Exploratory Quality Control Study for Polygonum multiflorum Thunb. Using Dinuclear Anthraquinones with Potential...

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Natural Product Chemistry
• Toxicology

Background:

• Hepatotoxicity of Polygoni Multiflora Radix (PMR) is a growing concern.
• Anthraquinones are suspected as the primary hepatotoxic agents in PMR.
• Previous research has primarily focused on mononuclear anthraquinones, neglecting binuclear compounds.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the hepatotoxicity of dinuclear anthraquinones (dianthrones) from PMR.
• To develop and validate a method for quantifying dianthonones in PMR and PMR Praeparata (PMRP).
• To establish a basis for improving quality control standards for PMRP.

Main Methods:

• A cell-based model was employed to assess the toxicity of dinuclear anthraquinones.
• Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (UPLC-QQQ-MS/MS) was used for method development.
• The established UPLC-QQQ-MS/MS method was applied to analyze free and total dianthonones in PMR and PMRP samples.

Main Results:

• Four binuclear anthraquinone compounds were identified as hepatotoxic.
• The developed UPLC-QQQ-MS/MS method enabled the determination of six free and total dianthonones.
• Quantification of dianthonones in PMR and PMRP samples was successfully performed.

Conclusions:

• Binuclear anthraquinones are significant contributors to PMR-induced hepatotoxicity.
• These identified hepatotoxic compounds can serve as potential indicators for PMR and PMRP safety assessments.
• The findings support the enhancement of quality standards for PMRP to ensure its safe use.