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Guo Y, Wang L, Liu K, Li M, Jin Y, Gu L, Yu XA, Wang S, Wang P, Wang B, Wang T. A Rapid and Accurate UHPLC Method for Determination of Monosaccharides in Polysaccharides of Different Sources of Radix Astragali and Its Immune Activity Analysis. Molecules 2024; 29:2287. [PMID: 38792148 PMCID: PMC11124152 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29102287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2024] [Revised: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
With the escalating demand for Astragalus polysaccharides products developed from Radix Astragali (RA), the necessity for quality control of polysaccharides in RA has become increasingly urgent. In this study, a specific method for the simultaneous determination of seven monosaccharides in polysaccharides extracted from Radix Astragali (RA) has been developed and validated using ultra-performance liquid chromatography equipped with an ultraviolet detector (UHPLC-UV) for the first time. The 1-phenyl-3-methyl-5-pyrazolone (PMP) derivatizations were separated on a C18 column (Waters ACQUITYTM, Milfor, MA, USA, 1.8 µm, 2.1 × 100 mm) using gradient elution with a binary system of 5 mm ammonium formate (0.1% formic acid)-acetonitrile for 24 min. Additionally, seven monosaccharides showed good linear relationships (R2, 0.9971-0.9995), adequate precision (RSD < 4.21%), and high recoveries (RSD < 4.70%). The established method was used to analyze 109 batches of RA. Results showed that the Astragalus polysaccharides (APSs) mainly consist of mannose (Man), rhamnose (Rha), glucose (Glu), galactose (Gal), arabinose (Ara), xylose (Xyl); and fucose (Fuc); however, their composition was different among RA samples from different growth patterns, species, growth years, and origins, and the growth mode of RA and the age of wild-simulated RA can be accurately distinguished by principal component analysis (PCA). In addition, the immunological activity of APSs were also evaluated jointly by measurement of the NO release with RAW264.7, with the results showing that APSs have a promoting effect on the release of NO and exhibit a significant correlation with Man, Glu, Xyl, and Fuc contents. Accordingly, the new established monosaccharides analytical method and APS-immune activity determination in this study can provide a reference for quality evaluation and the establishment of quality standards for RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yali Guo
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Quality Research and Evaluation of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen Institute for Drug Control, Shenzhen 518057, China; (Y.G.)
- School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Lijun Wang
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Quality Research and Evaluation of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen Institute for Drug Control, Shenzhen 518057, China; (Y.G.)
| | - Kaishuang Liu
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Quality Research and Evaluation of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen Institute for Drug Control, Shenzhen 518057, China; (Y.G.)
| | - Meifang Li
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Quality Research and Evaluation of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen Institute for Drug Control, Shenzhen 518057, China; (Y.G.)
| | - Yibao Jin
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Quality Research and Evaluation of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen Institute for Drug Control, Shenzhen 518057, China; (Y.G.)
| | - Lifei Gu
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Quality Research and Evaluation of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen Institute for Drug Control, Shenzhen 518057, China; (Y.G.)
| | - Xie-An Yu
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Quality Research and Evaluation of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen Institute for Drug Control, Shenzhen 518057, China; (Y.G.)
| | - Shuhong Wang
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Quality Research and Evaluation of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen Institute for Drug Control, Shenzhen 518057, China; (Y.G.)
| | - Ping Wang
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Quality Research and Evaluation of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen Institute for Drug Control, Shenzhen 518057, China; (Y.G.)
| | - Bing Wang
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Quality Research and Evaluation of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen Institute for Drug Control, Shenzhen 518057, China; (Y.G.)
| | - Tiejie Wang
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Quality Research and Evaluation of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen Institute for Drug Control, Shenzhen 518057, China; (Y.G.)
- School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
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Lu Y, Lin M, Ou S, Sun L, Qian K, Kuang H, Wu Y. Astragalus polysaccharides ameliorate epileptogenesis, cognitive impairment, and neuroinflammation in a pentylenetetrazole-induced kindling mouse model. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1336122. [PMID: 38405667 PMCID: PMC10884767 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1336122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Epilepsy is a prevalent neurological disease where neuroinflammation plays a significant role in epileptogenesis. Recent studies have suggested that Astragalus polysaccharides (APS) have anti-inflammatory properties, which make them a potential candidate for neuroprotection against central nervous system disease. Nevertheless, the extent of their effectiveness in treating epilepsy remains enigmatic. Therefore, our study aims to investigate the potential of APS to mitigate epileptogenesis and its comorbidities by exploring its underlying mechanism. Methods: Initially, we employed pentylenetetrazol-induced seizure mice to validate APS' effectiveness. Subsequently, we employed network pharmacology analysis to probe the possible targets and signaling pathways of APS in treating epilepsy. Ultimately, we verified the key targets and signaling pathways experimentally, predicting their mechanisms of action. Results: APS have been observed to disturb the acquisition process of kindling, leading to reduced seizure scores and a lower incidence of complete kindling. Moreover, APS has been found to improve cognitive impairments and prevent hippocampal neuronal damage during the pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-kindling process. Subsequent network pharmacology analysis revealed that APS potentially exerted their anti-epileptic effects by targeting cytokine and toll-like receptor 4/nuclear factor kappa B (TLR4/NF-κB) signaling pathways. Finally, experimental findings showed that APS efficiently inhibited the activation of astrocytes and reduced the release of pro-inflammatory mediators, such as interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). In addition, APS impeded the activation of the TLR4/NF-κB signaling cascade in a PTZ-induced kindling mouse model. Conclusion: The outcomes of our study suggest that APS exerts an impact on epileptogenesis and mitigates cognitive impairment by impeding neuroinflammatory processes. The mechanism underlying these observations may be attributed to the modulation of the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway, resulting in a reduction of the release of inflammatory mediators. These findings partially agree with the predictions derived from network pharmacology analyses. As such, APS represents a potentially innovative and encouraging adjunct therapeutic option for epileptogenesis and cognitive deficit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuling Lu
- Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Minglin Lin
- Department of Colorectal and Anal Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Sijie Ou
- Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Lanfeng Sun
- Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Kai Qian
- Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Huimin Kuang
- Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Yuan Wu
- Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
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Wang W, Chen S, Xu S, Liao G, Li W, Yang X, Li T, Zhang H, Huang H, Zhou Y, Pan H, Lin C. Jianpi Shengqing Huazhuo Formula improves abnormal glucose and lipid metabolism in obesity by regulating mitochondrial biogenesis. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 319:117102. [PMID: 37660955 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.117102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 08/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Jianpi Shengqing Huazhuo Formula (JSH) is a modified prescription based on traditional Chinese medicine theory and classic prescriptions (Buzhong Yiqi Decoction and Yuye Decoction). It has been found that JSH has a good effect on obese patients with early abnormal glucose and lipid metabolism. Therefore, this experiment was conducted to study its clinical efficacy and pharmacological effect. AIM OF THE STUDY To observe the clinical efficacy of JSH and explore the mechanism of the formula to improve glucose and lipid metabolism in obese rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS 1. CLINICAL OBSERVATION 10 overweight/obese patients with abnormal glucose and lipid metabolism were selected to observe the indicators of serum glucose, serum lipids and liver damage of the patients before and after treatment with JSH. 2. Animal experiments: Fifty Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into control group, model group, Metformin group (120 mg/kg/day), JSH-L group (5 g/kg/day) and JSH-H group (20 g/kg/day), with 10 rats in each group. The obese SD rat model was produced by feeding 60% high-fat diet for 8 weeks, and the drug group was given prophylactic administration for 8 weeks. At the end of the experiment, body weight, abdominal fat, plasma glucose, plasma lipids, plasma alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were measured. The levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) in plasma were detected by Elisa, and the changes of malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH) and catalase (CAT) in plasma and liver tissue were detected by kits. The pathological changes and lipid deposition in liver were observed by HE staining and oil red O staining, and the changes in the number of mitochondria in liver cells were observed by transmission electron microscopy. RT-qPCR and Western Blot (WB) were used to detect the mitochondrial regulation-related indicators PGC-1α, NRF1, TFAM, MFN2, DRP1 and apoptosis-related indicators Bcl-2, Bax, caspase 8 in liver tissue. RESULTS 1. CLINICAL OBSERVATION After one month administration, the patient's body weight, BMI, 2 h oral glucose tolerance test (2hOGTT), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) decreased significantly, and the indicators of liver damage AST and ALT also decreased significantly. 2. Animal experiments: JSH can significantly reduce body weight and abdominal fat area, improve glucose and lipid metabolism, and also reduce plasma IL-6, IL-1β and TNF-α content in obese rats, and improve oxidative stress; HE staining and oil red O staining also showed that JSH can alleviate liver damage and lipid deposition in the liver. Further observations of liver cell ultrastructure showed that JSH can ameliorate the reduction of liver mitochondria caused by a high-fat diet and promote the expression of indicators of mitochondrial biogenesis related to PGC-1α, NRF1, and TFAM. Moreover, JSH could promote the expression of MFN2 and DRP1, decrease Bcl-2 and increase Bax in the liver. CONCLUSIONS 1. CLINICAL OBSERVATION JSH can reduce body weight, serum glucose, serum lipid, and liver injury in overweight/obese patients. 2. Animal experiments: JSH regulates PGC-1α/NRF1/TFAM signaling pathway promotes liver mitochondrial biogenesis, improves glucose and lipid metabolism in obese rats, and regulates mitochondrial dependent apoptosis indicators Bcl-2/Bax to reduce liver injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenkai Wang
- Science and Technology Innovation Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China; Pi-wei Institute, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China.
| | - Shanshan Chen
- Science and Technology Innovation Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China; Pi-wei Institute, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China.
| | - Shuting Xu
- Science and Technology Innovation Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China; Pi-wei Institute, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China.
| | - Guangyi Liao
- Science and Technology Innovation Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China; Pi-wei Institute, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China.
| | - Weihao Li
- Science and Technology Innovation Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China; Pi-wei Institute, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China.
| | - Xiao Yang
- Science and Technology Innovation Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China; Pi-wei Institute, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China.
| | - Tingting Li
- Science and Technology Innovation Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China; Pi-wei Institute, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China.
| | - Huifen Zhang
- Department of Endocrinology, Dongguan Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Dongguan Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Dongguan, 523000, China.
| | - Huanhuan Huang
- Department of Endocrinology, Dongguan Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Dongguan Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Dongguan, 523000, China.
| | - Yuqing Zhou
- Department of Endocrinology, Dongguan Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Dongguan Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Dongguan, 523000, China.
| | - Huafeng Pan
- Science and Technology Innovation Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China; Pi-wei Institute, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China.
| | - Chuanquan Lin
- Science and Technology Innovation Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China; Pi-wei Institute, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China.
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Wu J, Deng S, Yu X, Wu Y, Hua X, Zhang Z, Huang Y. Identify production area, growth mode, species, and grade of Astragali Radix using metabolomics "big data" and machine learning. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 123:155201. [PMID: 37976693 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2023.155201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Astragali Radix (AR) is a widely used herbal medicine. The quality of AR is influenced by several key factors, including the production area, growth mode, species, and grade. However, the markers currently used to distinguish these factors primarily focus on secondary metabolites, and their validation on large-scale samples is lacking. PURPOSE This study aims to discover reliable markers and develop classification models for identifying the production area, growth mode, species, and grade of AR. METHODS A total of 366 batches of AR crude slices were collected from six provinces in China and divided into learning (n = 191) and validation (n = 175) sets. Three ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) methods were developed and validated for determining 22 primary and 10 secondary metabolites in AR methanol extract. Based on the quantification data, seven machine learning algorithms, such as Nearest Neighbors and Gradient Boosted Trees, were applied to screen the potential markers and build the classification models for identifying the four factors associated with AR quality. RESULTS Our analysis revealed that secondary metabolites (e.g., astragaloside IV, calycosin-7-O-β-D-glucoside, and ononin) played a crucial role in evaluating AR quality, particularly in identifying the production area and species. Additionally, fatty acids (e.g., behenic acid and lignoceric acid) were vital in determining the growth mode of AR, while amino acids (e.g., alanine and phenylalanine) were helpful in distinguishing different grades. With both primary and secondary metabolites, the Nearest Neighbors algorithm-based model was constructed for identifying each factor of AR, achieving good classification accuracy (>70%) on the validation set. Furthermore, a panel of four metabolites including ononin, astragaloside II, pentadecanoic acid, and alanine, allowed for simultaneous identification of all four factors of AR, offering an accuracy of 86.9%. CONCLUSION Our findings highlight the potential of integrating large-scale targeted metabolomics and machine learning approaches to accurately identify the quality-associated factors of AR. This study opens up possibilities for enhancing the evaluation of other herbal medicines through similar methodologies, and further exploration in this area is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Wu
- Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance, China Pharmaceutical University, Ministry of Education, Nanjing, 210009, China; Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Shaoqian Deng
- Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance, China Pharmaceutical University, Ministry of Education, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Xinyue Yu
- Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance, China Pharmaceutical University, Ministry of Education, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Yanlin Wu
- National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing, 102629, China
| | - Xiaoyi Hua
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine Testing, Wuxi Center for Drug Safety Control, Wuxi, 214028, China
| | - Zunjian Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance, China Pharmaceutical University, Ministry of Education, Nanjing, 210009, China.
| | - Yin Huang
- Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance, China Pharmaceutical University, Ministry of Education, Nanjing, 210009, China; Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China.
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Lin Y, Wu Y, Ma F, Shan C, Ma J, Li W, Pan H, Miao X, Liu J, Wang X, Ni Z. Exploration of the mechanism of Qi-Xian decoction in asthmatic mice using metabolomics combined with network pharmacology. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1263962. [PMID: 38155957 PMCID: PMC10753777 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1263962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Qi-Xian Decoction (QXD), a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula consisting of eight herbs, has been clinically used to treat asthma. However, the underlying mechanisms have not been completely elucidated. This study aimed to combine metabolomics and network pharmacology to reveal the mechanism of action of QXD in asthma treatment. Methods: An ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthma mouse model was constructed to evaluate the therapeutic effects of QXD. Serum metabolomics and network pharmacology were combined to study the mechanism of anti-asthma action as well as the potential target, and related biological functions were validated. Results: The QXD treatment has demonstrated significant protective effects in OVA-induced asthmatic mice, as evidenced by its ability to inhibit inflammation, IgE, mucus overproduction, and airway hyperreactivity (AHR). Metabolomic analysis has revealed a total of 140 differential metabolites associated with QXD treatment. In addition, network pharmacology has identified 126 genes that are linked to the effects of QXD, including TNF, IL-6, IL1β, STAT3, MMP9, EGFR, JUN, CCL2, TLR4, MAPK3 and MAPK8. Through comprehensive gene-metabolite interaction network analysis, seven key metabolites have been identified and associated with the potential anti-asthmatic effect of QXD, with palmitic acid (PA) being the most notable among them. In vitro validation studies have confirmed the gene-metabolite interaction involving PA, IL-6, and MAPK8. Furthermore, our research has demonstrated that QXD treatment can effectively inhibit PA-promoted IL-6 expression in MH-S cells and reduce PA concentration in OVA-induced asthmatic mice. Conclusion: The regulation of metabolic pathways by QXD was found to be associated with its anti-asthmatic action, which provides insight into the mechanism of QXD in treating asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhua Lin
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yue Wu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Fuqi Ma
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Cuiting Shan
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jialu Ma
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenguan Li
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Huayang Pan
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiayi Miao
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jinjin Liu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiongbiao Wang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhenhua Ni
- Central Lab, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Song S, Li Y, Liu X, Yu J, Li Z, Liang K, Wang S, Zhang J. Study on the Biotransformation and Activities of Astragalosides from Astragali Radix In Vitro and In Vivo. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2023; 71:17924-17946. [PMID: 37940610 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.3c05405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
Astragalosides (AGs), as one of the main active ingredients in Astragali Radix (AR), have a series of biological activities. Previous studies have only qualitatively identified the metabolites of AGs in AR, resulting in a lack of quantification. In the present study, the original material was selected from 12 origins based on the levels of 4 AGs by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The prototype components and metabolites of total AGs (TAGs) in feces, urine, and plasma samples of rats were thoroughly screened and characterized by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-HRMS). The fermentation reaction and metabolites were verified by human fecal TAG fermentation in vitro. The metabolites of AG I, II, and IV transformed by human feces at different times were identified using UHPLC-HRMS, and the partial metabolites were quantified by HPLC. Furthermore, the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of the metabolites were evaluated based on 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells in vitro. In total, 13 AGs and 170 metabolites were identified in TAGs as well as in the plasma, urine, and feces of Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats by UHPLC-HRMS, including 28, 36, and 170 metabolites in the plasma, urine, and feces, respectively. The metabolites included the products of deglycosylation, demethylation, hydroxylation, glucuronidation, sulfation, and cysteine-binding reactions. Moreover, the TAG fermentation results in vitro showed great similarity. The human fecal incubation experiments for AG I, II, and IV demonstrated that the metabolic reaction of TAGs mainly occurred in intestinal feces and that deglycosylation, demethylation, and hydroxylation were the main pathways of their metabolism. HPLC quantitative analysis of the transformation solution at different time points showed that AGs were transformed into secondary glycosides [cycloastragenol-6-glucoside (CAG-6-glucoside)] and aglycones [cycloastragenol (CAG)] through a deglycosylation reaction. Analysis of the pharmacological activity showed that the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of the metabolites were associated with the levels of the corresponding aglycones. Further, metabolic profiles of the TAGs were constructed. Overall, this study revealed the metabolic process of AGs in the intestine, providing guidance for the metabolism and pharmacological effects of other saponins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuyi Song
- School of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong 264003, China
| | - Yanan Li
- School of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong 250300, China
| | - Xin Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong 264003, China
| | - Jiayi Yu
- School of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong 264003, China
| | - Zhe Li
- School of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong 250300, China
| | - Kexin Liang
- School of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong 250300, China
| | - Shaoping Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong 264003, China
| | - Jiayu Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong 264003, China
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Zhang RH, Cao SS, Shi Y, Wang X, Shi LL, Zhang YH, Han CJ, Wang B, Feng L, Liu JP. Astragaloside IV-mediated inhibition of oxidative stress by upregulation of ghrelin in type 2 diabetes-induced cognitive impairment. NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERG'S ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY 2023; 396:2637-2650. [PMID: 37097336 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-023-02486-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2023]
Abstract
This study is to observe the upregulation effect of astragaloside IV on ghrelin in diabetic cognitive impairment (DCI) rats and to investigate the pathway in prevention and treatment by reducing oxidative stress. The DCI model was induced with streptozotocin (STZ) in conjunction with a high-fat and high-sugar diet and divided into three groups: model, low-dose (40 mg/kg), and high-dose (80 mg/kg) astragaloside IV. After 30 days of gavage, the learning and memory abilities of rats, as well as their body weight and blood glucose levels, were tested using the Morris water maze and then detection of insulin resistance, SOD activity, and serum MDA levels. The whole brain of rats was sampled for hematoxylin-eosin and Nissl staining to observe pathological changes in the hippocampal CA1 region. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect ghrelin expression in the hippocampal CA1 region. A Western blot was used to determine changes in GHS-R1α/AMPK/PGC-1α/UCP2. RT-qPCR was used to determine the levels of ghrelin mRNA. Astragaloside IV reduced nerve damage, increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, decreased MDA levels, and improved insulin resistance. Ghrelin levels and expression increased in serum and hippocampal tissues, and ghrelin mRNA levels increased in rat stomach tissues. According to Western blot, it increased the expression of the ghrelin receptor GHS-R1α and upregulated the mitochondrial function associated-protein AMPK-PGC-1α-UCP2. Astragaloside IV increases ghrelin expression in the brain to reduce oxidative stress and delay diabetes-induced cognitive impairment. It may be related to the promotion of ghrelin mRNA levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui-Hua Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, No. 1 Middle Section of Century Avenue, Xianyang, 712046, People's Republic of China
| | - Shan-Shan Cao
- Department of Pharmacology, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, No. 1 Middle Section of Century Avenue, Xianyang, 712046, People's Republic of China
| | - Yong Shi
- Department of Pharmacology, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, No. 1 Middle Section of Century Avenue, Xianyang, 712046, People's Republic of China
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, No. 1 Middle Section of Century Avenue, Xianyang, 712046, People's Republic of China
| | - Lei-Lei Shi
- Department of Pharmacology, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, No. 1 Middle Section of Century Avenue, Xianyang, 712046, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu-Han Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, No. 1 Middle Section of Century Avenue, Xianyang, 712046, People's Republic of China
| | - Chao-Jun Han
- Department of Pharmacology, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, No. 1 Middle Section of Century Avenue, Xianyang, 712046, People's Republic of China
| | - Bin Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, No. 1 Middle Section of Century Avenue, Xianyang, 712046, People's Republic of China
| | - Liang Feng
- Key Laboratory of New Drug Delivery System of Chinese Materia Medica, China Pharmaceutical University, 639# Longmian Road, Jiangsu, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China.
| | - Ji-Ping Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, No. 1 Middle Section of Century Avenue, Xianyang, 712046, People's Republic of China.
- Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Mechanism and Material Basis of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shaanxi Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, 712046, People's Republic of China.
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Jiang L, Niu H, Chen Y, Li X, Zhao Y, Zhang C, Li M. Quality control of Platycodon grandiflorum (Jacq.) A. DC. based on value chains and food chain analysis. Sci Rep 2023; 13:14048. [PMID: 37640759 PMCID: PMC10462715 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-41013-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Platycodon grandiflorum (Jacq.) A. DC. has been proposed as a medicine and food homology, thus playing an important role in disease prevention and health promotion, with great potential for research and value in clinical application. We aimed to analyze stakeholders' production behavior and financial performance from a value chain (VC) perspective and provide a basis for improving the quality of P. grandiflorum and the interests of stakeholders. P. grandiflorum collected from different producing areas were chemically analyzed, and the quality of platycodin D was evaluated. Rstudio3.6.0 was used to analyze the correlation between total platycodins (as platycodin D, platycoside E, and platycodin D3) and platycodin D in P. grandiflorum, providing the basis for quality control of P. grandiflorum. In addition, we studied the anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer activities of P. grandiflorum extract under different links. Based on the food chain energy pyramid, the transfer efficiency of active components of P. grandiflorum in different links was studied. Accordingly, 10 different types of VCs were determined in producing P. grandiflorum. Our results show that vertical coordination has led to a more consistent traceability system and strict regulation of supply chains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linlin Jiang
- Inner Mongolia Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hohhot, 010020, China
- Inner Mongolia Traditional Chinese & Mongolian Medical Research Institute, Hohhot, 010010, China
| | - Hui Niu
- Inner Mongolia Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hohhot, 010020, China
- Inner Mongolia Traditional Chinese & Mongolian Medical Research Institute, Hohhot, 010010, China
- Department of Pharmacy, Baotou Medical College, Baotou, 014040, China
| | - Yuan Chen
- Inner Mongolia Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hohhot, 010020, China
- Inner Mongolia Traditional Chinese & Mongolian Medical Research Institute, Hohhot, 010010, China
| | - Xing Li
- Inner Mongolia Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hohhot, 010020, China
- Inner Mongolia Traditional Chinese & Mongolian Medical Research Institute, Hohhot, 010010, China
- Department of Pharmacy, Baotou Medical College, Baotou, 014040, China
| | - Yulian Zhao
- Inner Mongolia Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hohhot, 010020, China
- Inner Mongolia Traditional Chinese & Mongolian Medical Research Institute, Hohhot, 010010, China
- Department of Pharmacy, Baotou Medical College, Baotou, 014040, China
| | - Chunhong Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, Baotou Medical College, Baotou, 014040, China.
| | - Minhui Li
- Inner Mongolia Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hohhot, 010020, China.
- Inner Mongolia Traditional Chinese & Mongolian Medical Research Institute, Hohhot, 010010, China.
- Department of Pharmacy, Baotou Medical College, Baotou, 014040, China.
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Characteristic Geoherbs Resources Protection and Utilization, Baotou, 014040, China.
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Guo Y, Wang B, Gu L, Yin G, Wang S, Li M, Wang L, Yu XA, Wang T. Discrimination of Radix Astragali from Different Growth Patterns, Origins, Species, and Growth Years by an H 1-NMR Spectrogram of Polysaccharide Analysis Combined with Chemical Pattern Recognition and Determination of Its Polysaccharide Content and Immunological Activity. Molecules 2023; 28:6063. [PMID: 37630314 PMCID: PMC10458787 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28166063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The fraud phenomenon is currently widespread in the traditional Chinese medicine Radix Astragali (RA) market, especially where high-quality RA is substituted with low-quality RA. In this case, focused on polysaccharides from RA, the classification models were established for discrimination of RA from different growth patterns, origins, species, and growth years. 1H Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (H1-NMR) was used to establish the spectroscopy of polysaccharides from RA, which were used to distinguish RA via chemical pattern recognition methods. Specifically, orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) and linear discriminant analysis (LDA) were used to successfully establish the classification models for RA from different growth patterns, origins, species, and growth years. The satisfactory parameters and high accuracy of internal and external verification of each model exhibited the reliable and good prediction ability of the developed models. In addition, the polysaccharide content and immunological activity were also tested, which was evaluated by the phagocytic activity of RAW 264.7. And the result showed that growth patterns and origins significantly affected the quality of RA. However, there was no significant difference in the aspects of origins and growth years. Accordingly, the developed strategy combined with chemical information, biological activity, and multivariate statistical method can provide new insight for the quality evaluation of traditional Chinese medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yali Guo
- School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China;
| | - Bing Wang
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Quality Research and Evaluation of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen Institute for Drug Control, Shenzhen 518057, China; (B.W.); (L.G.); (G.Y.); (M.L.)
| | - Lifei Gu
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Quality Research and Evaluation of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen Institute for Drug Control, Shenzhen 518057, China; (B.W.); (L.G.); (G.Y.); (M.L.)
| | - Guo Yin
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Quality Research and Evaluation of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen Institute for Drug Control, Shenzhen 518057, China; (B.W.); (L.G.); (G.Y.); (M.L.)
| | - Shuhong Wang
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Quality Research and Evaluation of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen Institute for Drug Control, Shenzhen 518057, China; (B.W.); (L.G.); (G.Y.); (M.L.)
| | - Meifang Li
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Quality Research and Evaluation of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen Institute for Drug Control, Shenzhen 518057, China; (B.W.); (L.G.); (G.Y.); (M.L.)
| | - Lijun Wang
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Quality Research and Evaluation of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen Institute for Drug Control, Shenzhen 518057, China; (B.W.); (L.G.); (G.Y.); (M.L.)
| | - Xie-An Yu
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Quality Research and Evaluation of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen Institute for Drug Control, Shenzhen 518057, China; (B.W.); (L.G.); (G.Y.); (M.L.)
| | - Tiejie Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China;
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Quality Research and Evaluation of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen Institute for Drug Control, Shenzhen 518057, China; (B.W.); (L.G.); (G.Y.); (M.L.)
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10
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Zhu Y, Chai Y, Xiao G, Liu Y, Xie X, Xiao W, Zhou P, Ma W, Zhang C, Li L. Astragalus and its formulas as a therapeutic option for fibrotic diseases: Pharmacology and mechanisms. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1040350. [PMID: 36408254 PMCID: PMC9669388 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1040350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis is the abnormal deposition of extracellular matrix, characterized by accumulation of collagen and other extracellular matrix components, which causes organ dysfunction and even death. Despite advances in understanding fibrosis pathology and clinical management, there is no treatment for fibrosis that can prevent or reverse it, existing treatment options may lead to diarrhea, nausea, bleeding, anorexia, and liver toxicity. Thus, effective drugs are needed for fibrotic diseases. Traditional Chinese medicine has played a vital role in fibrotic diseases, accumulating evidence has demonstrated that Astragalus (Astragalus mongholicus Bunge) can attenuate multiple fibrotic diseases, which include liver fibrosis, pulmonary fibrosis, peritoneal fibrosis, renal fibrosis, cardiac fibrosis, and so on, mechanisms may be related to inhibition of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), reactive oxygen species (ROS), transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1)/Smads, apoptosis, inflammation pathways. The purpose of this review was to summarize the pharmacology and mechanisms of Astragalus in treating fibrotic diseases, the data reviewed demonstrates that Astragalus is a promising anti-fibrotic drug, its main anti-fibrotic components are Calycosin, Astragaloside IV, Astragalus polysaccharides and formononetin. We also review formulas that contain Astragalus with anti-fibrotic effects, in which Astragalus and Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge, Astragalus and Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels are the most commonly used combinations. We propose that combining active components into new formulations may be a promising way to develop new drugs for fibrosis. Besides, we expect Astragalus to be accepted as a clinically effective method of treating fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Zhu
- Department of Respiratory, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Yilu Chai
- Department of Respiratory, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Guojin Xiao
- Nursing Department, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Yufei Liu
- Department of Respiratory, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaohong Xie
- Department of Respiratory, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Wei Xiao
- Department of Respiratory, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Pengcheng Zhou
- Department of Respiratory, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Wei Ma
- Department of Respiratory, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Chuantao Zhang
- Department of Respiratory, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Liuying Li
- Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- Department of Heart Disease of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zigong First People’s Hospital, Zigong, China
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Jiang L, Chen Y, Wang X, Guo W, Bi Y, Zhang C, Wang J, Li M. New insights explain that organic agriculture as sustainable agriculture enhances the sustainable development of medicinal plants. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:959810. [PMID: 36247548 PMCID: PMC9562643 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.959810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
As global health care demand continues to increase, medicinal plant productivity must progress without exhausting critical environmental resources. Hence, it is important to explore practices that can improve the quality, safety, and sustainability of medicinal plants, as well as ecological stability. Organic farming has recently gained significance as a sustainable cultivation alternative owing to increased awareness of the adverse effects of conventional cultivation method. Here, this study aimed to investigate the feasibility of organic farming as a solution for sustainable cultivation of medicinal plants from multiple perspectives and long-term benefits to the environment. Organic agricultural practices of medicinal plants were evaluated from a multi-dimensional perspective (environment, economy, and society) using extensive research data and literature and field surveys. Data from medicinal plant cultivation in Inner Mongolia were acquired for 76 sites from four data stations between 2014 and 2021. Data analysis revealed that organic medicinal plants can improve safety by reducing pesticide exposure risks. Simultaneously, organic agriculture of medicinal plants can improve biodiversity by effectively reducing pesticide and fertilizer use, which also provides natural safe products for health care. With the improvement of quality, the retail price will have a certain advantage, which will improve the income of farmers. Moreover, organic agriculture enhanced profitability because of the higher organic premium on medicinal plant products and improved ecosystem stability by increasing plant diversity. The findings of this study suggest that organic cultivation strategies can improve the quality and safety of medicinal plants and further provide a basis for promoting the sustainable development and ecological stability of medicinal plants. However, not all medicinal plant cultivators are guaranteed to adopt organic farming practices, but if all technological elements are correctly applied, the system can be maintained sustainably to expand the area of organically cultivated plants in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linlin Jiang
- Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Inner Mongolia Medical University of Clinical College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hohhot, China
- Department of Pharmacy, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, China
| | - Yuan Chen
- Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Inner Mongolia Medical University of Clinical College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hohhot, China
- Department of Pharmacy, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, China
| | - Xiaoqin Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, China
| | - Wenfang Guo
- Inner Mongolia Institute of Traditional Chinese and Mongolian Medicine, Hohhot, China
| | - Yaqiong Bi
- Inner Mongolia Institute of Traditional Chinese and Mongolian Medicine, Hohhot, China
| | - Chunhong Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, Baotou Medical College, Baotou, China
| | - Jianhua Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, China
| | - Minhui Li
- Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Inner Mongolia Medical University of Clinical College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hohhot, China
- Department of Pharmacy, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, China
- Inner Mongolia Institute of Traditional Chinese and Mongolian Medicine, Hohhot, China
- Department of Pharmacy, Baotou Medical College, Baotou, China
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Characteristic Geoherbs Resources Protection and Utilization, Baotou, China
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12
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Yu X, Xia K, Wu S, Wang Q, Cheng W, Ji C, Yang W, Kang C, Yuan Z, Li Y. Simultaneous Determination and Pharmacokinetic Study of Six Components in Beagle Dog Plasma by UPLC-MS/MS after Oral Administration of Astragalus Membranaceus Aqueous Extract. Biomed Chromatogr 2022; 36:e5488. [PMID: 36001467 DOI: 10.1002/bmc.5488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Astragalus Membranaceus (AM) is widely applied in Chinese herbal compound formulas for treating various kinds of diseases. However, relative pharmacokinetics (PK) data on AM in non-rodents is still lacking. Here, an UPLC-MS/MS method for determining six main compounds of AM was developed. The chromatographic separation was carried out by a Waters Acquity UPLC HSS T3 column (100 × 2.1 mm, 1.8 μm) with gradient elution of water - formic acid (99.98:0.02, v/v), and acetonitrile - formic acid (99.98:0.02, v/v) at a flow rate of 0.3 mL/min within 11 min. Analyses of all compounds were conducted in multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode with a positive/negative (P/N) ion-switching mode of electrospray ionization (ESI) source in a single run. The analytical method was validated in terms of specificity, linearity, accuracy, precision, stability, etc. The method showed excellent linearity (r > 0.999) over certain concentration ranges. The intra-day and inter-day precisions were evaluated, and the RSD values were less than 12.4%. Furthermore, the validated method was successfully applied to determine the six components in plasma after oral administration of AM aqueous extract to beagle dogs and obtained pharmacokinetic parameters. Together, this study provides a reference for medication in the clinical practice of AM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Yu
- Center for DMPK Research of Herbal Medicines, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Kexin Xia
- Center for DMPK Research of Herbal Medicines, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Siyang Wu
- Center for DMPK Research of Herbal Medicines, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qiutao Wang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Wenhao Cheng
- School of Chinese Pharmacy, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Chun Ji
- School of pharmaceutical science, Guizhou University, Guizhou, China
| | - Wei Yang
- Center for DMPK Research of Herbal Medicines, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Chen Kang
- Center for DMPK Research of Herbal Medicines, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zheng Yuan
- Center for DMPK Research of Herbal Medicines, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yingfei Li
- Center for DMPK Research of Herbal Medicines, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
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13
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Qu PR, Jiang ZL, Song PP, Liu LC, Xiang M, Wang J. Saponins and their derivatives: Potential candidates to alleviate anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity and multidrug resistance. Pharmacol Res 2022; 182:106352. [PMID: 35835369 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2022.106352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Anthracyclines (ANTs) continue to play an irreplaceable role in oncology treatment. However, the clinical application of ANTs has been limited. In the first place, ANTs can cause dose-dependent cardiotoxicity such as arrhythmia, cardiomyopathy, and congestive heart failure. In the second place, the development of multidrug resistance (MDR) leads to their chemotherapeutic failure. Oncology cardiologists are urgently searching for agents that can both protect the heart and reverse MDR without compromising the antitumor effects of ANTs. Based on in vivo and in vitro data, we found that natural compounds, including saponins, may be active agents for other both natural and chemical compounds in the inhibition of anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity (AIC) and the reversal of MDR. In this review, we summarize the work of previous researchers, describe the mechanisms of AIC and MDR, and focus on revealing the pharmacological effects and potential molecular targets of saponins and their derivatives in the inhibition of AIC and the reversal of MDR, aiming to encourage future research and clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei-Rong Qu
- Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medicine Sciences, Beijing 100053, China
| | - Zhi-Lin Jiang
- Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medicine Sciences, Beijing 100053, China
| | - Ping-Ping Song
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medicine Sciences, Beijing 100013, China
| | - Lan-Chun Liu
- Beijing University of traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Mi Xiang
- Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medicine Sciences, Beijing 100053, China
| | - Jie Wang
- Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medicine Sciences, Beijing 100053, China
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Han Z, Guo L, Yu X, Guo H, Deng X, Yu J, Deng X, Xu F, Zhang Z, Huang Y. Network-driven targeted analysis reveals that Astragali Radix alleviates doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity by maintaining fatty acid homeostasis. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 287:114967. [PMID: 34995692 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2022.114967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/31/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Astragali Radix (AR) is a popular traditional Chinese medicine that has been used for more than 2000 years. It is a well-known tonic for weak people with chronic diseases, such as heart failure and cerebral ischemia. Previous studies have reported that AR could support the "weak heart" of cancer patients who suffered from doxorubicin (DOX)-induced cardiotoxicity (DIC). However, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. AIM OF THE STUDY This study aimed to uncover the critical pathways and molecular determinants for AR against DIC by fully characterizing the network-based relationship. MATERIALS AND METHODS We integrated ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-HRMS) profiling, database and literature searching, and the human protein-protein interactome to discover the specific network module associated with AR against DIC. To validate the network-based findings, a low-dose, long-term DIC mouse model and rat cardiomyoblast H9c2 cells were employed. The levels of potential key metabolites and proteins in hearts and cells were quantified by the LC-MS/MS targeted analysis and western blotting, respectively. RESULTS We constructed one of the most comprehensive AR component-target network described to date, which included 730 interactions connecting 64 unique components and 359 unique targets. Relying on the network-based evaluation, we identified fatty acid metabolism as a putative critical pathway and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARα and PPARγ) as potential molecular determinants. We then confirmed that DOX caused the accumulation of fatty acids in the mouse failing heart, while AR promoted fatty acid metabolism and preserved heart function. By inhibiting PPARγ in H9c2 cells, we further found that AR could alleviate DIC by activating PPARγ to maintain fatty acid homeostasis. CONCLUSIONS Our findings imply that AR is a promising drug candidate that treats DIC by maintaining fatty acid homeostasis. More importantly, the network-based method developed here could facilitate the mechanism discovery of AR therapy and help catalyze innovation in its clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaodi Han
- Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance, China Pharmaceutical University, Ministry of Education, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Linling Guo
- Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance, China Pharmaceutical University, Ministry of Education, Nanjing, 210009, China; Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Xinyue Yu
- Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance, China Pharmaceutical University, Ministry of Education, Nanjing, 210009, China; Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Huimin Guo
- Center for Biological Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036, China
| | - Xiaoying Deng
- Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance, China Pharmaceutical University, Ministry of Education, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Jiayu Yu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Xueyang Deng
- Department of Pharmacology of Chinese Materia Medica, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Fengguo Xu
- Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance, China Pharmaceutical University, Ministry of Education, Nanjing, 210009, China; Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Zunjian Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance, China Pharmaceutical University, Ministry of Education, Nanjing, 210009, China.
| | - Yin Huang
- Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance, China Pharmaceutical University, Ministry of Education, Nanjing, 210009, China; Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China.
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15
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Yoshino T, Horiba Y, Mimura M, Watanabe K. Oral Astragalus Root Supplementation for Mild to Moderate Chronic Kidney Disease: A Self-Controlled Case-Series. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:775798. [PMID: 35300298 PMCID: PMC8921640 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.775798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In this self-controlled case series, we aimed to investigate the variation in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) after taking astragalus-containing preparations in patients with mild to moderate chronic kidney disease (CKD) by retrospectively reviewing their charts in our clinic. We set the inclusion criteria as first-visit patients aged 20 years or older presenting to our clinic between 1 October 2014, and 31 June 2019, and who were prescribed astragalus-containing herbal preparations for any reason. We calculated the mean eGFR from the readings taken 6 months before (pre) and after (post) the intake of astragalus-containing preparations for each participant. Among the 37 patients included in our final analysis, we found a statistically significant improvement in the eGFR after prescribing astragalus-containing preparations (pre, 66 ± 12 ml/min/1.73 m2 vs. post, 70 ± 14 ml/min/1.73 m2; p < 0.001 by paired t-test). Our results were consistent regardless of age, sex, CKD stage of the participants (G2 or G3), daily dosage of astragalus root, or duration of astragalus-containing preparations. No severe adverse reactions were recorded in the charts of the study participants. Our results suggest that there is eGFR improvement after taking astragalus-containing preparations in mild to moderate CKD cases as reported previously. The findings should be considered with caution due to major limitations such as small sample size without optimum control, short follow-up period, and incomplete data. Further adequately powered and designed studies are needed to confirm the efficacy and safety of the long-term use of astragalus root in patients with mild to moderate CKD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tetsuhiro Yoshino
- Center for Kampo Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuko Horiba
- Center for Kampo Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masaru Mimura
- Center for Kampo Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Neuropsychiatry, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kenji Watanabe
- Center for Kampo Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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Effects of Physical Properties and Processing Methods on Astragaloside IV and Flavonoids Content in Astragali radix. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27020575. [PMID: 35056893 PMCID: PMC8778167 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27020575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Revised: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of the physical properties (diameter size, powder particle size, composition of bark- and wood-tissue, and turnover rate) and processing methods on the content of active ingredients in Astragali radix (AR), a popular Chinese herbal medicine. The astragaloside IV and flavonoid contents increased with decreasing diameter size. Bark-tissue had significantly higher astragaloside IV and formononetin content than that in the wood-tissue. As a higher proportion of bark-tissue is associated with decreasing diameter, a strong correlation was also shown between bark- to wood-tissue ratio and active ingredients’ content. Furthermore, an increase in astragaloside IV content was observed in thin powder as compared to coarse powder ground from the whole root. However, this association between active ingredients’ content and powder particle size was abolished when isolating bark- and wood-tissue individually. Moreover, AR stir-frying with refined honey, a typical processing method of AR, increased formononetin content. The turnover rate of active constituents upon decoction ranged from 61.9–81.4%. Assessing the active constituent contents using its physical properties and processing methods allows for a more comprehensive understanding of optimizing and strengthening the therapeutic potentials of AR used in food and herbal supplements.
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Microglia Polarization from M1 toward M2 Phenotype Is Promoted by Astragalus Polysaccharides Mediated through Inhibition of miR-155 in Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2022; 2021:5753452. [PMID: 34976303 PMCID: PMC8720009 DOI: 10.1155/2021/5753452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Activated microglia is considered to be major mediators of the neuroinflammatory environment in demyelinating diseases of the central nervous system (CNS). Activated microglia are mainly polarized into M1 type, which plays a role in promoting inflammation and demyelinating. However, the proportion of microglia polarized into M2 type is relatively low, which cannot fully play the role of anti-inflammatory and resistance to demyelinating. Our previous study found that Astragalus polysaccharides (APS) has an immunomodulatory effect and can inhibit neuroinflammation and demyelination in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), which is a classic animal model of CNS demyelinating disease. In this study, we found that APS was effective in treating EAE mice. It restored microglia balance by inhibiting the polarization of microglia to M1-like phenotype and promoting the polarization of microglia to M2-like phenotype in vivo and in vitro. miR-155 is a key factor in regulating microglia polarization. We found that APS could inhibit the expression level of miR-155 in vivo and in vitro. Furthermore, we performed transfection overexpression and blocking experiments. The results showed that miR-155 mediated the polarization of microglia M1/M2 phenotype, while the selective inhibitor of miR-155 attenuated the inhibition of APS on microglia M1 phenotype and eliminated the promotion of APS on microglia M2 phenotype. Microglia can secrete IL-1α, TNF-α, and C1q after polarizing into M1 type and induce the activation of A1 neurotoxic astrocytes, further aggravating neuroinflammation and demyelination. APS reduced the secretion of IL-1α, TNF-α, and C1q by activated microglia, thus inhibited the formation of A1 neurotoxic astrocytes. In summary, our study suggests that APS regulates the polarization of microglia from M1 to M2 phenotype by inhibiting the miR-155, reduces the secretion of inflammatory factors, and inhibits the activation of neurotoxic astrocytes, thus effectively treating EAE.
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Zhang R, Zhang M, Yan Y, Chen Y, Jiang L, Wei X, Zhang X, Li H, Li M. Promoting the Development of Astragalus mongholicus Bunge Industry in Guyang County (China) Based on MaxEnt and Remote Sensing. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:908114. [PMID: 35873964 PMCID: PMC9301113 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.908114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
To provide high-quality Astragalus mongholicus Bunge to domestic and foreign markets and maintain sustainable development of the A. mongholicus industry, Firstly, we evaluated the impact of environmental factors and planting areas on the A. mongholicus industry. The maximum entropy method (MaxEnt) was utilized to simulate the suitability distribution of A. mongholicus and establish the relationship between the active component contents of A. mongholicus and ecological factors through linear regression analysis. The random forest algorithm was subsequently used to perform feature selection and classification extraction on Sentinel-2 imagery covering the study area. Furthermore, the planting, processing, and sales of A. mongholicus in Guyang County were investigated, and the roles of stakeholders in the value chains were analyzed. The results demonstrated that precipitation of the warmest quarter, minimum temperature of the coldest month, standard deviation of seasonal temperature changes, range of mean annual temperature, and mean diurnal range [mean of monthly (max temp - min temp)] were the five environmental variables that contributed the most to the growth of A. mongholicus. The most influential factor on the distribution of high-quality A. mongholicus was the mean temperature of the coldest quarter. The classification results of image features showed that the planting areas of A. mongholicus was consistent with the suitable planting areas predicted by MaxEnt, which can provide data support to the relevant departments for the macro development of the A. mongholicus industry. In the production of A. mongholicus, 10 value chains were constructed, and the study demonstrated that the behavior of stakeholders, target markets, and the selected planting area had a significant impact on the quality of A. mongholicus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ru Zhang
- Baotou Medical College, Baotou, China
- Inner Mongolia Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hohhot, China
| | | | - Yumei Yan
- Baotou Medical College, Baotou, China
| | - Yuan Chen
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Characteristic Geoherbs Resources Protection and Utilization, Baotou, China
| | - Linlin Jiang
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Characteristic Geoherbs Resources Protection and Utilization, Baotou, China
| | - Xinxin Wei
- Department of Pharmacy, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, China
| | - Xiaobo Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, China
| | - Huanting Li
- Baotou Medical College, Baotou, China
- *Correspondence: Huanting Li,
| | - Minhui Li
- Baotou Medical College, Baotou, China
- Inner Mongolia Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hohhot, China
- Department of Pharmacy, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, China
- School of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, China
- State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Dao-di Herbs, National Resource Center for Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Minhui Li,
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Jiang L, Zhou B, Wang X, Bi Y, Guo W, Wang J, Yao R, Li M. The Quality Monitoring of Cistanches Herba ( Cistanche deserticola Ma): A Value Chain Perspective. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:782962. [PMID: 34803722 PMCID: PMC8602053 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.782962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cistanche deserticola Ma was used as a medicine food homology, which was mainly produced in the Alxa region of northwest China. In recent years, it has been widely used in various food items. The increasing demand for Cistanches Herba has led to problems such as overexploitation and quality deterioration. The quality and safety of herbal medicines are critical and have been shown to be affected by the value chain (VC). Using the VC framework, the study is embedded in a larger study aiming to investigate the effects of different VCs types on the quality and stakeholders of Cistanches Herba. In this study, 90 Cistanches Herba samples were collected during fieldwork. An additional 40 samples were obtained from the herbal markets and medicine purchasing stations. Semi-structured interviews and key informant interviews were performed to collect data on stakeholders in major production areas. These samples were analyzed using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled with the k-means clustering method; a targeted quality assessment strategy based on chemical analysis was adopted to understand the quality of Cistanches Herba. Based on market research, the collected samples were divided into different grades through k-means clustering analysis. Moreover, quality differences of Cistanches Herba in Alxa region were explored through DNA barcoding and chemical analysis. Accordingly, 10 different types of VCs were determined in the production of Cistanches Herba. The results show that there is a close relationship between the quality of Cistanches Herba and stakeholder benefits. Vertical integration at different levels was found for independent farmer-based VCs, horizontal collaboration was found in the cooperative-based VCs. The vertical coordination has led to a more consistent traceability system and strict regulation of supply chains. At the same time, the Cistanches Herba were divided into three grades. Through DNA barcoding and chemical analysis, we found that the quality differences between Cistanches Herba in the Alxa area were not significant. It was found that geographical suitability and vertical integration could impact the quality and sustainable production of Cistanches Herba. At the same time, the well-developed VCs can provide products with reliable quality, and ensure adequate financial revenue for relevant stakeholders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linlin Jiang
- Department of Pharmacy, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, China
| | - Baochang Zhou
- Department of Pharmacy, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, China
| | - Xiaoqin Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, China
| | - Yaqiong Bi
- Inner Mongolia Hospital of Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hohhot, China
| | - Wenfang Guo
- Inner Mongolia Hospital of Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hohhot, China
| | - Jianhua Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, China
| | - Ruyu Yao
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Minhui Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, China.,Inner Mongolia Hospital of Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hohhot, China.,Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Characteristic Geoherbs Resources Protection and Utilization, Baotou, China.,Baotou Medical College, Baotou, China.,Inner Mongolia Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hohhot, China
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