Research Progress on Geographical Origin Traceability and Authentication of Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium

Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium (CRP) has both culinary and medicinal uses, with high medicinal and economic value. However, CRP fraud such as mislabeling of the geographical origin, passing off, and aging time cheating has occurred frequently, which damages consumer interests. In order to ensure the safety and quality of CRP, it is urgent to establish effective techniques for its geographical origin traceability and authentication. In this article, we review recent progress on the application of metabolomics, spectroscopy, DNA analysis, elemental analysis and intelligent sensory analysis in identifying the geographical origin, variety, harvest period and aging time of CRP. Meanwhile, we compare and analyze the advantages and disadvantages of each technique, and propose the existing problems and future research priorities in the field of geographical origin traceability and authentication of CRP

The Quality Control of Puerariae Lobatae Radix and Puerariae Thomsonii Radix

Puerariae Lobatae Radix (PLR) and Puerariae Thomsonii Radix (PTR) are traditional Chinese medicines used interchangeably in clinical practice, even though they possess significantly different chemical profiles. The aim of this thesis was to differentiate PLR from PTR using various analytical instruments coupled with chemometrics. Morphological results illustrate PLR possessed distinct macroscopic and microscopic features as compared to PTR. UPLC results reveal isoflavonoids were the major chemical constituents in both species, with the content of puerarin in PLR significantly greater than in PTR. PLS-DA models demonstrate both UPLC and HPTLC chromatographic fingerprints were effective in differentiating PLR from PTR. PLSR coupled with Raman spectra was able to predict the TPC and antioxidant capacities of PLR and PTR. The pharmacological results illustrate PLR possessed significantly greater anti-diabetic, cytoprotective and anti-cancer activities as compared to PTR. In summary, the results reveal the chemical fingerprints coupled with chemometrics was effective in differentiating PLR from PTR, and PLR was morphologically, chemically and pharmacologically different from PTR. This thesis provided further insight into the comprehensive nature of the quality control of two similar species and recommends changes to their descriptions in the pharmacopoeias. This will ultimately improve the quality, safety and efficacy of herbal products