Characterisation and critical processes identification for production of herbal preparations using 1H-NMR and chemometrics: A case study of Trichosanthis Pericarpium injection.

INTRODUCTION:Herbal preparations are extensively utilised for the treatment of diseases in Asian countries. However, the variations in origin, climate, and production processes can lead to inconsistencies in the quality of herbal preparations. Existing quality control methods only target a few components in the finished product but ignore the control in the pharmaceutical process. Therefore, this study intends to develop a comprehensive component analysis method for intermediates in the pharmaceutical process to reveal the change patterns of substances and deepen the process understanding. OBJECTIVE:This study aims to develop a rapid and comprehensive process characterisation and critical process identification method for herbal preparations. METHODS:Six batches of Trichosanthis Pericarpium injection (TPI) intermediates were collected from the production process. Proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR) spectra were acquired for qualitative and quantitative analysis of the se intermediates. Subsequently, chemometrics were used to identify critical processes and potential chemical markers. RESULTS:A total of 39 components in intermediates were identified, and the transfer of 25 components during the production process was investigated. Column chromatography was determined as the critical process. Nine components were identified as chemical markers. CONCLUSION:The application of 1H-NMR facilitated a comprehensive reflection of the chemical composition information of process intermediates, enabling investigations into the transfer of multi-component substances and accurate identification of critical processes and chemical markers.