Evaluation of comparative chemical profiling and bioactivities of medicinal and non-medicinal parts of Ampelopsis delavayana

Ampelopsis delavayana, a distinctive Yi medicine, utilized the roots as an essential medicinal substance for trauma treatment of the "Yunnan Hong Yao". A. delavayana, however, cannot be cultivated artificially presently, and it has been described with a phenomenon of mixed utilization of roots and stems, impeding pharmaceutical quality control. In response to resource scarcity and standardization issues, the research comprehensively compares the material basis and efficacy of medicinal (roots) and non-medicinal (stems) parts by using chemical profiling and pharmacological methodologies. Chemical disparity between two parts was compared by TLC and HPLC. Analgesia and anti-inflammatory capabilities of both parts were comprehensively evaluated through acetic acid writhing test, hot plate test, and xylene-induced mouse ear swelling test. Additionally, all the extracts were evaluated for anti-inflammatory activities by monitoring regulation of the levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IgE in ear tissue. Consequently, the findings of TLC and HPLC revealed substantial similarity in the material basis of the medicinal and non-medicinal parts of A. delavayana, and pharmacological activities of anti-inflammatory and analgesic between two parts were consistent. Different extracts remarkably reduced the levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IgE, demonstrating no discernible differences. Collectively, the comprehensive exploitation indicated that the medicinal and non-medicinal parts of A. delavayana exhibited identical chemical profiling and bioactivities, providing a theoretical rationale and scientific evidence for using stems as a therapeutic part, thereby holding considerable potential for ameliorating the current status of its medicinal reserves.