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Lei F, Heinrich M, Reich E, Weckerle C. Quality variation of maidong (Ophiopogon japonicus and Liriope spicata) - A HPTLC-based approach. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2024; 241:115990. [PMID: 38280236 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2024.115990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 01/29/2024]
Abstract
The tuberous roots of Ophiopogon japonicus and Liriope spicata are used for the same therapeutic purpose in traditional Chinese medicine and are collectively referred to as maidong medicine. Interestingly, it was observed that the price of tuberous roots varies depending on their location on the plant, and fibrous roots are usually discarded post-harvest. Mislabeling might be of concern due to similarities in morphological features between the two species. Moreover, paclobutrazol has been observed to be heavily applied during the production, and therefore might be of health concern. Overall, maidong might suffer from quality inconsistencies while its metabolomic complexity is influenced by growing region and cultivation practices, botanical species, and plant parts. To address these challenges, this study employed High-Performance Thin Layer Chromatography (HPTLC) approach, in which sample preparation and derivatization procedure were optimized to enable to capture more detailed and comprehensive metabolomic fingerprints. By integrating with rTLC algorithm and Multivariate Data Analysis (MVDA), an improved quality assessment was achieved. Samples were collected from four production regions and supplemented with commercial products from markets. The optimized HPTLC analysis recognized species- and region-specific metabolomic patterns of maidong, uncovering a 4% of mislabelled cases. Moreover, findings highlight the underexplored therapeutic potential of fibrous roots, and comparable therapeutic efficacy between different root types. Additionally, complemented by Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS) for paclobutrazol residue evaluation, 24.66% of the commercial maidong samples surpassed maximum residue limits of paclobutrazol, raising safety concerns. This research represents a significant analytical advancement, offering a robust, cost-effective, and comprehensive method for maidong quality control, and paving the way for more strict residue regulation and updates to herbal pharmacopoeias and monographs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feiyi Lei
- Department of Systematic and Evolutionary Botany, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Michael Heinrich
- Research Group 'Pharmacognosy and Phytotherapy', UCL School of Pharmacy, University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Caroline Weckerle
- Department of Systematic and Evolutionary Botany, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Scotti F, Mou L, Huang C, Booker A, Weckerle C, Maake C, Heinrich M. Treating Chronic Wounds Using Photoactive Metabolites: Data Mining the Chinese Pharmacopoeia for Potential Lead Species. Planta Med 2021; 87:1206-1218. [PMID: 34528222 PMCID: PMC8585569 DOI: 10.1055/a-1578-8778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Efficient wound treatment that addresses associated infections and inflammation remains one of the big unmet needs, especially in low- and middle-income countries. One strategy for securing better healthcare can be using medicinal plants if sufficient evidence on their safety and therapeutic benefits can be ascertained. A unique novel opportunity could be photo-enhanced wound treatment with a combination of light-sensitive plant preparations and local exposure to daylight. Data mining strategies using existing resources offer an excellent basis for developing such an approach with many potential plant candidates. In the present analysis, we researched the 535 botanical drugs included in the Chinese pharmacopeia and identified 183 medicinal plant species, 82 for treating open wounds caused by trauma and 101 for inflammatory skin conditions. After further screening for reports on the presence of known photoactive compounds, we determined a core group of 10 scientifically lesser-known botanical species that may potentially be developed into more widely used topical preparations for photodynamic treatment of infected wounds. Our predictive approach may contribute to developing a more evidence-based use of herbal medicines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Scotti
- Research Group “Pharmacognosy and Phytotherapy”, UCL School of Pharmacy, London, UK
| | - Linru Mou
- Research Group “Pharmacognosy and Phytotherapy”, UCL School of Pharmacy, London, UK
| | - Chen Huang
- Research Group “Pharmacognosy and Phytotherapy”, UCL School of Pharmacy, London, UK
| | - Anthony Booker
- Research Group “Pharmacognosy and Phytotherapy”, UCL School of Pharmacy, London, UK
- Research Centre for Optimal Health, School of Life Sciences, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, University of Westminster. London, UK
| | - Caroline Weckerle
- Institute of Systematic and Evolutionary Botany, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Caroline Maake
- Institute of Anatomy, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Michael Heinrich
- Research Group “Pharmacognosy and Phytotherapy”, UCL School of Pharmacy, London, UK
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Heinrich M, Jiang H, Scotti F, Booker A, Walt H, Weckerle C, Maake C. Medicinal plants from the Himalayan region for potential novel antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory skin treatments. J Pharm Pharmacol 2021; 73:956-967. [PMID: 33886964 DOI: 10.1093/jpp/rgab039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Adequate treatment of wounds remains one of the major medical needs globally, most notably in the regions with poor or limited access to health care. In many local and traditional systems of medicine, plants are often widely used for treating infected wounds. AIM AND OBJECTIVES The overarching aim of this project was selection of potential species for use in a future treatment by combining with plant resources with aspects of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT). Specifically, we focussed on species used locally in the Himalayan region for the treatment of skin disorders and then assessed the existing pharmacological evidence for key species based on the published evidence available. METHODS Database searches were performed to identify relevant publications describing local and traditional uses of plants in the Himalayan region of Bhutan, PR China, India, Nepal and Pakistan. Using the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF), species were researched in terms of their distribution including in different climatic regions, focussing on species mostly found in higher climatic zones (based on the Köppen-Geiger climate classification). For species used in three or more countries and restricted to the higher altitudes, data on safety, pharmacology, as it relates to dermatological conditions, and phytochemistry were retrieved. KEY FINDINGS The study identified a total of 606 species that are used in the treatment of various skin conditions often associated with infections reported in 84 articles. Common weeds like Ageratum conyzoides and Bidens pilosa, widely used and cultivated species like Centealla asiatiaca and Prunus armenica were excluded. This ultimately led to the identification of a core group of five widely used species restricted to the Himalayan region (Cedrus deodara, Nardostachys jatamansi, Pinus wallichiana, Pinus roxburghii and Valeriana jatamansi). CONCLUSIONS Here we apply a novel approach comprising an assessment of the published information on the use of medicinal plants (i.e. local and traditional knowledge) in the context of their potential to be used in a biomedical form of clinical treatment - aPDT. Then, once sustainable sourcing based on access and benefit-sharing arrangements is in place, these species are investigated for their potential in wound treatment. Ultimately, the goal is to develop a new baseline for primary health care in some of the regions of the world with poor or limited access to health care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Heinrich
- Research Group 'Pharmacognosy and Phytotherapy', UCL School of Pharmacy, University College London, London, UK.,'Graduate Institute of Integrated Medicine, College of Chinese Medicine', and 'Chinese Medicine Research Center', China Medical University, Beitun District, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Haiping Jiang
- Research Group 'Pharmacognosy and Phytotherapy', UCL School of Pharmacy, University College London, London, UK
| | - Francesca Scotti
- Research Group 'Pharmacognosy and Phytotherapy', UCL School of Pharmacy, University College London, London, UK
| | - Anthony Booker
- Research Group 'Pharmacognosy and Phytotherapy', UCL School of Pharmacy, University College London, London, UK.,Research Centre for Optimal Health, School of Life Sciences, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, University of Westminster, London, UK
| | - Heinrich Walt
- Department for Cranio-Maxillo-Facial Surgery, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Caroline Weckerle
- Institute of Systematic and Evolutionary Botany, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Caroline Maake
- Institute of Anatomy, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Heinrich M, Lardos A, Leonti M, Weckerle C, Willcox M, Applequist W, Ladio A, Lin Long C, Mukherjee P, Stafford G. Best practice in research: Consensus Statement on Ethnopharmacological Field Studies - ConSEFS. J Ethnopharmacol 2018; 211:329-339. [PMID: 28818646 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2017.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2017] [Revised: 07/27/2017] [Accepted: 08/09/2017] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ethnopharmacological research aims at gathering information on local and traditional uses of plants and other natural substances. However, the approaches used and the methods employed vary, and while such a variability is desirable in terms of scientific diversity, research must adhere to well defined quality standards and reproducible methods OBJECTIVES: With ConSEFS (the Consensus Statement on Ethnopharmacological Field Studies) we want to define best-practice in developing, conducting and reporting field studies focusing on local and traditional uses of medicinal and food plants, including studies using a historical approach. METHODS After first developing an initial draft the core group invited community-wide feedback from researchers both through a web-based consultation and a series of workshops at conferences during 2017. OUTCOMES The consultation resulted in a large number of responses. Feedback was received via a weblink on the Journal of Ethnopharmacology's website (ca. 100 responses), other oral and written responses (ca. 50) and discussions with stakeholders at four conferences. The main outcome is a checklist, covering best practice for designing, implementing and recording ethnopharmacological field studies and historical studies. CONCLUSIONS Prior to starting ethnopharmacological field research, it is essential that the authors are fully aware of the best practice in the field. For the first time in the field of ethnopharmacology a community-wide document defines guidelines for best practice on how to conduct and report such studies. It will need to be updated and further developed. While the feedback has been based on responses by many experienced researchers, there is a need to test it in practice by using it both in implementing and reporting field studies (or historical studies), and peer-review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Heinrich
- Research Cluster 'Biodiversity and Medicines'/Research Group 'Pharmacognosy and Phytotherapy', UCL School of Pharmacy, University in London, 29-39 Brunswick Sq., London WC1N 1AX, UK.
| | | | - Marco Leonti
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Via Ospedale 72, 09124 Cagliari (CA), Italy.
| | - Caroline Weckerle
- Institute of Systematic Botany, University of Zürich, Zollikerstrasse 107, CH-8008 Zürich, Switzerland.
| | - Merlin Willcox
- Department of Primary Care and Population Sciences, University of Southampton, UK.
| | - Wendy Applequist
- Missouri Botanical Garden, P.O. Box 299, St. Louis, MO 63166-0299, USA.
| | - Ana Ladio
- Laboratorio Ecotono, INIBIOMA, CONICET-Universidad Nacional del Comahue, Argentina.
| | - Chun Lin Long
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Minzu University of China, Beijing 100081, China.
| | - Pulok Mukherjee
- School of Natural Product Studies, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Jadavpur University, Kolkata, India.
| | - Gary Stafford
- Department of Botany and Zoology, Stellenbosch University, 7601 Stellenbosch, South Africa.
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Ahmad K, Ahmad M, Weckerle C. Ethnoveterinary medicinal plant knowledge and practice among the tribal communities of Thakht-e-Sulaiman hills, west Pakistan. J Ethnopharmacol 2015; 170:275-83. [PMID: 26002769 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2015.05.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2015] [Revised: 05/07/2015] [Accepted: 05/11/2015] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Pastoralist tribal communities inhabit Thakht-e-Sulaiman hills since centuries. In this remote and geographically isolated area, local people mainly rely on their natural environment for ethnoveterinary care. The area is therefore of special interest for the documentation and analysis of ethnoveterinary plant use and efficacy. MATERIALS AND METHODS Field work was conducted from 2010-2012 and 86 informants were interviewed. First, detailed unstructured interviews and group discussions were done with key informants, and second, successive oral freelisting and semi-structured interviews were performed. The veterinary diseases as described by the informants were categorized according to the symptoms they cause and the organs they affect. Information on the cited plants, informant consensus factor (ICF) and fidelity level (FL) were calculated based on use reports. RESULTS A total of 22 ethnoveterinary medicinal plant species, belonging to 21 genera and 20 families with 559 use reports were recorded from two different ecological zones. More species were documented from the foothills but total use reports were higher for mountain species. Mainly leaves are used to prepare decoctions which are administered orally. Most use reports concerned skeleto-muscular problems followed by gastrointestinal ailments, but ritual uses and dermatological illnesses got highest ICF. Most often cited species were Pinus gerardina, P. wallichiana and Daphne papyracea while highest FL was obtained for Salix tetrasperma, Berberis calliobotrys and Litsea monopetala. Interestingly, 50% of the species have the same or similar use for humans. CONCLUSION According to the local people, the most often mentioned species have high medicinal potential. They show a wide acceptance, broad application, multiple ways of preparation and administration. There is a need to conserve the knowledge of medicinal plant use in the Thakht-e-Sulaiman hills for future generations and to incorporate it into existing livestock health care services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khalid Ahmad
- Department of Environmental Sciences, COMSATS Institute of Information Technology, Abbottabad, Pakistan.
| | - Mushtaq Ahmad
- Department of Plant Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan.
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