Within non-communicable diseases (NCD), chronic inflammatory conditions represent one of the biggest challenges for modern medicine [1]. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been practiced over centuries to treat such diseases and has gained tremendous empirical knowledge. Huangqi Jianzhong Tang (HQJZT) is a famous TCM formula and decoction composed of Radix Astragali, Ramulus Cinnamomi, Radix et Rhizoma Gylycyrrhizae Praeparata cum Melle, Radix Paeoniae alba, Rhizoma Zingiberis recens, Fructus Jujubae and Saccharum granorum, which has been used for the treatment of various chronic inflammatory gastrointestinal diseases [2,3]. However, there is insufficient knowledge about the active compounds and mechanisms responsible for its beneficial effects.
For the analysis of the constituents of HQJZT, UHPLC- Xevo G2-XS QTOF MS based metabolomics analyses were carried out. Data processing and compound identification was performed using UNIFI software and Traditional Medicine Library. The inhibitory effects of HQJZT on TNF-α, IL-1β and IFN-γ production were studied in U937 cells. The data were correlated by multivariate data analysis (PCA, OPLS-DA) in order to identify constituents in HQJZT which may be relevant for activity.
The investigations resulted in the identification of 16 main compounds in HQJZT which are most likely contributing to its immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects. Six of the compounds, namely calycosin, formononetin, astragaloside I, liquiritigenin, paeoniflorin and albiflorin were verified by LC-MS comparison with reference substances. Literature data confirmed that these compounds have anti-inflammatory effects.
References
[1] S. Prasad, B.B. Aggarwal J Clin Cell Immunol 2014, 05:238 .
[2] Y. Wei, L.-X. Ma, S.-J. Yin, J. An, Q. Wei, J.-X. Yang, Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine 2015, 2015: 878164.
[3] Z. Zhang, X. Luo, Synopsis of prescriptions of the golden chamber with 300 cases: A classic of traditional Chinese medicine with ancient and contemporary case studies, New World Press, Beijing 1995.