Identification and quality control of isomers in Huo-Xiang-Zheng-Qi Mixture using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry and inductive effects analysis

Yourun Chen; Chongyang Wang; Kaiwen Zhang; Meng Zhao; Qing Wang; Yanqing Zhang; Chang-Jiang-Sheng Lai

doi:10.1016/j.jpba.2024.116646

Identification and quality control of isomers in Huo-Xiang-Zheng-Qi Mixture using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry and inductive effects analysis

J Pharm Biomed Anal. 2024 Dec 18:255:116646. doi: 10.1016/j.jpba.2024.116646. Online ahead of print.

Authors

Yourun Chen¹, Chongyang Wang², Kaiwen Zhang², Meng Zhao², Qing Wang², Yanqing Zhang², Chang-Jiang-Sheng Lai³

Affiliations

¹ State Key Laboratory for Quality Ensurance and Sustainable Use of Dao-di Herbs, National Resource Center for Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China.
² Institute of Collaborative Innovation in Great Health, College of Biotechnology and Food Science, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Food Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Commerce, Tianjin 300134, China.
³ State Key Laboratory for Quality Ensurance and Sustainable Use of Dao-di Herbs, National Resource Center for Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China; Institute of Collaborative Innovation in Great Health, College of Biotechnology and Food Science, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Food Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Commerce, Tianjin 300134, China. Electronic address: laichangjiang44@126.com.

PMID: 39718270
DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2024.116646

Abstract

Huo-Xiang-Zheng-Qi Mixture is a renowned traditional Chinese medicine formula used to treat ailments associated with dampness pathogens. This study employed ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry to perform a comprehensive qualitative and quantitative analysis of the chemical compounds in Huo-Xiang-Zheng-Qi Mixture. A total of 155 compounds were identified, including 61 flavonoids and their glycosides, 36 phenylethanoid glycosides, 23 saponins, 14 coumarins, 9 organic acids, 1 amino acid, 2 nucleosides and purines, and 9 additional compounds. For the first time, a practical method based on inductive effects and hydrogen bonding was developed to determine the elution order of PhGs isomers. The relative quantification of 9 isomers and the absolute quantification of 10 compounds in Huo-Xiang-Zheng-Qi Mixture were determined, primarily derived from tangerine peel, licorice and Magnolia officinalis. Notably, 18 β - glycyrrhetinic acid and 9 Phenylethanoid glycosides isomers were quantified for the first time in the Huo-Xiang-Zheng-Qi prescription. These findings were compared with corresponding values in Huo-Xiang-Zheng-Qi oral liquid. The research revealed relatively low levels of 18 β - glycyrrhetinic acid in the mixture and significant differences in the content of four key compounds: magnolol, honokiol, glycyrrhizic acid and hesperidin. This study offers valuable insights into the chemical composition of Huo-Xiang-Zheng-Qi Mixture and provides a foundation for optimizing preparation processes, improving therapeutic efficacy, and establishing quality standards.

Keywords: Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium; Glycyrrhiza glabra L; Huo-Xiang-Zheng-Qi; Quality control; Ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time of flight-mass spectrometry.