Verifying the Equivalence of Hawthorn Leaves Standard Decoction and Formula Granules by LC–MS and Oxidative Stress Test

Abstract

Abstract Objective To verify the equivalence of hawthorn leaves standard decoction and formula granules. Methods In this experiment, liquid chromatograph mass spectrometer (LC–MS) was used to examine the chemical composition of hawthorn leaves standard decoction and formula granules, separately. In addition, oxidative stress test was used to explore the antioxidant capacity of them. Results 71 chemical components were identified by LC–MS. Among them, 64 and 56 compounds were identified in the standard decoction and formula granules, respectively. There were a total of 49 common components, with no significant difference in content. Oxidative stress test showed that hawthorn leaves standard decoction and formula granules had no obvious toxicity to human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Compared with the model group, the same dose of hawthorn leaves formula granule and standard decoction could inhibit the secretion of lactate dehydrogenase and malondialdehyde (P < 0.05), and increase the content of superoxide dismutase (P < 0.01), with no statistically significant difference. Conclusions There is no significant difference in the main active ingredients between the standard decoction and the formula granules, and the antioxidant activity in vitro is equivalent, providing an important theoretical basis for the further development of hawthorn leaves formula granules.