Study on Supramolecules in Traditional Chinese Medicine Decoction

Abstract

With the application of the concept of supramolecular chemistry to various fields, a large number of supramolecules have been discovered. The chemical components of traditional Chinese medicine have various sources and unique structures. During the high-temperature boiling process, various active components form supramolecules due to complex interactions. The supramolecular structure in a traditional Chinese medicine decoction can not only be used as a drug carrier to promote the absorption and distribution of medicinal components but may also have biological activities superior to those of single active ingredients or their physical mixtures. By summarizing the relevant research results over recent years, this paper introduces the research progress regarding supramolecules in various decoctions, laying a foundation for further research into supramolecules in traditional Chinese medicine decoctions, and provides a new perspective for revealing the compatibility mechanisms of traditional Chinese medicine, guiding clinical medications, and developing new nanometers materials.

A liquid chromatography-time-of-flight/mass spectrometry method for analysis of pesticides and transfer behavior in Radix Codonopsis and Angelica sinensis decoctions

“…The names, molecular formulae, and accurate mass of all pesticides were loaded into the MassHunter Personal Compound Database and Library (PCDL) management soware to establish the primary accurate data database of 255 pesticides. The LC-Q-TOF/MS conducted secondary scanning in targeted MS/MS mode, inputted the accurate mass of the precursor ions, retention time, and four different collision energies (10,20,30, and 40 eV) collected by primary mass spectrometry, collected the fragment ion mass spectrogram of precursor ions of each pesticide at different collision energies, and imported them into PCDL soware to establish a secondary accurate mass database and spectral library of 255 pesticides.…”

“…Owing to its rapid absorption, distribution, effectiveness, and versatility, it accounts for 80% of all ancient classical prescriptions of TCM. [10][11][12][13] Therefore, it is of utmost importance to undertake a comprehensive study on safety evaluation and quality control of the entire process, from raw materials to nal preparations of TCM. Currently, the majority of research has focused on detection methods for pesticide residues in Chinese herbal pieces, including QuEChERS, [14][15][16][17] dispersed liquid-liquid microextraction, 18,19 matrix dispersed solid-phase extraction, 16 and gel permeation chromatography, 20 whereas there are few studies on those of pesticide residues in Chinese herbal decoction.…”

Study on the Nanoaggregate Formation Mechanism and Antipyretic Effect of Maxing Shigan Decoction

“…In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), decoctions have long been widely used and are the most frequently employed form of medication . Recently, researchers have discovered the presence of nanoaggregates in TCM decoctions, − offering a new perspective on the scientific connotation of traditional treatments. − These nanoparticles have been identified in various decoctions, including Ge-Gen-Qin-Lian-Tang, Huang-Lian-Jie-Du-Tang, and Nao-Luo-Xin-Tong-Tang . Self-assembled submicrometer particles constructed by berberine and curcumin through noncovalent bonding significantly enhance antimicrobial activity .…”

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

“…The resulting data also indicated that aggregates and precipitates in herbal decoctions should be carefully handled in production and pharmacological research. In addition, nanoparticles discovered in Huanglian Jiedu , Huanglian , Maxing Shigan , Baihu , Liujunzi , and Shaoyao Gancao decoctions showed superior properties and activities. ,, Even in Turkish gall extracts, researchers found the presence of spherical nanoparticles that possessed the ideal size, strong antioxidant activity in scavenging various radicals, and antibacterial performance . However, whether nanoparticles exist in the AM–AS codecoction remains unclear.…”

“…As this concept gradually became well-known, researchers discovered many supramolecules in soups, such as fish soup, freshwater clam soup, and pork bone soup . Decocting is not a single process of extracting components from hot water, which drives the components to spontaneously form supramolecular aggregates with a certain particle size . The processing of food soups is similar to that of herb decoctions.…”