Study highlights new way to ‘actively’ analyze herbal remedies

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), which is rooted in ancient knowledge and principles, is used to treat many diseases and has aroused the interest of pharmaceutical researchers. The formulation of TCM is very complex and requires multiple herbs in its formulation. These herbs work synergistically to target different aspects of disease pathology.

Due to their complexity, it is difficult to analyze the active ingredients (biologically “active” drug components) in TCM formulations. Therefore, the identification of active ingredients and proper quality control of these formulations has not yet been established, and there is much room for improvement in these areas.

This knowledge gap has caught the attention of Chinese scientists. They sought to analyze a specific Chinese medicine, Xiaoer Feijia Guichuan (XFK), using an 11-ingredient formula used to treat coughs and lung inflammation in children. In an article published online on the 29th^th Published in Volume 11, Issue 6, January 2021. Pharmaceutical Analysis Journal In December 2021, the team described how they identified the active components of XFK.

A research team led by Dr. Xue Qiao from Peking University in China used an integrative approach to determine which components drive XFK’s anti-inflammatory effects. To understand more about this methodology, we spoke to Dr. Qiao. “We applied a parallel reaction monitoring scan mode integrated in a quadrupole (Q)-Orbitrap-MS, which benefits from the combination of mass separation capabilities and high resolution, and is highly effective during the evaluation of analytes in samples. “This reduces the chance of false readings,” she says. she tells us.

They screened 18 XFK formulations using two very popular sample analysis methods, ultra-performance liquid chromatography and ultra-performance liquid chromatography/Q-Orbitrap-MS, and found that 35 revealed the analyte.

“Next, we leveraged our knowledge of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), which is known to be involved in inflammation. We subjected these 35 analytes to an in vitro COX-2 inhibition assay to determine which were more potent. “We confirmed that it is an effective anti-inflammatory agent,” Dr. Qiao continued.

Their experiments revealed interesting results. They found that four analytes, baicalin, forcisoside H, I, and A, had significant anti-inflammatory activity. These inhibited COX-2 by more than 80%.

“These analytes are probably the ones that contribute the most to the way XFK works,” explains Dr. Qiao. “And now our method can also be used to discover active ingredients and analytes in other complex herbal medicines.”

Deciphering traditional remedies like TCM is a difficult task, as it is difficult to identify which of the multiple ingredients are most important. “It took us a while to figure out that the active ingredient in coffee is caffeine. So you can imagine how difficult it is to analyze all herbal medicines,” Dr. Qiao said with a smile. She makes a valid point. The 2015 edition of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia (a book with “recipes” for each treatment) listed 1,933 of her TCM prescriptions.

This new analytical method is therefore a major step forward for the pharmaceutical industry, and understanding which ingredients are most effective will help improve quality control standards. This could lead to better treatments and make a “positive” contribution to this ancient school of medicine.