Holistic quality assessment and monitoring of YiXinShu capsule based on three-dimensional fingerprints combined with quantitative analysis, antioxidant activity and chemometrics.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

YiXinShu capsule (YXSC), originally from the classical TCM formula named "Sheng-Mai-San", has been extensively utilized in clinic for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. However, there were few reports about the quality assessment of YXSCs both internationally and domestically.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The objective was to develop a multi-strategy platform incorporating systematic quantitative fingerprint analysis and antioxidant activity determination, with chemometric analysis and bivariate correlation analysis as the auxiliary approaches, to assess and monitor the quality of YXSCs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Firstly, according to the Chinese Pharmacopoeia (2020 edition), 12 key indicator components from seven herb medicines were quantified by HPLC method. Then, three-dimensional fingerprints comprising five-wavelength fusion fingerprint (FWF-FP), electrochemical fingerprint (EC-FP) and Differential Scanning Calorimetry fingerprint (DSC-FP) were established to assess and monitor YXSCs using systematically quantified fingerprint method (SQFM) and principal component analysis (PCA). Moreover, by integrating the analysis of the three-dimensional fingerprints, the quality of YXSCs from different batches was effectively screened. Finally, the antioxidant activity of this TCM was assessed through DPPH and ABTS methods, and the L-ascorbic acid equivalent antioxidant capacity (AEAC) values were compared to evaluate the antioxidant activities of the two methods. A Partial Least Squares (PLS) model was used to develop the spectrum-activity relationship between FWF-FP and AEAC, and a bivariate correlation analysis (BCA) was used to assess the correlation between FWF-FP and EC-FP.

RESULTS

The key indexes including tanshinone I, t, t, A, first exothermic peak, and second exothermic peak can differentiate between various batches of YXSCs based on their three-dimensional fingerprint profiles. The integration evaluation results from 42 batches of YXSCs were categorized into 2-5 grades, indicating good quality consistency across different batches. In vitro studies have indicated a significant antioxidant activity capacity of YXSCs. The PLS model revealed that 37 out of the 41 fingerprint peaks exhibited antioxidant activity. The overall trend of BCA was consistent with PLS model results.

CONCLUSION

This research presents a scientific and holistic strategy for the quality consistency evaluation of YXSCs, thereby offering an effective approach for the thorough evaluation of TCMs.