Screening and Identifying Hepatotoxic Components in Polygoni multiflori Radix and Polygoni multiflori Radix Praeparata

Objective: In this study, the hepatotoxic components of Polygoni multiflori Radix and Polygoni multiflori Radix Praeparata（known as Heshouwu [HSW] and Zhiheshouwu [ZHSW] in China, respectively） were screened, isolated, and identified. Materials and Methods: The ethanol extracts of HSW and ZHSW were separated into 80 fractions according to their polarity in the preparation liquid phase. Chang liver cell line was used to screen the toxic components of HSW and ZHSW in vitro. The obtained toxic mixture was further collected, isolated, and identified to confirm the hepatotoxic compounds of HSW and ZHSW. Results: The identifid hepatotoxic compounds include 2,3,5,4’-tetrah ydroxystilbene-2-O-β-D-glucoside, emodin, physcion-8-O-β-d-glucoside, physcion, and citreorosein, the fist two among them were the main components of HSW and ZHSW. After processing of HSW, the contents of 2,3,5,4’-tetrahydroxystilbene-2-O-β-D-glucoside and emodin in ZHSW were signifiantly decreased. Conclusions: The traditional processing with herb has signifiant effects on the components, especially the toxic components, in the extract of HSW and is an effective method to reduce its toxicity.