Schisandrin and Schisantherin A in Multiphytoadaptogen for Preventive Oncology

Background . The original herbal formula of Multiphytoadaptogen (MPhA) for preventive oncology developed by the N. N. Blokhin Center of Oncology containing phytocomponents from Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill (Schisandraceae), has been investigated in vitro, in vivo. Preliminary efficiency in clinical trials has also been obtained. This was allowed because MPhA in Russia is registered as a parapharmaceutical agent and therefore standardized according to established requirements. However, due to the high efficiency of MPhA, a detailed study of the chemical composition and standardization of it is required, including the Schisandra chinensis active components, which turned out to be translocated into MPhA as a result of the extraction technology developed. The aim of the study was to identify the Schisandra chinensis biologically active substances in MPhA and to evaluate the biological activity profiles of the identified phytocomponents using in silico analysis. Materials and methods. we used high performance liquid chromatography in combination with mass spectrometry (HPLC–MS / MS). Chromatography was performed on an ACQUITY UPLC BEH C18 column in a gradient mode. A TSQ Vantage triple quadrupole mass spectrometer with electrospray ionization was used. we performed in silico analyzes of Schisandrin and Schisantherin A biological activity spectra using computer programs PASS and PharmaExpert. Result . The secondary metabolites lignans Schisandrin and Schisantherin A were identified in the herbal formula MPhA. Schisandrin and Schisantherin A activities, according the scientific literature and in silico analysis, correspond to the properties studied for MPhA which therefore fits into the concept of medication for preventive oncology. Conclusion. The determined secondary metabolites can be used for identification, standardization and quality testing of the herbal formula MPhA.