Two Erigeron Species Comparison Based on Their Ingredients Profile by
UPLC-PDA-QTOF/MS/MS and Discriminant Analysis
Abstract
Rationale: Erigeron breviscapus (EB)and Erigeron
multiradiatus (EM) are the two species of the genus Erigeron
(Asteraceae) with extremely close genetic relationships. They were used
as the same “meiduoluomi” for the treatment of plague and epidemics in
traditional Tibetan medicine. But in traditional Chinese medicine, only
EB is used for treatment of cerebrovascular obstruction, hemiplegia due
to stroke, coronary artery obstruction, chest congestion, angina
pectoris. These two Erigeron species show different effects in
different traditional medicines system. Therefore, analyzing the
chemical compositions of two species will not only enhance comprehension
of their medicinal properties, but also foster the advancement and
exploration of novel applications. However, to date, there has been no
comprehensive and detailed investigation comparing the constituents of
EB and EM. Methods: A methodology for rapid identification of
chemical profiles from two Erigeron species was devised through the
integration of UHPLC-QTOF-MS/MS and multivariate statistical analysis.
Additionally, a UHPLC-PDA method was established to precisely quantify
of 11 components. Results: A total of 58 constituents
comprising flavonoids, phenolics acids, saponin and long chain fatty
acids were elucidated. Thirteen compounds were identified as potential
differentiators in chemical profiles among the two Erigeron species. For
quantitative assessment, 11 bioactive compounds were simultaneously
quantified across 49 batches of Erigeron species samples utilizing
UHPLC-PAD with wavelengths of 325 nm, 254 nm, and 266 nm. The method
demonstrated excellent precision, linearity, accuracy, repeatability,
stability, and recovery. Conclusions: The findings from this
study will serve as a reference for quality control, functional activity
exploration, and improved clinical application based on the ingredient
profiles of the two species. Furthermore, this inaugural investigation
into the ingredient profiles of these two species will enhance the
potential and optimal utilization of both EB and EM resources.