Planta Med 2016; 82(13): 1208-1216
DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-106170
Natural Product Chemistry and Analytical Studies
Original Papers
Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

LC-MS-Based Quality Assessment of a Traditional Chinese Medicine YANG XIN Formulation

Ahmad J. Almalki
1   Department of Drug Discovery and Development, Harrison School of Pharmacy, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, USA
2   Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Kingdom Saudi Arabia
,
Ahmed Zaher
1   Department of Drug Discovery and Development, Harrison School of Pharmacy, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, USA
3   Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
,
Johayra Simithy
1   Department of Drug Discovery and Development, Harrison School of Pharmacy, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, USA
,
William J. Keller
4   Natureʼs Sunshine Products, Lehi, Utah, USA
,
Matt Tripp
4   Natureʼs Sunshine Products, Lehi, Utah, USA
,
Angela I. Calderón
1   Department of Drug Discovery and Development, Harrison School of Pharmacy, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, USA
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

received 18 January 2016
revised 21 March 2016

accepted 28 March 2016

Publication Date:
28 April 2016 (online)

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Abstract

YANG XIN is a traditional Chinese medicine formulation used for nervous fatigue and consists of a proprietary blend of concentrated extracts from 18 plant ingredients. The 18 constituent plant ingredients, YANG XIN capsules, and formulations 2014–005_1 A and 1B were extracted by consecutive 24-hour macerations with dichloromethane followed by methanol. Metabolite separation was carried out through LC-MS in 40 minutes. Data acquisitions for qualitative and quantitative analyses of the samples were collected under (±) ESI modes and (+) APCI mode using full spectrum scan analysis.

A total of 18 analytical markers were identified by LC-MS for YANG XIN formulations based on accurate mass measurements, molecular formula, double bond equivalent, MFG score, and error (ppm) of the measurement. Aditionally, a comparison of the data with previously reported results for the compounds, followed by identity confirmation with standard compounds, was performed. Seventeen analytical markers representing 17 plant ingredients in the different YANG XIN formulations were quantified for the first time. The YANG XIN capsules and the 2014–005_1B formulation were similar to each other and different from the 2014–005_1 A formulation based on the fact that both YANG XIN capsules and the 2014–005_1B formulation contain the same analytical markers. This method provides good linearity (r2 > 0.9945), intraday precision (R. S. D. < 3.9 %), interday precision (R. S. D. < 5.6 %), accuracy (99.2–101 %), recovery (145.7 %), limit of detection (0.0011–0.0732 µg/mL), and limit of quantitation (0.0038–0.2441 µg/mL).