Unravelling the Eleutherococcus nodiflorus global herbal supply chain to examine the extent of substitution with cardiotoxic Periploca sepium

Substitution of Chinese medicine Eleutherococcus nodiflorus (Dunn) S.Y.Hu (EN; wu jia pi (五加皮)) with Periploca sepium Bunge (PS; xiang jia pi (香加皮)) poses a potential health risk. EN is commonly used in medicinal wine, and the PS cardiac glycoside, periplocin, shows high solubility in alcohol. This investigation aimed to determine the extent and where the unexplained substitution of EN with PS occurs in the supply. 106 samples of EN, PS, and substitute Eleutherococcus senticosus (Rupr. & Maxim.) Maxim ( ES), were sampled across mainland China, Taiwan, and the UK to determine their authenticity using high- performance-thin-layer-chromatography. The level of authenticity revealed the extent of EN substitution and when mapped onto an adapted Booker-Heinrich herbal supply chain model, showed where EN substitution occurred in the supply.

EN substitution is significant across the three global regions and occurs at most outlets in the supply, wherein 57% of EN was found authentic. Notable differences in authenticity were observed at 44% in traditional and 82% in modern-style pharmacies ([Fig. 1]). More authentic EN was found at manufacturing sources where pharmacopoeia-based testing is required and less authentic where it is not, such as pharmacies and clinics. Furthermore, increasing EN substitution was found at further sampling distance from the larger markets at Bozhou and Anguo in mainland China. The extent of EN substitution with PS is significant and occurs at most sampling outlets. The reasons why variable substitution occurs at different sources in the supply chain require further investigation.

Fig.1 % Authentic Eleutherococcus nodiflorus – Wu jia pi samples. Variable levels of substitution along the supply chain. 106 samples analysed by HPTLC Association Method* *Adapted from European Pharmacopeia Monograph 2432 "Acanthopanax root bark, wu jia pi (Eleutherococcus gracilistylus)"

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Artikel online veröffentlicht:
16. November 2023