariate statistical analysis ( Principal Component Analysis, PCA ) to find the potential biomarkers. The results showed that the urine samples of AS patients were successfully distinguished from those of healthy controls. Besides, a total of two significantly changed metabolites, uric acid and Guanidineacetic acid, had been found and identified as potential biomarkers, which suggested that the disorder of purine metabolism and amino acid metabolism played an important role in the mechanism of AS.

Detailed phenolic composition of white grape by-products by RRLC/MS and measurement of the antioxidant activity.

The development and validation of a rapid method of RRLC has been carried out to determine the phenolic composition of winemaking by-products (pomaces, seeds, skins and stems). Thirty-one phenolic compounds belonging to three groups (flavanols, flavonols and phenolic acids) have been identified by use of standards and mass spectrometric detection, and quantified by using the corresponding external standard calibration plot, in a 16-min run. The validation was realized calculating the repeatability, the reproducibility and the limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ), from standards solutions. The limits of detection and quantification were in the range of 0.16-1.09 and 0.52-3.63 mg/L, respectively, and good repeatability (R.S.D. values <1.5%) and reproducibility (R.S.D. values <5.5%) were found. Results confirmed that the method is effective and suitable for determination of phenolic compounds in winemaking by-products. Seeds, skins, stems and pomaces exhibited a different qualitative and quantitative phenolic profile and different antioxidant activities.

Beneficial effects of the Chinese herbal medicine Sanjie Zhentong Capsule on experimental endometriosis in rats.

AIM: To analyze the composition of the Chinese herbal medicine Sanjie Zhentong Capsule (SJZTC) and test the therapeutic efficacy of each component in a rat model of endometriosis. METHODS: A rapid resolution liquid chromatography (RRLC) method coupled with electrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (Q-TOF MS) has been developed for the analysis of SJZTC. Two main ingredients, Drac(h)onis sanguis and saponin, were tested in the endometriosis model. Sixty Lewis female rats were in the estrous cycle stage when endometriosis was experimentally initiated by peritoneal implantation of endometrial tissue. Four weeks later, a second laparotomy was performed and implant volumes were measured. After that, the implanted rats were randomized into five study groups: control group (treatment with saline), anastrozole group (treatment with anastrole, 18 µg per day), loureirin A group (treated with loureirin A, 97.2 mg), ginsenoside Re group (treated with ginsenoside Re, 64.8 mg), and SJZTC groups (treated with SJZTC, 86.4 mg) administered once a day for 4 weeks via gastric gavage. After four weeks of treatment, a third laparotomy was performed, implant volumes were re-measured, and the levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) were tested. RESULTS: A total of 38 compounds including, both the target and unknown compounds, were rapidly predicted in the capsule extract by the developed method. Compared with the control group, the anastrozole group, loureirin A group, ginsenoside Re group, and SJZTC treated group showed smaller implant volumes, as well as lower levels of VEGF and TNF-α in the peritoneal focus (P < 0.01 for all comparisons). Furthermore, parameters in the groups treated with SJZTC, loureirin A and ginsenoside Re were significantly better than the control group and the anastrozole group. These results indicate that SJZTC and its two main components are effective in reducing the development of endometriosis.

Simultaneous determination of seven ginsenosides in Du Shen Tang decoction by rapid resolution liquid chromatography (RRLC) coupled with tandem mass spectrometry.

A rapid quantification of seven ginsenosides in Du Shen Tang decoction, the decoction of the root of Panax ginseng was investigated by rapid resolution liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (RRLC-MS/MS). All analytes including seven major constituents, namely ginsenoside-Re, Rg1, Rb1, Rc, Rb2, Rd and Rf were analysed simultaneously in short time and provide good linearity (r>0.9976), repeatability (RSD<5.67%), intra- and inter-day precisions (RSD<5.06%) with accuracies (94.65-105.31%) and recovery (93.76-106.82%) by using optimised methods. In addition, the content of seven ginsenosides in the decoction prepared by the root of 2-year-old, 4-year-old and 6-year-old Panax ginseng was also analysed. The results showed the concentration of ginsenosides detected in Du Shen Tang decoction was affected by the difference in collected times of the root of Panax ginseng. The established method could be used as a rapid and reliable approach for assessment of the quantity of Du Shen Tang decoction.

Sequential determination of fat- and water-soluble vitamins in Rhodiola imbricata root from trans-Himalaya with rapid resolution liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry.

A rapid method was developed to determine both types of vitamins in Rhodiola imbricata root for the accurate quantification of free vitamin forms. Rapid resolution liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (RRLC-MS/MS) with electrospray ionization (ESI) source operating in multiple reactions monitoring (MRM) mode was optimized for the sequential analysis of nine water-soluble vitamins (B1, B2, two B3 vitamins, B5, B6, B7, B9, and B12) and six fat-soluble vitamins (A, E, D2, D3, K1, and K2). Both types of vitamins were separated by ion-suppression reversed-phase liquid chromatography with gradient elution within 30 min and detected in positive ion mode. Deviations in the intra- and inter-day precision were always below 0.6% and 0.3% for recoveries and retention time. Intra- and inter-day relative standard deviation (RSD) values of retention time for water- and fat-soluble vitamin were ranged between 0.02-0.20% and 0.01-0.15%, respectively. The mean recoveries were ranged between 88.95 and 107.07%. Sensitivity and specificity of this method allowed the limits of detection (LOD) and limits of quantitation (LOQ) of the analytes at ppb levels. The linear range was achieved for fat- and water-soluble vitamins at 100-1000 ppb and 10-100 ppb. Vitamin B-complex and vitamin E were detected as the principle vitamins in the root of this adaptogen which would be of great interest to develop novel foods from the Indian trans-Himalaya.

New reversed phase dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction method for the determination of phenolic compounds in virgin olive oil by rapid resolution liquid chromathography with ultraviolet-visible and mass spectrometry detection.

The determination of phenolic compounds in virgin olive oil using a new reversed phase dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction (RP-DLLME) procedure coupled with rapid resolution liquid chromatography-diode array and mass spectrometry detection (RRLC-DAD-MS) have been performed. A rapid resolution Zorbax Eclipse XDB-C18 column (4.6 mm × 50 mm, 1.8 µm particle size) has been employed and eighteen phenolic compounds belonging to different families have been identified and quantified spending a total time of 26 and 13 min with UV-visible and MS detection, respectively. Response surface methodology has been applied by means of a central composite design for the optimization of the variables affecting the extraction procedure searching for the best recovery. The validation of the methods was performed through the establishment of the external standard calibration curves and the analytical figures of merit. Limits of detection ranging from 10 to 400 ng mL(-1) and 1 to 200 ng mL(-1) were achieved using UV-visible and MS detection, respectively. The extraction of phenolic compounds from virgin olive oil was performed in a simple and rapid way by RP-DLLME with ethanol:water 60:40 (v/v) as extracting solvent and 1,4-dioxane as disperser solvent. The quantification of the phenolic compounds in virgin olive oils from different olive varieties was carried out by means of the standard addition method and, finally the procedure for the sample treatment was validated using the well established solid phase extraction procedure with Diol cartridges.

Traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, pharmacokinetics and quality control of Polyporus umbellatus (Pers.) Fries: a review.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Polyporus umbellatus (Pers.) Fries (Polyporaceae, Zhuling ) has been commonly used in medicine for a wide range of ailments related to the edema, scanty urine, vaginal discharge, urinary dysfunction, as well as jaundice and diarrhea. AIM OF THE REVIEW: The present paper reviewed the traditional uses, propagation, phytochemistry, pharmacology, pharmacokinetics and quality control of Polyporus umbellatus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All the available information on Polyporus umbellatus was collected via a library and electronic search (using Web of Science, Pubmed, ScienceDirect, Splinker, Google Scholar, etc.). RESULTS: Phytochemical studies showed the presence of many valuable secondary metabolites such as steroids, polysaccharides, anthraquinones and nucleosides. Crude extracts and isolated compounds showed a wide spectrum of pharmacological activities including diuretic, nephroprotective, anti-cancer, immuno-enhancing, hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory and antioxidative activities. The pharmacokinetic studies demonstrated that the ergosterol and ergone had a high distribution and absorption in the plasma and the two main components of Polyporus umbellatus were mainly excreted by faeces. The determination of multiple chemical components was successfully applied to the quality control of Polyporus umbellatus. CONCLUSIONS: Modern phytochemical, pharmacological and metabonomic investigations showed that the crude extracts and isolated compounds from Polyporus umbellatus possess many kinds of biological functions, especially in the diuretic activities and the treatment of kidney diseases as well as anti-cancer, immuno-enhancing and hepatoprotective activities. The pathways of the distribution, absorption, metabolism and excretion of main steroidal compounds were clarified by pharmacokinetic studies. Most of the pharmacological studies were conducted using crude and poorly characterized extracts of Polyporus umbellatus in animals especially in case of diuretic activities and the treatment of kidney diseases. Thus, more bioactive components especially diuretic compounds should be identified using bioactivity-guided isolation strategies and the possible mechanism of action as well as potential synergistic or antagonistic effects of multi-component mixtures derived from Polyporus umbellatus need to be evaluated integrating pharmacological, pharmacokinetic, bioavailability-centered and physiological approaches. In addition, more experiments including in vitro, in vivo and clinical studies should be encouraged to identify any side effects or toxicity. These achievements will further expand the existing therapeutic potential of Polyporus umbellatus and provide a beneficial support to its future further clinical use in modern medicine.