Characterization of chemical profile and quantification of major representative components of Wendan decoction, a classical traditional Chinese medicine formula

Abstract

Wendan decoction, a classical traditional Chinese medicine formula consisting of six herbal medicines, has been widely used in clinical treatments for thousands of years due to the expectorant effects. However, the chemical basis of Wendan decoction remains unclear, which hinders the elucidation of the scientific connotation and mechanism of its effective components. In this study, an ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time‐of‐flight tandem mass spectrometry method was first developed for characterization of its chemical profile, and a total of 142 chemical components including flavonoids, triterpenoids, alkaloids, coumarins, pungent phytochemicals, and other types were detected, among which 41 components were definitively identified with authentic standards. Furthermore, 14 major representative components were simultaneously quantified by high‐performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detector, indicating that the content levels of flavonoids were the most abundant in Wendan decoction. In summary, this study established sensitive and practical methods to systematically characterize chemical profile for the first time and simultaneous quantify representative components of Wendan decoction. These findings above would provide a solid chemical basis for disclosure of potential effective components by further in vivo disposal study, and promote therapeutic mechanism researches of Wendan decoction.

Chemical profiling of Qingfei Paidu Decoction by triplex off‐line two‐dimensional liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry

“…However, QFPD which is consisted of one mineral-derived herb (Gypsum Fibrosum) and 20 plant-derived herbs (Herba Ephedrae, Radix Glycyrrhizae, Semen Armeniacae Amarum, Cinnamomi Ramulus, Rhizoma Alismatis, Polyporus Umbellatus, Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma, Poria, Radix Bupleuri, Radix Scutellariae, Rhizome Pinelliae Preparata, Rhizoma Zingiberis Recens, Radix Asteris, Farfarae Flos, Rhizoma Belamcandae, Herba Asari, Rhizoma Dioscoreae, Fructus Aurantii Immaturus, Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae, and Herba Pogostemonis) has extremely complex chemical compositions in a wide range of polarity, resulting in a great challenge for the systematic investigation of its material basis. LC-MS/MS is widely regarded as an excellent tool for non-target identification and characterization of the ingredients in complex TCMs [6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16]. In a previous article, 87 main components in QFPD were characterized using UHPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap-MS/MS [17].…”

“…LC‐MS/MS is widely regarded as an excellent tool for non‐target identification and characterization of the ingredients in complex TCMs [6–16]. In a previous article, 87 main components in QFPD were characterized using UHPLC‐LTQ‐Orbitrap‐MS/MS [17].…”

Wendan decoction in the treatment of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis

“…Wendan decoction (WDD), a TCM formulation that was first described in “Ji Yan Fang” during the Southern and Northern Dynasties, was adopted by the National Administration of TCM in 2018 and included in the “Ancient Classical Chinese Medicine Formula Catalogue (First Edition)” ( Wang et al, 2021 ). WDD primarily consists of Ban Xia, Zhu Ru, Zhi Shi, Chen Pi, Fu Ling, and Gan Cao with the Latin names Rhizoma Pinelliae (RP), Caulis Bambusae in Taeniam (CBT), Fructus Aurantii Immaturus (FAI), Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae (PCR), Poria (PA), and Radix Glycyrrhizae (RG), respectively ( Hou et al, 2021 ).…”

Metabolic profile and potential mechanisms of Wendan decoction on coronary heart disease by ultra‐high‐performance quadrupole time of flight‐mass spectrometry combined with network pharmacology analysis

“…(ZO) (Shengjiang) and the rhizome of Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch. (GU) (Gancao) [12]. In April 2018, the prescription was adopted into the “Ancient Classical Chinese Medicine Formula Catalogue (First Edition)”, signifying that its clinical benefits have been formally acknowledged in China.…”