Chemical and enzymatic hydrolysis of anthraquinone glycosides from madder roots

For the production of a commercially useful dye extract from madder, the glycoside ruberythric acid has to be hydrolysed to the aglycone alizarin which is the main dye component. An intrinsic problem is the simultaneous hydrolysis of the glycoside lucidin primeveroside to the unwanted mutagenic aglycone lucidin. Madder root was treated with strong acid, strong base or enzymes to convert ruberythric acid into alizarin and the anthraquinone compositions of the suspensions were analysed by HPLC. A cheap and easy method to hydrolyse ruberythric acid in madder root to alizarin without the formation of lucidin turned out to be the stirring of dried madder roots in water at room temperature for 90 min: this gave a suspension containing pseudopurpurin, munjistin, alizarin and nordamnacanthal. Native enzymes are responsible for the hydrolysis, after which lucidin is converted to nordamnacanthal by an endogenous oxidase.     

Analysis of anthraquinones in cell cultures of Cinchona 'Robusta' by HPLC with photodiode array and mass spectrometry detection

An HPLC-PAD-ESI/MS method has been developed for the analysis of anthraquinones in cell cultures of Cinchona 'Robusta'. Using a C18 column and gradient elution with a mobile phase system containing acetonitrile, water and trifluoroacetic acid, a satisfactory separation of both anthraquinone glycosides and aglycones in a crude dichloromethane extract could be obtained. Robustaquinone B was identified as a major anthraquinone in the extracts, and another five anthraquinones were tentatively identified from spectroscopic data. A number of minor unknown compounds were detected and were distinguished from the known anthraquinones. An isocratic system for the quantitative determination of robustaquinone B has also been developed.     

Simultaneous determination of naphthalene and anthraquinone derivatives in Rumex nepalensis Spreng. roots by HPLC: comparison of different extraction methods and validation

Introduction – Rumex nepalensis contains mainly anthraquinone and naphthalene derivatives. Although HPLC methods have been reported for the analysis of anthraquinones, neither a phytochemical analysis of Rumex species nor the simultaneous determination of anthraquinone and naphthalene derivatives in other samples has been reported so far. Objective – To develop and validate a HPLC method for the simultaneous determination of anthraquinone and naphthalene derivatives in R. nepalensis roots. Methodology – Anthraquinones and naphthalenes were extracted from R. nepalensis roots by three methods (reflux, ultrasonication and pressurized liquid extraction) using methanol. Separation was achieved on an RP C₁₈ column with a gradient mobile phase consisting of 0.05% orthophosphoric acid in water (solvent A) and methanol (solvent B) using a UV detector (254 nm). Results – Small differences were observed in the contents of anthraquinone and naphthalene derivatives extracted by the three methods. Chrysophanol‐8‐O‐β‐D‐glucopyranoside and nepodin were detected as major constituents. The method showed a good linearity (r² > 0.9992), high precision (RSD < 5%) and a good recovery (97–105%) of the compounds. The lowest detection limit was found to be 0.97 ng and the method was found to be robust. Conclusion – Reflux and ultrasonication were found to be the best suited methods for the extraction of glycosides and aglycones, respectively. The developed and validated HPLC method is simple, precise and accurate; and can hence be recommended as the method of choice for the analysis of anthraquinones and naphthalenes in R. nepalensis and other Rumex species for both quality control as well as routine analytical purposes. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Formation of genotoxic metabolites from anthraquinone glycosides, present in Rubia tinctorum L.

Rubia tinctorum L., a medicinal plant used for the treatment of kidney and bladder stones, contains a characteristic spectrum of 9,10-anthraquinone derivatives, which are substituted in only one of the aromatic benzo rings. The majority of the anthraquinones present in the plant itself or in plant extracts are glycosides. We investigated the metabolism of two such glycosides, alizarinprimeveroside (AlP) and lucidinprimeveroside (LuP). AlP given orally to rats was metabolized to alizarin (Al) and 1-hydroxyanthraquinone (1-HA). The reductive cleavage of AlP was also observed after treatment of this compound with rat liver enzymes (S9) and NADPH. 1-HA has been reported to induce unscheduled DNA synthesis (UDS) in primary rat hepatocytes (PRH) and intestinal and liver tumors in rats after chronic treatment. The in vitro genotoxicity of 1-HA was confirmed by our present investigations. We also observed that the glycoside AlP was active at inducing UDS in PRH, but the compound was inactive in the Salmonella/microsome assay. Oral administration of LuP to rats resulted in the excretion of lucidin and rubiadin. When LuP was treated with rat liver extract and NADPH, the compound was reduced to rubiadinprimeveroside (RuP), which was hydrolyzed to rubiadin. We have recently shown that lucidin is highly genotoxic in a battery of short-term tests. We now report that rubiadin is also highly genotoxic in Salmonella typhimurium. However, in contrast to lucidin, it requires metabolic activation. In the UDS assay in PRH, rubiadin was even more potent than lucidin and equal to the positive control DMBA. In addition, the glycoside LuP is active in the Salmonella/microsome assay as well as in the UDS assay. The present work demonstrates that the uptake of the anthraquinone glycosides AlP and LuP leads to the rodent carcinogen 1-HA, and to the highly genotoxic compounds lucidin and rubiadin. This extends our previous studies and supports our suggestion that the therapeutic use of Rubia tinctorum may involve a carcinogenic risk.     

虎杖营养器官蒽醌类化合物含量的季节变化

采用差示分光光度法测定虎杖营养器官中蒽醌类化合物的含量.该法以醋酸镁甲醇液为显色剂,以大黄素作标准对照品.其回归方程y=0.0576x+0.0012,r=0.9962.结果表明,在一个生长期中,各营养器官总蒽醌的变化不明显,蒽醌类化合物在各营养器官中含量的顺序依次为根>叶>茎;三年生的根高于一年生根;幼嫩茎叶的含量高于成熟的茎叶.在三年生根中游离蒽醌的含量在7月和9月出现两个峰值,8月降至最低;一年生根、幼叶、幼茎和老茎中游离蒽醌的含量在7月左右最高;除根外,幼叶的蒽醌类化合物的含量较其它营养器官高,且其生物量大,因此幼叶具有一定的开发前景.     

Comparison of three different extraction methods and HPLC determination of the anthraquinones aloe‐emodine,emodine, rheine,chrysophanol and physcione in the bark of Rhamnus alpinus L. (Rhamnaceae)

Introduction – Rhamnus alpinus L. (Rhamnaceae), a traditional plants in the flora of the Abruzzo region, is known to contain active anthraquinone secondary metabolites. However, the content of anthraquinones varies among R. alpinus samples depending on collection season and site. Thus, using simple, reliable and accurate analytical methods for the determination of anthraquinones in R. alpinus extracts allows comparative study of different methods of extraction. Objective – After a partial validation of an HPLC method for the simultaneous determination of five anthraquinones, aloe‐emodine, rheine, emodine, chrysophanol and physcione, in the bark of R. alpinus, we compared three different methods of extraction. Methodology – Anthraquinones were extracted from the bark of R. alpinus using different techniques (methanol maceration, ultrasonic and supercritical CO₂ extraction). Separation and quantification of anthraquinones were accomplished using a reversed‐phase C₁₈ column with the mobile phase of H₂O–methanol (40 : 60, v/v, 1% formic acid) at a wavelength of 254 nm. The qualitative analyses were also achieved at wavelength of 435 nm. Results – All calibration curves were linear over the concentration range tested (10–200 mM) with the determination coefficients ≥0.991. The detection limits (S/N = 3) were 5 mM for each analytes. All five anthraquinones were found in the samples tested at concentrations reported in experimental data. Conclusion – The described HPLC method and optimised extraction procedure are simple, accurate and selective for separation and quantification of anthraquinones in the bark of R. alpinus and allow evaluation of the best extraction procedure between the tested assays. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Permeabilization of elicited suspension culture of madder (Rubia akane Nakai) cells for release of anthraquinones

To enhance the productivity of anthraquinone colorants during madder (Rubia akane Nakai) cell cultures, the effects of permeabilizing agents on the production of anthraquinone colorants were investigated. Tween 80 was the best among the permeabilizing agents tested. Addition of 1% Tween 80 increased the total and released concentrations of anthraquinones about 1.6 times (159 mg l–1) and 14 times (71 mg l–1), respectively. In addition, anthraquinone production was increased to 220 mg l–1, 2.2 times as the level of control culture by simultaneous use of 1% Tween 80, 5 mg chitosan/l and 2% (w/v) XAD-7. Also, 47% (105 mg l–1) of total anthraquinones was released to medium or adsorbed on XAD-7.     

六盘山鸡爪大黄根蒽醌类化合物组织化学定位的研究

采用组织化学方法研究了六盘山鸡爪大黄根蒽醌类化合物的组织化学定位特征及贮藏和积累的规律。结果表明：蒽醌类化合物在根内的贮藏是多位点的,在根周皮的木栓层和栓内层、次生维管组织的维管射线和根中央的部分木薄壁细胞内不同程度地贮藏和积累了一定数量的蒽醌类化合物,次生木质部的木射线和次生韧皮部的韧皮射线是主要贮藏和积累的部位,早期形成的维管射线中蒽醌类化合物的含量较晚期形成的射线含量高。     

Antifeedant activity of an anthraquinone aldehyde in Galium aparine L. against Spodoptera litura F

The insect antifeedant anthraquinone aldehyde nordamnacanthal (1,3-dihydroxy-anthraquinone-2-al) was identified in Galium aparine L., and isolated from the root powder of akane (Rubia akane), a member of the Rubiaceae. Structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies using a series of anthraquinone analogues suggested that the aldehyde group on the anthraquinone was more important than the quinone moiety for antifeedant activity against the common cutworm (Spodoptera litura). High levels of nordamnacanthal were found in the seed leaf stage and in callus tissue induced from seedlings of G. aparine, but its concentration decreased with plant development. Since these compounds are natural pigments for dying textiles, we also evaluated the antifeedant activity against the carpet beetle (Attagenus japonicus ), a textile pest was also evaluated. While nordamnacanthal had strong antifeedant activity against the common cutworm, it did not show any antifeedant activity against the carpet beetle. The most effective antifeedant against the carpet beetle was the major constituent in the extract of R. trictorum, lucidin-3-O-primeveroside, a food pigment.     

Cytohistological and phytochemical study of madder root extracts obtained by ultrasonic and classical extractions

Introduction – Madder (Rubia tinctorum) has been used since ancient times as a source of pigments for dyeing and painting. Madder dyes are localised in roots and the native chemical population is composed of glycosiled and aglycone compounds. The aim of this study is to elaborate an efficient extraction process without any chemical denaturation of dyes. Objective – To compare an optimised ultrasonic process, using for madder dye extraction, with two conventional procedures and to determine the efficiency of ultrasound on these vegetable matrix. Methodology – Madder roots were extract in a methanol–water mixture in 37 : 63 (v/v) for ultrasound and 80 : 20 (v/v) for reflux and agitation. HPLC‐PAD analyses showed the anthraquinone proportion for each extraction process and their denaturing effects. Finally, cytohistological observations were made to show the consequence of each process on the cell organisation in madder roots. Results – The results showed that the amount of extracted dyes was higher with UAE than with agitation and reflux. HPLC‐PAD analysis revealed that the anthraquinone composition differed according to the extraction procedure. The UAE extracts presented an important richness in terms of anthraquinonic compounds that suggests a preserving effect. Cytohistological observations showed that the main alterations concerned the cell walls of phloem. After UAE the walls exhibited numerous pitted areas reflecting an ultrasound‐induced cavitation that enhances the extraction effectiveness of this method. Conclusion – The study has shown the improvement of madder roots extraction both quantitatively and qualitatively using the efficiency of ultrasound‐assisted extraction in comparison with magnetic agitation and reflux techniques. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

The genotoxicity of lucidin,a natural component of Rubia tinctorum L., and lucidinethylether,a component of ethanolic Rubia extracts

The genotoxic activity of lucidin (1,3-dihydroxy-2-hydroxymethyl-9,10-anthraquinone), a natural component of Rubia tinctorum L., was tested in a battery of short-term tests. The compound was mutagenic in five Salmonella typhimurium strains without metabolic activation, but the mutagenicity was increased after addition of rat liver S9 mix. In V79 cells, lucidin was mutagenic at the hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyl transferase gene locus and active at inducing DNA single-strand breaks and DNA protein cross-links as assayed by the alkaline elution method. Lucidin also induced DNA repair synthesis in primary rat hepatocytes and transformed C3HI M2-mouse fibroblasts in culture. We also investigated lucidinethylether, which is formed from lucidin by extraction of madder roots with boiling ethanol. This compound was also mutagenic in Salmonella, but only after addition of rat liver S9 mix. Lucidinethylether was weakly mutagenic to V79 cells which were cocultivated with rat hepatocytes. The compound did not induce DNA repair synthesis in hepatocytes from untreated rats, but positive results were obtained when hepatocytes from rats pretreated with phenobarbital were used. We conclude that lucidin and its derivatives are genotoxic.Abbreviations DMBA 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene - HA hydroxyanthraquinones - LUE lucidinethylether - PRH primary rat hepatocytes - UDS unscheduled DNA synthesis     

Identification of a mutagenic substance, in Rubia tinctorum L. (madder) root, as lucidin

Mutagenicity of the extract from Rubia tinctorum L. (madder) root was demonstrated on Salmonella typhimurium TA100 and TA98. The active substance wa purified and characterized by TLC, UV spectrum, IR spectrum, mass spectrum and [1H]NMR spectrum. All the mutagenic activity of the extract from the root of Rubia tinctorum L. was due to lucidin (1,3-dihydroxy,2-hydroxymethyl-9, 10-anthraquinone).     

The mutagenic potential of madder root in dyeing processes in the textile industry

The roots of Rubia tinctorum L. have a long tradition of being used in dyeing processes of textiles from centuries ago until the present time. The colouring principles belong to the class of hydroxyanthraquinones. Concern arose because several of these compounds were recognised as mutagenic in vitro and even carcinogenic in rodents. To assess the possible risk to humans caused by coloured textiles, mutagenicity was investigated with two madder root samples of different origin (Iran and Bhutan) along the entire dyeing process from root extracts to the dyed wool. The Salmonella/microsome test (Ames assay) with the strains TA98, TA100 and TA1537 was used. Significant mutagenic effects could be detected in madder root extracts and also in the final product, the dyed wool. Madder root from Iran showed considerably higher mutagenic responses than samples from Bhutan. Analytical investigations of the extracts by HPLC showed the presence of a spectrum of anthraquinones typical for madder root. Three mutagenic compounds, lucidine, rubiadine and purpuroxanthine, together with the non-mutagenic alizarine could be detected. The mutagenic response of the different samples was positively correlated with the concentration of the mutagenic anthraquinones, and with lucidine in particular. Based on these investigations a risk to dye-house workers and users of textiles dyed with R. tinctorum must be anticipated.     

Method of isolating isoflavone aglycones from soya beans

The method of isolating isoflavone aglycones from soya beans has been proposed. The procedure includes the extraction by hot water, glycosides oxidative hydrolysis, aglycones extracting by ethyl acetate and removing the lipophilic substances by means of hexanic extraction. The aglycones outcome is not less than 80%. The preparation obtained contains over 50% of soya bean aglycones.     

蕨菜黄酮苷元的组成及含量测定研究

以80%乙醇浸提经乙醚脱脂预处理的干蕨菜粉,减压回收乙醇得浓缩液.浓缩液以8%硫酸沸水浴水解3 h后,加入20%NaOH中和至弱酸性,过滤,滤渣以三氯甲烷索氏提取获总蕨菜黄酮苷元.TLC法检测总黄酮苷元的组成,HPLC法测定其主要苷元的含量.结果表明,通过酸水解获得总蕨菜黄酮苷元,其主要成分为山奈酚,含量约占蕨菜干重的1.9%.     

大黄属3种大黄植物不同部分蒽醌含量的测定与比较

采用C18反相柱高效液相色谱方法分离、外标法定量对大黄属掌叶组唐古特大黄、波叶组波叶大黄、穗序组穗序大黄的根（及根茎）、叶片、叶柄、主茎四部分的芦荟大黄素、大黄酸、大黄素、大黄酚4种游离和结合蒽醌的含量进行了测定和比较。结果表明：唐古特大黄中,叶片中的游离蒽醌含量高于其它部分,游离蒽醌总量地上部分远高于地下部分;结合蒽醌则根中最高,蒽醌总量地下部分远高于地上部分。波叶大黄和穗序大黄中,游离和结合蒽醌均为根中最高,穗序大黄蒽醌总量地下部分远高于地上部分,而波叶大黄中,游离蒽醌总量地上部分高于地下部分,结合蒽醌总量地上部分与地下部分相差不大,地上部分略高于地下部分。     

Effect of chitosan elicitation and media components on the production of anthraquinone colorants in madder (Rubia akane Nakai) cell culture

To increase the production of anthraquinone colorants in madder (Rubia akane Nakai) cell culture, the effects of elicitation on the colorant production were investigated. Chitosan was the best biotic elicitor among nine plant derived and microbial derived polysaccharides. When elicited with 25 mg/L chitosan, the total production was increased approximately two times in a seven-day culture as compared to that in the unelicited cells. Anthraquinone production was increased in proportion to the contact period up to day 3. Maximum anthraquinone colorants were obtained with 3-day treatment of chitosan. During chitosan elicitation, the total production was increased 1.3 times in MS medium containing galactose as compared to that containing sucrose. The degree of deacetylation in chitosan and the use of growth regulator or addition of precursor did not affect the production of anthraquinone colorants. When madder cells were elicited at optimum condition, anthraquinone concentration and specific anthraquinone content increased 1.3 times (0.69 g/L) and 2.2 times (0.32 g/g DCW), respectively.     

Isolation and quantitative determination of some cardioactive glycosides from Digitalis lanata by high-performance liquid chromatography

A rapid extraction method followed by high-performance liquid chromatographic assay was developed for the quantitative determination of the cardioactive glycosides of Digitalis lanata. The leaf samples were extracted with water or aqueous alcohols. The simple extraction method gives a better yield than the methods described previously. Lanatoside C and its metabolites have been separated on a reversed-phase column with various mixtures of acetonitrile, methanol, and water as mobile phases for isocratic elution. Extraction and quantitative determination of lanatoside C and digoxin from a leaf sample require not more than 30 min.     

Regulation of anthraquinone biosynthesis in cell cultures of Morinda citrifolia

Cell cultures of Morinda citrifolia L. are capable of accumulating substantial amounts of anthraquinones. Chorismate formed by the shikimate pathway is an important precursor of these secondary metabolites. Isochorismate synthase (EC 5.4.99.6), the enzyme that channels chorismate into the direction of the anthraquinones, is involved in the regulation of anthraquinone biosynthesis. Other enzymes of the shikimate pathway such as deoxy-D-arabino-heptulosonate 7-phosphate synthase (EC 4.1.2.15) and chorismate mutase (EC 5.4.99.5) do not play a regulatory role in the process. The accumulation of anthraquinones is correlated with isochorismate synthase activity under a variety of conditions, which indicates that under most circumstances the concentration of the branchpoint metabolite chorismate is not a rate-limiting factor. Anthraquinone biosynthesis in Morinda is strongly inhibited by 2,4-D, but much less by NAA. Both auxins inhibit the activity of isochorismate synthase proportionally to the concomitant reduction in the amount of anthraquinone accumulated. However, the correlation between enzyme activity and rate of biosynthesis is less clear when the activity of the enzyme is very high. In this case, a limiting concentration of precursor may determine the extent of anthraquinone accumulation. Partial inhibition of chorismate biosynthesis by glyphosate leads to less anthraquinone accumulation, but also to a reduction in ICS activity. The complexity of the interference of glyphosate with anthraquinone biosynthesis is illustrated by the effect of the inhibitor in cell cultures of the related species Rubia tinctorum L. in these cells, glyphosate leads to an increase in anthraquinone content and a concomitant rise in ICS activity. All data indicate that the main point of regulation in anthraquinone biosynthesis is located at the entrance of the specific secondary route.     

高效液相色谱法测定银杏叶提取物中黄酮甙含量

用高效液相色谱法测定银杏叶提取物经酸水解后黄酮甙元含量．采用Ｃ１８柱,甲醇：水：磷酸（５５：４４．５：０．５）为流动相,检测波长３７０ｎｍ,方法回收率９５．１％～１０３．２％,变异系数（ＣＶ）３．１７％,１０批样品含测平均为２５．４％．