Transformation of Stilbene Glucosides From Reynoutria multiflora During Processing

Area of Science:

• Phytochemistry
• Analytical Chemistry
• Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

Background:

• The root of Reynoutria multiflora (RM), a key herb in TCM, is processed to reduce toxicity and enhance efficacy.
• Processing leads to a decrease in trans-2, 3, 5, 4'-tetrahydroxystilbene-2-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (trans-THSG), a primary active compound.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the chemical changes in stilbene glycosides during the processing of RM.
• To develop a method for analyzing these compounds in raw RM (RRM) and processed RM (PRM).

Main Methods:

• Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography tandem quadrupole/electrostatic field orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-Exactive plus orbitrap MS/MS) was employed.
• Analysis focused on identifying and quantifying stilbene glycosides and their derivatives in RRM and PRM.

Main Results:

• A total of 146 stilbene glycosides were detected in RRM, while PRM showed 219 compounds, including 7 parent nuclei and 55 substituents.
• Processing significantly altered the stilbene glycoside profile, with 102 potential new compounds identified.
• The content of trans-THSG decreased, converting into various derivatives via esterification.

Conclusions:

• The processing of RM causes substantial changes in its stilbene glycoside composition.
• Understanding these metabolite transformations is crucial for studying the pharmacodynamics and toxicity of PRM.
• This research provides a foundation for identifying quality markers in processed RM.