Rapid Screening of Lipase Inhibitors from Ophiopogonis Radix Using High-Performance Thin Layer Chromatography by Two...

Area of Science:

• Phytochemistry
• Analytical Chemistry
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Ophiopogonis Radix is a traditional medicinal herb with complex chemical constituents.
• Accurate analysis and quality control are essential for its therapeutic applications.
• Identifying bioactive compounds, such as lipase inhibitors, is crucial for drug development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a high-performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) method for simultaneous analysis of seven constituents in Ophiopogonis Radix.
• To investigate the influence of geographical regions and growth years on the herb's chemical profile.
• To screen for potential lipase inhibitors from Ophiopogonis Radix using HPTLC-bioautography and molecular docking.

Main Methods:

• Developed a two-step gradient elution HPTLC method using specific mobile phases on silica gel plates.
• Analyzed HPTLC profiles after derivatization with sulfuric acid and employed chemometric approaches for data analysis.
• Utilized HPTLC-bioautography combined with molecular docking to identify and study lipase inhibitory compounds.

Main Results:

• The HPTLC method successfully separated and analyzed seven constituents in Ophiopogonis Radix.
• Chemometric analysis revealed that region and growth year significantly impact the herb's constituent profile.
• Five compounds (ophiopogonin D, ophiopojaponin C, ophiopogonin D', ophiopogonin C', methylophiopogonanone B) were identified as potential lipase inhibitors.

Conclusions:

• The developed HPTLC method is suitable for the quality control of Ophiopogonis Radix.
• The study identified key factors influencing the herb's chemical composition.
• Potential lipase inhibitors were discovered, paving the way for further pharmacological research.