Revealing the active ingredients of the traditional Chinese medicine decoction by the supramolecular strategies and multitechnologies

Insights into the Mechanism of Supramolecular Self-Assembly in the Astragalus membranaceus–Angelica sinensis Codecoction

“…For example, as shown in Figure D, component 1 showed [M + COOH] − at m / z 829.45850 and [M – H] − at m / z 783.45978 in the negative ion mode, which could be identified as astragaloside IV. Astragaloside IV, a cycloartane tetracyclic triterpene saponin in AM, is the quality control marker recorded by the Chinese Pharmacopoeia (2020 edition) . Flavonoids, with 2-phenylchromone as the framework, are another major bioactive component of AM .…”

“…Gradually, an increasing number of researchers have found that nanoscale particles are ubiquitous in decoctions, which are associated with their pharmacological effects . For example, a colloid system with a size of 162 nm isolated from the codecoction of Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch and Coptis chinensis Franch was composed of 34 flavonoids, 34 alkaloids, and 2 triterpenoids, showing stronger antibacterial activity than a noncolloidal solution . Similarly, the nanoscale aggregates originating from Gegen Qinlian decoction exhibited stronger protection of the viability and function of β-cells in vitro .…”

“…Traditional herbal medicine (THM) has been applied for thousands of years in Asia and surrounding areas, helping in the prevention and treatment of diseases . In clinical use, two or more types of THMs, named herb pairs, are combined to achieve optimal therapeutic effects, which reflects the compositional rule of THM prescriptions.…”

Nanoparticles Self-Assembled from Berberine and Chrysin for Generating Antimicrobial Films

“…Traditional herbal medicine (THM) has been used for a long time and has the advantages of wide sources, such as low toxicity, multitargets, and not easy to form drug resistance. We have been dedicated to discover nanomedicines from THM to address the challenge of microbial infection. , In the application of THM, Scutellaria baicalensis and Coptis chinensis are often combined, which is the classic pair of clinical medicine to treat sepsis caused by SA and canker sores caused by CA. Inspired by the clinical combination, we have successfully discovered natural small molecule carrier-free nanoparticles (NPs), which are self-assembled from berberine (BBR) and chrysin (CHR).…”

“…Our team has long been engaged in the research of natural products based on carrier-free self-assembly and has achieved a series of results. Previously, we had found several binary carrier-free supermolecules with ideal antibacterial activity and good biocompatibility in vitro . ,, Unfortunately, they are effective only against bacteria and have no significant inhibitory effect on the normal growth of fungi. At the same time, according to our review of a large number of literatures, we found that the binary carrier-free supramolecules prepared by domestic and foreign researchers only possess antibacterial properties and do not possess the capability to be simultaneously antibacterial and antifungal. , In this study, we successfully prepared phytomedicine carrier-free NPs of BBR and CHR through a one-pot method, which is green, economic, and environmentally friendly.…”