Traditional Chinese Medicine Processing Technology Innovation Centre of Hebei Province, College of Pharmacy, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, 050200, China.
Traditional Chinese Medicine Processing Technology Innovation Centre of Hebei Province, College of Pharmacy, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, 050200, China; Department of Chinese Materia Medica, Hebei Institute of Drug and Medical Device Control, Shijiazhuang, 050200, China.
J Ethnopharmacol. 2025 Jan 30;337(Pt 2):118864. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.118864. Epub 2024 Sep 25.
In Guangzhou and Guangxi, China, Abrus cantoniensis Hance (AH) is known for its liver-protective properties and is commonly used in herbal teas and soups. In the herbal market and pharmaceutical preparations, AH and Abrus mollis Hance (AMH) are often used interchangeable. Despite their morphological and usage similarities, distinguishing their differences is essential for scientific research and clinical practice.
This study focuses on the morphological identification, chemical composition, and hepatoprotective effectiveness of AH and AMH. It aims to evaluate their interchangeable use and provide a rationale for this practice. This research helps regulate the market of AH medicinal materials, ensuring clinical safety and effectiveness.
Samples of AH and AMH roots, stems, leaves, and seeds were collected and photographed using a stereoscope and digital imaging system. The chemical components of AH and AMH were qualitatively analyzed using UPLC-Q/TOF-MS. Chemometric techniques, such as PCA and OPLS-DA, were employed to discern the componential differences between the two species. A CCl-induced acute liver injury mouse model was developed to assess hepatoprotective effects. The hepatoprotective properties of AH and AMH were evaluated by analyzing the liver index, H&E staining, changes in serum liver function indicators (TBIL, ALT, AST), and concentrations of SOD, MDA in liver homogenate.
The root color, texture, stem diameter, cross-sectional characteristics, leaf shape, and seed morphology of the two plants were observed. Notable differences were identified, which can be used for accurate identification. The UPLC-Q/TOF-MS identified 50 compounds in both species, which were classified into 3 alkaloids, 22 flavonoids, 2 triterpenes, 10 triterpene saponins, 10 amides, and 3 others, and 20 different compounds between AH and AMH were screened by chemometrics. By improving serum biomarkers (ALT, AST, TBIL) and regulating oxidative stress markers (SOD, MDA), the alleviating effect of AH and AMH extracts on liver injury was confirmed. Notably, AH showed a stronger liver protective effect, significantly reducing ALT and AST levels more than AMH.
This study enhances understanding of the morphological identification, chemical profiling, and hepatoprotective effects of AH and AMH. It provides a reference for future scientific research and the clinical application of AH in treating liver damage.
在中国的广州和广西，鸡骨草（AH）因其护肝特性而闻名，常用于草药茶和汤中。在草药市场和药物制剂中，AH 和毛鸡骨草（AMH）经常可以互换使用。尽管它们在形态和用途上有相似之处，但区分它们的差异对于科学研究和临床实践至关重要。
本研究专注于 AH 和 AMH 的形态鉴定、化学成分和护肝效果。旨在评估它们的可互换使用，并为这种做法提供依据。这项研究有助于规范 AH 药材市场，确保临床安全性和有效性。
采集 AH 和 AMH 的根、茎、叶和种子样本，使用立体显微镜和数字成像系统进行拍照。采用 UPLC-Q/TOF-MS 对 AH 和 AMH 的化学成分进行定性分析。采用 PCA 和 OPLS-DA 等化学计量学技术辨别两种植物的成分差异。建立 CCl 诱导的急性肝损伤小鼠模型，评估 AH 和 AMH 的护肝作用。通过分析肝指数、H&E 染色、血清肝功能指标（TBIL、ALT、AST）变化以及肝匀浆中 SOD、MDA 浓度，评估 AH 和 AMH 的护肝特性。
观察到两种植物的根颜色、质地、茎直径、横截面特征、叶形状和种子形态的差异。通过这些差异可以进行准确的鉴定。UPLC-Q/TOF-MS 鉴定出两种植物中 50 种化合物，分为 3 种生物碱、22 种黄酮类化合物、2 种三萜类化合物、10 种三萜皂苷类化合物、10 种酰胺类化合物和 3 种其他化合物，并通过化学计量学筛选出 AH 和 AMH 之间的 20 种不同化合物。AH 和 AMH 提取物通过改善血清生物标志物（ALT、AST、TBIL）和调节氧化应激标志物（SOD、MDA），证实了对肝损伤的缓解作用。值得注意的是，AH 对肝的保护作用更强，能显著降低 ALT 和 AST 水平，效果优于 AMH。
本研究增强了对 AH 和 AMH 的形态鉴定、化学成分分析和护肝作用的理解。为未来的科学研究和 AH 在治疗肝损伤方面的临床应用提供了参考。
