Tissue-specific analysis of secondary metabolites creates a reliable morphological criterion for quality grading of polygoni multiflori radix

Li Liang, Jun Xu, Zhi Tao Liang, Xiao Ping Dong, Hu Biao Chen, Zhong Zhen Zhao*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articlepeer-review

7 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

In commercial herbal markets, Polygoni Multiflori Radix (PMR, the tuberous roots of Polygonum multiflorum Thunb.), a commonly-used Chinese medicinal material, is divided into different grades based on morphological features of size and weight. While more weight and larger size command a higher price, there is no scientific data confirming that the more expensive roots are in fact of better quality. To assess the inherent quality of various grades and of various tissues in PMR and to find reliable morphological indicators of quality, a method combining laser microdissection (LMD) and ultra-performance liquid chromatography triple-quadrupole mass spectrometry (UPLC-QqQ-MS/MS) was applied. Twelve major chemical components were quantitatively determined in both whole material and different tissues of PMR. Determination of the whole material revealed that traditional commercial grades based on size and weight of PRM did not correspond to any significant differences in chemical content. Instead, tissue-specific analysis indicated that the morphological features could be linked with quality in a new way. That is, PMR with broader cork and phloem, as seen in a transverse section, were typically of better quality as these parts are where the bioactive components accumulate. The tissue-specific analysis of secondary metabolites creates a reliable morphological criterion for quality grading of PMR.

Original languageEnglish
Article number1115
Number of pages15
JournalMolecules
Volume23
Issue number5
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 8 May 2018

User-Defined Keywords

  • Laser microdissection
  • Polygoni Multiflori Radix
  • Quality grading
  • Secondary metabolites
  • Ultra-performance liquid chromatography triple-quadrupole mass spectrometry (UPLC-QqQ-MS/MS)

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