HPLC fingerprint for Jiuwei Qianghuo pills and quality evaluation

doi:10.19803/j.1672-8629.20260240

Abstract

Abstract: Objective To analyze the potential index components of Jiuwei Qianghuo pills and investigate inter-manufacturer quality differences in order to provide a reference for quality evaluation. Methods The HPLC fingerprint of Jiuwei Qianghuo pills was established, and similarity was calculated using the similarity evaluation system for chromatographic fingerprints of traditional Chinese medicine. Common peaks were identified by HPLC-MS via comparisons with reference substances and literature retrieval while their botanical origins were traced by comparing single medicinal materials with the whole formulation. Network pharmacology was employed to construct a component-target network and perform pathway enrichment analysis to identify key components. Results A total of 18 common peaks were identified in the fingerprint and attributed to their respective medicinal sources: peaks 1, 17, and 18 to Atractylodis Rhizoma, peaks 2, 5, and 7 to Saposhnikoviae Radix, peaks 3, 8, and 14 to Notopterygii Rhizoma et Radix, peaks 6, 9, 10, and 11 to Scutellariae Radix, peaks 13 and 16 to Angelicae Dahuricae Radix, peak 4 to Rehmanniae Radix, peak 12 to Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, and peak 15 to Chuanxiong Rhizoma. The similarity of fingerprints for 8 batches of samples ranged from 0.883 to 0.971, indicating considerable quality variations between manufacturers. A total of 632 intersection targets were obtained between components and diseases, with the pills primarily acting against wind chill or common colds through the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, the MAPK signaling pathway, among others. Five key targets and seven key active components were identified, suggesting that the therapeutic effects of Jiuwei Qianghuo pills were mediated through multiple components, targets, and pathways. Conclusion The established HPLC fingerprint is stable and reliable. Combined with network pharmacology to predict potential active ingredients, targets, and pathways, this study provides a reference for elucidating the pharmacodynamic material basis and quality control of Jiuwei Qianghuo pills.

Key words: Jiuwei Qianghuo Pills, HPLC Fingerprint Spectrum, HPLC-MS, Similarity Analysis, Quality Evaluation, Network Pharmacology

CLC Number:

Liu Jingjing, Liu Shusen, Li Siqi, Xu Beilei, Liu Jing. HPLC fingerprint for Jiuwei Qianghuo pills and quality evaluation[J]. Chinese Journal of Pharmacovigilance, 2026, 23(8): 867-874.

Add to citation manager EndNote|Ris|BibTeX

URL: https://zgywjj.magtechjournal.com/EN/10.19803/j.1672-8629.20260240

https://zgywjj.magtechjournal.com/EN/Y2026/V23/I8/867

References

[1] Chinese Pharmacopoeia Commission.Pharmacopoeia of the People’s Republic of China, Volume I(中华人民共和国药典一部)[M]. Beijing: China Medical Science Press, 2025.
[2] Li Mingjiao.Informatized construction of traditional Chinese medicine fingerprint and its application in quality control research[J]. Technology and Information(科学与信息化), 2026, 47(2): 118-120.
[3] Sun Zhichong, Liu Xuanbo, Zhu Rongyue, et al.Quality evaluation of Yupingfeng oral liquid based on HPLC fingerprint and multi-component quantification[J]. Central South Pharmacy(中南药学), 2026, 24(1): 65-70.
[4] Wu Wenyu, Lan Wanning, Jiao Xi, et al.Exploration of action mechanisms of Gang Huo Qing wen granules in treatment of influenza based on network pharmacology and molecular docking technique[J]. Chin J Nosocomio(中华医院感染学杂志), 2025, 35(17): 2597-2602.
[5] Yu Hexian, Song Lihua, He Yumin, et al.Q-marker prediction and mechanism of ACONITI LATERALIS RADIX PRAEPARATA piece in treating chronic heart failure of Xinshenyangxu type based on HPLC fingerprint, network pharmacology, and animal experiments[J]. Pharmacol Clin Chin Mater Med(中药药理与临床), 2026, 42(1): 77-91.
[6] Zheng Juanmei, Wang Haibo, Zheng Meiling, et al.Qualitative analysis of compound Fufangteng mixture by UPLC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS mass spectrometry[J]. Chin J Pharm Anal(药物分析杂志), 2020, 40(5): 889-899.
[7] Zheng Dandan, Wei Wenfeng, Huo Jinhai, et al.Analysis of chemical constituents in Qifeng Gutibiao Granules by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS[J]. Chin J Tradit Med Sci Technol(中成药), 2020, 42(6): 1649-1657.
[8] Lin Ruichao, Ma Shuangcheng.Modern research and application of traditional Chinese medicine(中药现代研究与应用)[M]. Beijing: Chemical Industry Press, 2013: 333.
[9] Zhou Fei, Lin Meisi, Li Rui, et al.Analysis of chemical constituents in Baihe Dihuangtang by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS[J]. Chin J Exp Tradit Med Formulae(中国实验方剂学杂志), 2020, 26(7): 15-22.
[10] Wang Tingting, An Rui, Liang Kun, et al.Chemical constituent analysis of Gegen Qinlian decoction based on UPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap-MS[J]. Chin Tradit. Herb Drugs(中草药), 2020, 51(3): 1498-1507.
[11] Kou Guifeng, Zhang Youbo, Yang Xiuwei.A new natural product O-methyl notoptyerol from Notopterygium incisum[J]. Chin J Chin Mater Med(中国中药杂志), 2010, 35(5): 1134-1136.
[12] Duan Weiping, Li Yuan'ai, Zheng Yunfeng, et al. Analysis of water-soluble components in raw and honey-roasted licorice based on LC-MS/MS[J]. Chin J Tradit Med Sci Technol(中成药), 2020, 42(5): 1237-1243.
[13] Li Guoshuai, Ma Yang, Geng Ting, et al.Rapid identification of chemical components in compound Nanxing acesodyne plaster by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS[J]. Chin J Chin Mater Med(中国中药杂志), 2019, 44(2): 298-307.
[14] Han Jie.Studying on the chemical constituents and biological activities of Notopterygium incisum[D]. Xi’an: Xi’an University of Technology, 2024.
[15] Meng Li, Gao Longmei, Liu Xiaohu, et al.Study on anti-inflammatory effect and mechanism of 4'-O-β-D-glucosyl-5-O-methylvisamminol in Fangfeng(Saposhnikoviae Radix)[J]. Chin Arch Tradit Chin Med(中华中医药学刊), 2023, 41(4): 214-217.
[16] Li Jiazhu, Wang Anqi, Teng Yue, et al.Research progress on pharma-cological effects of 5-O-methylvisamicin[J]. Journal of Agricultural Catastrophology(农业灾害研究), 2021, 11(8): 140-141.
[17] Xie Liangqi, Chai Zhi, Gong Qiang, et al.Research progress on pharmacological effects and mechanism of acteoside on central nervous system diseases[J]. Chin Arch Tradit Chin Med(中华中医药学刊), 2024, 42(7): 179-182.
[18] Wang Junwei, Ma Guiqiao, Shao Jing, et al.Mechanism of acteoside in treatment of diabetic kidney disease based on network pharmacology, molecular docking and animal experiments[J]. J Hainan Med Univ(海南医科大学学报), 2025, 31(1): 51-60.
[19] Gao Jianting, Lu Chenyue, Shi Xinchao, et al.Progress on pharma-cological effects and solubilization technology of Baicalein[J]. Prog Vet Med(动物医学进展), 2024, 45(11): 83-87.
[20] Gao Xin, Yin Baikun, Zuo Jun.Research progress on Scutellariae Radix extract and the pharmacological effects of its active components[J]. Acta Chin Med Pharmacol(中医药学报), 2025, 53(3): 112-117.
[21] Zhang Ziqi, Ouyang Jingfeng.Neuroprotective effect of Baicalein in Parkinson’s disease model rats and its impact on PERK/ATF4 endoplasmic reticulum stress pathway[J]. Chin J Exp Tradit Med Formulae(中国实验方剂学杂志), 2026, 32(8): 74-81.
[22] Li Xinyu, Yu Liangwen, Wu Zeqing.Research progress on chemical constituents and pharmacological action of Angelica dahurica[J]. J Xinxiang Med Univ(新乡医学院学报), 2026, 43(1): 73-79.
[23] Feng Yaowen, Yang Zhaoqing, Kong Linjun, et al.Brief analysis on chemical constituents and pharmacological effects of Angelicae Dahuricae Radix[J]. Sichuan Agric Sci Technol(四川农业科技), 2024(9): 136-138, 152.
[24] Wu Gaili, Huo Zhipeng, Wang Yu, et al.Study advancement on neuroprotective effect of ligustilide[J]. Tianjin Pharm(天津药学), 2022, 34(1): 72-78.
[25] Liu Fen, Tian Chunman.Effects of atractylodin on ultrastructure of gastric mucosa and gastrointestinal function of rats with syndrome of spleen deficiency[J]. Chin J Tradit Chin Med(中华中医药杂志), 2016, 31(3): 1002-1005.
[26] Lin Weixiong, Wang Shoufu, Chen Shiyan, et al.Chemometrics analysis for multi-component contents and antioxidant activity for estimation on quality markers of Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus standard decoction[J]. J Nanjing Univ Tradit Chin Med(南京中医药大学学报), 2024, 40(3): 289-301.
[27] Li Haihong, Deng Xiaoqi, Wang Bin, et al.Exploring the mechanism of atractylenolideⅠin treating knee osteoarthritis via network pharma-cology and experimental validation[J]. Tradit Chin Drug Res Clin Pharmacol(中药新药与临床药理), 2025, 36(11): 1892-1901.
[28] Li Xiang, Li Ji.Research progress on pharmacological effects of active components in Glycyrrhizae Radix extract[J]. Jiangsu J Tradit Chin Med(江苏中医药), 2019, 51(5): 81-86.