Secondary metabolites of Schisandra chinensis in homeostasis regulator adaptogen herbal formula for preventive oncology

The original herbal formula of homeostasis regulator Multiphytoadaptogen (MPhA) for preventive oncology developed by the N.N. Blokhin Center of Oncology containing phytocomponents from Schizandra chinensis has been investigated in vitro, in vivo and in clinical studies. The MPhA multi-target effects are achieved by optimizing the functioning of the nervous, immune and endocrine defense systems that regulate homeostasis under stress. Everything that has been previously studied for MPhA can be considered as preclinical testing, including clinical research, which can be regarded as the pilot studies. 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 composition of Schisandra chinensis Baill (Schisandraceae) active components, which turned out to be translocated into MPhA as a result of the extraction technology developed. So, for MPhA identification and standardization we detected the secondary metabolites in the herbal formula MPhA as well as in fruits extract of Schisándra chinénsis using high-performance liquid chromatography in combination with mass spectrometry. 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. Lignans Schizandrin and Schizantherin A were identified in the MPhA as well as in Schisándra chinénsis fruits extract obtained by the technology developed. The determined secondary metabolites can be used for standardization and quality testing of the herbal formula MPhA. In addition, we performed in silico analyzes of Schizandrin and Schizantherin A biological activity spectra using computer program PASS (Prediction of Activity Spectra for Substances). Schizandrin and Schizantherin A activities, according the scientific literature and in silico analysis, correspond to the properties studied for MPhA which therefore fits into the concept of a drug – homeostasis regulator adaptogen for preventive oncology.