Abstract
Liquid chromatography (LC) is a common and straight forward approach used in the evaluation of the quality of Traditional Chinese Medicines (TCMs). Quality control is a critical step when systematically assessing the efficacy of TCMs. In the present study, the spectrum-effect correlation method was used to identify pharmacologically active substances. The aim of the present study was to investigate the underlying correlations between common chemical compounds with antipyretic effects and the anti-endotoxin activity of Lonicera japonica. The common chemical constituents of Lonicera japonica were analyzed using LC, and the antipyretic effects and anti-endotoxin activity were determined using ELISAs. Combining the results of bivariate and principal component analysis methods, eight active constituents were qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed. The results of these analyses indicated that neochlorogenic acid, chlorogenic acid, cryptochlorogenic acid and isochlorogenic acids A, B and C served a synergistic role with respect to antipyretic effects and anti-endotoxin activity. The present study lays a foundation for the future clinical use of Lonicera japonica.