A comparative metabolomics study on dried and processed Rehmannia Radix

Abstract

The efficacy of Rehmannia Radix changes after processing. However, the precise effect of processing on the properties of Rehmannia Radix is an intricate topic, as this effect cannot be explained by traditional methods. The purpose of this study was to investigate how processing methods influence the properties of Rehmannia Radix, as well as the changes in body function after administering dried Rehmannia Radix (RR) and processed Rehmannia Radix (PR) using a metabolomics approach. In addition, principal component analysis and orthogonal partial least‐squares discriminant analysis models were generated using SIMCA‐P 14.0 to evaluate the properties of RR and PR. Potential biomarkers were identified, and associated metabolic networks were established to clarify differences in the properties and efficacies of RR and PR. The results showed that RR and PR have cold and hot properties, respectively. RR can exert a hypolipidaemic effect by regulating nicotinate and nicotinamide metabolism. PR exerts a tonic effect and regulates the body’s reproductive function through the regulation of alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism, arachidonic acid, pentose and glucuronate metabolism, respectively. Ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography–quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry‐based metabolomics is a promising approach to determine the cold/hot properties of traditional Chinese medicine formulations.

Historical evolution and processing mechanism of ‘nine steaming and nine drying’ of traditional Chinese medicine preparation

“…(Liu et al. 2023 ). Now Dihuang can be divided into three medicinal types, namely fresh Dihuang, dry Dihuang, and prepared Dihuang.…”

High-Performance Thin-Layer Chromatography Coupled with Single Quadrupole: Application the Identification and Differentiation of Rehmanniae Radix and Its Different Processing Products from Raw Materials to Commercial Products

“…Phytochemical investigations revealed that the primary chemicals in Rehmannia were iridoid glycosides, phenethylalcohol glycosides, and saccharides . To distinguish between RR and RRP, attempts have been made to characterize these compounds. , Modern technologies like hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (HILIC-MS) or high-performance liquid chromatography-evaporative light scattering detection (HPLC-ELSD) were usually involved for saccharides, while HPLC-quadrupole time-of-flight MS (HPLC-Qtof MS) was used for iridoid glycosides and oligosaccharides . These technologies enable the differentiation of RR and RRP, often relying on statistical analyses such as principal component analysis (PCA) or direct detection of biomarkers.…”