Comparative Investigation Between Raw and Stir-Frying Processed Cuscutae Semen Based on HPLC Fingerprints Coupled...

Area of Science:

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

Background:

• The therapeutic properties of Cuscutae Semen (CS) are altered by stir-frying.
• Distinguishing raw CS from stir-fried processed CS (SFCS) in clinical settings is challenging.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish chromatographic fingerprints for raw CS and SFCS using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).
• To qualitatively and quantitatively analyze compounds in both raw and processed CS.
• To employ chemometrics for evaluating differences between CS and SFCS, aiding TCM research.

Main Methods:

• Separation of related substances using a C18 column at 30°C.
• Mobile phase: 0.1% formic acid aqueous solution and acetonitrile.
• Detection wavelength: 328 nm; data analyzed using chemometrics.

Main Results:

• The HPLC method demonstrated good linearity and applicability.
• Chemometric analysis revealed significant compositional changes in CS upon heating.
• Hierarchical Component Analysis (HCA) clearly distinguished CS from SFCS.
• Principal Component Analysis (PCA) identified six key compounds responsible for the differences: neochlorogenic acid, cryptophyllogenic acid, caffeic acid, quercetin, isorhamnetin, and kaempferol.

Conclusions:

• A robust chromatographic fingerprinting method for CS and SFCS analysis has been developed.
• This technique significantly improves quality control for CS.
• The study supports the rational development and utilization of TCM resources by elucidating processing-induced chemical variations.