Chemical identification of the sources of commercial fructus chebulae

Abstract

Twenty-eight commercial samples of Fructus Chebulae were collected from local herbal markets in Taiwan and were determined to have been derived from Terminalia chebula Retz. and Terminalia chebula Retz. var. parviflora Thwaites, which differ markedly in external appearance. Ten tannin-related constituents [gallic acid (1), chebulic acid (2), punicalagin (4), chebulanin (7), corilagin (8), neochebulinic acid (9), ellagic acid (11), chebulagic acid (12), chebulinic acid (13) and 1,2,3,4,6-penta-O-galloyl-beta-D-glucose (14)] were identified and quantified by HPLC. Samples derived from T. chebula. var. parviflora, which are typically round-shaped, generally contained higher concentrations of 13 and 14 but lower levels of 12 compared with those from T. chebula, which are largely oval-shaped. The ratio of the concentration of 14 to that of 4 may serve as a potential parameter for differentiating samples from the two origins (T. chebula, ratio 0.6 +/- 0.3; T. chebula. var. parviflora, ratio 3.4 +/- 2.2). Levels of the three major bioactive constituents 12-14 were found to provide good references for the quality assessment of Fructus Chebulae. The ratio of the concentration of 12 to that of 14 may offer a guideline for determining quality as well as origin of the drug (lower-grade T. chebula, ratio 12.4 +/- 6.0; medium-grade T. chebula, ratio 8.8 +/- 7.9; higher-grade T. chebula, ratio 3.2 +/- 0.8; T. chebula var. parviflora, ratio 1.6 +/- 0.7).

Corilagin is a potent inhibitor of NF-kappaB activity and downregulates TNF-alpha induced expression of IL-8 gene in cystic fibrosis IB3-1 cells

“…1A) is a gallotannin identified in several plants, including Terminalia chebula [45,46] and Anogeissus latifolia [47] (Combretaceae), Acer spp. (Aceraceae) [48], Sapium japonicum [49], Ricinus communis and Aleurites cordata (all Euphorbiaceae), and P. urinaria (Phyllanthaceae) [3,50,51].…”

Anti-Arthritic and Analgesic Effect of NDI10218, a Standardized Extract of Terminalia chebula, on Arthritis and Pain Model

“…1)(Juang and Sheu, 2005). Although the biological activities of these constituents are not clearly understood, some of which have shown anti-inflammatory activities.…”

“…Chebulagic acid was purified as described previously (Lee et al ., 2005b). An HPLC system (Agilent 1200) equipped with Shiseido Capcell Pack C18 4.6×150 mm column was used for analysis as previously described (Juang and Sheu, 2005). Aqueous phosphoric acid (0.1%) and acetonitrile mixture (80:20) was used as a mobile phase with a flow rate of 1 ml/min.…”

“…The fruit of T. chebula has been used extensively as an astringent, anti-tussive, anti-diarrheal, and anti-bleeding agent (Juang and Sheu, 2005). T. chebula has been shown anti-oxidant and cytoprotective activities in rat primary hepatocytes, liver, and kidney (Lee et al ., 2005a; Mahesh et al ., 2009), and protective effects against drug-induced gastric, intestinal, hepatic, and renal damages (Nadar and Pillai, 1989; Tasduq et al ., 2006; Bhattacharya et al ., 2007; Nariya et al ., 2009; Gopi et al ., 2010).…”

Antioxidant Activity of Related Compounds Besides Polyphenols in Chinese Herbs

“…14 herbs were found high antioxidant activity of alkaloids, saponins or polysaccharides. The effective constituents in some herbs are clear and conform to the fraction with high antioxidant activity, such as saikoside in Root of Bupleurum chinense, gentianine in Root of Gentiana macrophylla, etc, but many are different from the effective constituents ever found [20][21][22][23]. This suggests that these herbs with antioxidant activity may take effect by alkaloids, saponins or polysaccharides rather than polyphenols.…”