Multi-methodological approach for the Quality assessment of Senecionis scandentis Herba (Qianliguang) in the herbal market

Abstract

We set forth to assess the quality of an herbal medicine sold in Hong Kong called Qianliguang by employing a multi-methodological approach. The quality is set by its identity, chemical composition, and bioactivities, among others. Qianliguang (Senecionis scandentis Herba, Senecio scandens Buch.-Ham. ex D.Don) has known antibacterial properties. However, it is poisonous and overconsumption can result in liver damage. Eighteen Qianliguang samples were purchased from herbal shops at various districts in Hong Kong. Samples were first authenticated organoleptically. DNA barcoding at the psbA-trnH, ITS2, and rbcL loci was then conducted to confirm the species. HPLC-UV was performed to screen for the presence of the chemical compounds and to quantify the flavonoid hyperoside. UPLC-MS was used to quantify the amount of the toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloid (PA) adonifoline. Microdilution assay was performed to show the antibacterial effect on Streptococcus aureus and S. pneumoniae. Results showed that five samples were found to be substituted by species belonging to the genus Lespedeza; four samples were mixtures containing not only Qianliguang but also Achyranthes aspera L., Lonicera confusa DC., or Solanum nigrum L. HPLC-UV showed that only ten contained enough hyperoside to meet the standard requirement. In addition, nine samples had adonifoline that exceeded the toxicity standard requirement. In the microdilution assay, samples containing Qianliguang showed inhibition on S. aureus and S. pneumoniae, while among the five Lespedeza sp. samples the antibacterial effects on S. aureus were not detectable; only one sample showed inhibition to S. pneumoniae. Our study illustrated the necessity of using a multi-methodological approach for herbal medicine quality assessment. We also showed that Qianliguang samples in the Hong Kong market were either toxic or adulterated. It is therefore essential to improve the quality control of Qianliguang and probably other herbs in the herbal market.

Effect of Senecio scandens Ethanol Extract and SNHG16 on Streptococcus pneumoniae-Infected Alveolar Epithelial Cells

“…The luciferase In recent years, with the increasingly widespread bacterial resistance, the difficulty of treating Currently, TCM treatment has great advantages and characteristics, providing new ideas for clinical treatment in CAP. As a common TCM, S. scandens and its extracts and compounds possess diverse pharmaceutical activities, like anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and anticancer activities [6,10] . The petroleum ether extract of S. scandens could impede inflammatory response in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells [11] .…”

“…For instance, water extract of S. scandens could suppress Mas-Related G Protein-Coupled Receptor-B2 (MRGPRB2) receptor of mast cells to alleviate pruritus [5] . S. scandens has known antibacterial properties, and exhibits suppression on S. pneumoniae [6] . In addition, the ethanol extract of S. scandens could elevate MUC2 and sIgA, and maintain the diversity of gut microbiota [6] .…”

“…S. scandens has known antibacterial properties, and exhibits suppression on S. pneumoniae [6] . In addition, the ethanol extract of S. scandens could elevate MUC2 and sIgA, and maintain the diversity of gut microbiota [6] . However, the effects and mechanisms of S. scandens ethanol extract on the apoptosis and inflammatory response of S. pneumoniae infected AECs are still unclear.…”

Advancing global herbal medicine: Enhancing herb quality through innovative strategies explored in Hong Kong - An international hub

“…In 2018, Lo and colleagues (2018) [9] found that Hominis Placenta were adulterated by non-animal origins. In 2022, Ngai discovered that Senecionis scandentis Herba sold in eighteen districts were either toxic or adulterated [10]. The problems in the quality of herbs have endured regardless of negative business consequences.…”

DNA from herbs can be obtained from air and authenticated by polymerase chain reaction

“…The use of authentic herbs is important to ensure the beneficial effects and to avoid poisoning. Substitution frequently occurs due to the confusion of names and appearances [ 3 ], and the use of cheaper herbs [ 4 ] to reduce the cost. For example, herbal tea containing toxic Japanese Star Anise Illicium anisatum L. instead of non-toxic Chinese Star Anise Illicium verum Hook.f.…”