Gegen Qinlian Decoction (GQD) is a TCM formulation first documented by Zhang Zhongjing in “Shanghanlun” at the end of Han-Dynasty (ca. 220 AD). It consists of four herbs, namely Radix Puerariae lobatae, Radix Scutellariae, Rhizoma Coptidis and Radix et Rhizoma Glycyrrhizae praeparatae cum melle. The formula is known to influence bacteriostasis and is clinically used to treat diarrhea, acute enteritis, bacterial dysentery, and Helicobacter pylori infection gastritis, but also type 2 diabetes [1–3].
In order to gain better understanding on the chemical composition and on possible active constituents, we have characterized GQD by metabolic profiling using UPLC-MS/MS and HPTLC fingerprints. The aim of the study was to assign the constituents of the formulation to the individual herbs and to identify as many components as possible.
HPTLC and UPLC-HRMS/MS methods were developed to separate the various constituents of the single herbs and of the mixture. Compounds detected in the formula were assigned to their originating plants using Compound Discoverer 2.1 software. UPLC-HRMS/MS identification was carried out by comparing retention times and MS/MS fragmentation patterns with reference compounds and existing data from literature. HPTLC identification was done by comparison of the Rf values with reference substances. In total, 76 compounds were assigned, 17 from Radix Puerariae lobatae, 12 from Radix Scutellariae, 26 from Rhizoma Coptidis, and 10 from Radix et Rhizoma Glycyrrhizae.
References
[2] Z. Shi, Z. Li, S. Zhang, H. Fu, H. Zhang, Journal of chromatographic science 2015, 53, 1407.
[3] W.-J. Miao, Q. Wang, T. Bo, M. Ye, X. Qiao, W.-Z. Yang, C. Xiang, X.-Y. Guan, D.-A. Guo, Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis 2013, 72, 99.