A rapid and sensitive UHPLC-MS/MS method for the determination of ziyuglycoside I and its application in a preliminary pharmacokinetic study in healthy and leukopenic rats

Chromosome-level genome assembly of Prunella vulgaris L. provides insights into pentacyclic triterpenoid biosynthesis

Prunella vulgaris is one of the bestselling and widely used medicinal herbs. It is recorded as an ace medicine for cleansing and protecting the liver in Chinese Pharmacopoeia and has been used as the main constitutions of many herbal tea formulas in China for centuries. It is also a traditional folk medicine in Europe and other countries of Asia. Pentacyclic triterpenoids are a major class of bioactive compounds produced in P. vulgaris. However, their biosynthetic mechanism remains to be elucidated. Here, we report a chromosome-level reference genome of P. vulgaris using an approach combining Illumina, ONT, and Hi-C technologies. It is 671.95 Mb in size with a scaffold N50 of 49.10 Mb and a complete BUSCO of 98.45%. About 98.31% of the sequence was anchored into 14 pseudochromosomes. Comparative genome analysis revealed a recent WGD in P. vulgaris. Genome-wide analysis identified 35 932 protein-coding genes (PCGs), of which 59 encode enzymes involved in 2,3-oxidosqualene biosynthesis. In addition, 10 PvOSC, 358 PvCYP, and 177 PvUGT genes were identified, of which five PvOSCs, 25 PvCYPs, and 9 PvUGTs were predicted to be involved in the biosynthesis of pentacyclic triterpenoids. Biochemical activity assay of PvOSC2, PvOSC4, and PvOSC6 recombinant proteins showed that they were mixed amyrin synthase (MAS), lupeol synthase (LUS), and β-amyrin synthase (BAS), respectively. The results provide a solid foundation for further elucidating the biosynthetic mechanism of pentacyclic triterpenoids in P. vulgaris.

Targeting CD38/ ADP-ribosyl cyclase as a novel therapeutic strategy for identification of three potent agonists for leukopenia treatment

Leukopenia is the most common side effect of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. It potentially deteriorates into a life-threatening complication in cancer patients. Despite several agents being approved for clinical administration, there are still high incidences of pathogen-related disease due to a lack of functional immune cells. ADP-ribosyl cyclase of CD38 displays a regulatory effect on leukopoiesis and the immune system. To explore whether the ADP-ribosyl cyclase was a potential therapeutic target of leukopenia. We established a drug screening model based on an ADP-ribosyl cyclase-based pharmacophore generation algorithm and discovered three novel ADP-ribosyl cyclase agonists: ziyuglycoside II (ZGSII), brevifolincarboxylic acid (BA), and 3,4-dihydroxy-5-methoxybenzoic acid (DMA). Then, in vitro experiments demonstrated that these three natural compounds significantly promoted myeloid differentiation and antibacterial activity in NB4 cells. In vivo, experiments confirmed that the compounds also stimulated the recovery of leukocytes in irradiation-induced mice and zebrafish. The mechanism was investigated by network pharmacology, and the top 12 biological processes and the top 20 signaling pathways were obtained by intersecting target genes among ZGSII, BA, DMA, and leukopenia. The potential signaling molecules involved were further explored through experiments. Finally, the ADP-ribosyl cyclase agonists (ZGSII, BA, and DMA) has been found to regenerate microbicidal myeloid cells to effectively ameliorate leukopenia-associated infection by activating CD38/ADP-ribosyl cyclase-Ca2+-NFAT. In summary, this study constructs a drug screening model to discover active compounds against leukopenia, reveals the critical roles of ADP-ribosyl cyclase in promoting myeloid differentiation and the immune response, and provides a promising strategy for the treatment of radiation-induced leukopenia.

Development and Validation of a Novel UHPLC-MS/MS Method for the Quantification of Plinabulin in Plasma and Its Application in a Pharmacokinetic Study with Leukopenic Rats

Plinabulin, a new antitumor drug developed from marine natural products that targets microtubules in cancer cells, is currently being tested in a phase III clinical study. Plinabulin has been clinically proven to be effective on leukopenia. However, to our knowledge, there are no reports investigating the pharmacokinetics of plinabulin in individuals with leukopenia and healthy individuals. In this study, we developed a rapid and sensitive UHPLC-MS/MS method for the detection of plinabulin for the first time. Using a novel cyclophosphamide-induced leukopenia model, we investigated the differences in the pharmacokinetic characteristics of plinabulin between rats with leukopenia and normal rats. Plinabulin and propranolol (IS) peaks were separated by gradient elution for a total run time of 5 min. The methodological validation showed a good accuracy (101.96-109.42%) and precision (RSD ≤ 5.37%) with the lower limit of quantification at 0.5 ng/mL. The recovery of plinabulin was between 91.99% and 109.75% (RSD ≤ 7.92%). The values of the area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC0-t) for leukopenia groups and control groups at doses of 0.5 mg/kg, 1 mg/kg, and 3 mg/kg were 148.89 ± 78.74 h·μg/L and 121.75 ± 31.56 h·μg/L; 318.15 ± 40.00 h·μg/L and 272.06 ± 42.85 h·μg/L; and 1432.43 ± 197.47 h·μg/L and 1337.12 ± 193.56 h·μg/L; respectively. The half-lives (t1/2s) of plinabulin were 0.49-0.72 h for leukopenia groups and 0.39-0.70 h for control groups at three doses, and the clearance rates (CLs) of plinabulin were 2.13-3.87 L/h/kg for leukopenia groups and 2.29-4.23 L/h/kg for control groups. Pharmacokinetic results showed that there was no significant pharmacokinetic difference between the normal group and the leukopenia group. Based on the power model, plinabulin exhibits a lack of dose proportionality over the dose range of 0.5-3 mg/kg after intravenous administration. This study provides guidance for the development of plinabulin as a potential candidate for the treatment of chemotherapy-induced leukopenia.

Drug-polysaccharide/herb interactions and compatibility rationality of Sijunzi decoction based on comprehensive pharmacokinetic screening for multi-components in rats with spleen deficiency syndrome

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Sijunzi decoction (SJZD) is composed of four herbs, namely Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma (RG, Panax ginseng C.A.Mey.), Atractylodes Macrocephalae Rhizoma (AM, Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz.), Poria (Poria cocos (Schw.) Wolf), and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma Praeparata Cum Melle (GRP, derived from Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch., Glycyrrhiza inflata Bat. or Glycyrrhiza glabra L.) based on the compatibility theory of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), which is a classical formula for the treatment of spleen deficiency syndrome (SDS) in TCM. The polysaccharides and non-polysaccharides (NPSs) composition represented by flavonoids, saponins and terpenoids are the important pharmacodynamic material basis of SJZD.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The aim of this study was to investigate the pharmacokinetic characteristics of SJZD in normal rats and SDS rats, and explore the potential interactions between NPSs and polysaccharides in SJZD, as well as the compatibility rationality of SJZD.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

SDS model was established by oral administration of Radix Rhei (Rheum officinale Baill.) extract, loaded swimming, and intermittent fasting. A rapid, sensitive and reliable ultrafast liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UFLC-MS/MS) method was developed for the simultaneous analysis of fifteen representative compounds in rat plasma to investigate the differences in pharmacokinetics between normal and SDS rats. The SJZD-NPS samples were prepared by removing the polysaccharides of SJZD to explore the interactions between NPSs and polysaccharides of SJZD. According to the compatibility theory of TCM, four incomplete formulae of SJZD were obtained by randomly removing an herb (also called 'que fang' in TCM), and their pharmacokinetic differences were compared to elucidate the rationality of SJZD compatibility with oral administration to SDS rats.

RESULTS

The established UFLC-MS/MS method showed perfect performance in simultaneously analyzing fifteen compounds of SJZD in rat plasma. Compared with normal rats, the absorption efficiency of NPSs in SDS rats was lower, accompanied by the prolonged residence time (C_max and AUC_0-t reduced, while MRT_0-t increased). Polysaccharides have the potential to enhance intestinal metabolism of glycosides among these components, thereby contributing to the circulating distribution of corresponding metabolites (e.g. aglycones). Furthermore, the compatibility of the four herbs in SJZD could alter their pharmacokinetic characteristics, and potentially improve the absorption of the effective components of RG and AM, which is in accordance with the principle that "monarch" and "minister" herbs play a major role in TCM. In detail, the improved absorption of ginsenosides was mainly regulated by GRP (the "guide" herb in SJZD), together with the effects of AM ("minister" herb) and Poria ("adjuvant" herb) on the pharmacokinetics of components in GRP, implying that herb-herb interactions existed in SJZD and demonstrated the compatibility rationality of SJZD potentially.

CONCLUSION

This study laid a solid foundation for revealing the pharmacodynamic material basis and subsequent action mechanism of SJZD, as well as provided new insights into the compatibility of SJZD. The comprehensive pharmacokinetic approach adopted in the current research also provides a valuable strategy for TCM formulae research.

Novel chemical-structure TPOR agonist, TMEA, promotes megakaryocytes differentiation and thrombopoiesis via mTOR and ERK signalings

BACKGROUND

Non-peptide thrombopoietin receptor (TPOR) agonists are promising therapies for the mitigation and treatment of thrombocytopenia. However, only few agents are available as safe and effective for stimulating platelet production for thrombocytopenic patients in the clinic.

PURPOSE

This study aimed to develop a novel small molecule TPOR agonist and investigate its underlying regulation of function in megakaryocytes (MKs) differentiation and thrombopoiesis.

METHODS

A potential active compound that promotes MKs differentiation and thrombopoiesis was obtained by machine learning (ML). Meanwhile, the effect was verified in zebrafish model, HEL and Meg-01 cells. Next, the key regulatory target was identified by Drug Affinity Responsive Target Stabilization Assay (DARTS), Cellular Thermal Shift Assay (CETSA), and molecular simulation experiments. After that, RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) was used to further confirm the associated pathways and evaluate the gene expression induced during MK differentiation. In vivo, irradiation (IR) mice, C57BL/6N-TPOR^em1cyagen (Tpor^-/-) mice were constructed by CRISPR/Cas9 technology to examine the therapeutic effect of TMEA on thrombocytopenia.

RESULTS

A natural chemical-structure small molecule TMEA was predicted to be a potential active compound based on ML. Obvious phenotypes of MKs differentiation were observed by TMEA induction in zebrafish model and TMEA could increase co-expression of CD41/CD42b, DNA content, and promote polyploidization and maturation of MKs in HEL and Meg-01 cells. Mechanically, TMEA could bind with TPOR protein and further regulate the PI3K/AKT/mTOR/P70S6K and MEK/ERK signal pathways. In vivo, TMEA evidently promoted platelet regeneration in mice with radiation-induced thrombocytopenia but had no effect on Tpor^-/- and C57BL/6 (WT) mice.

CONCLUSION

TMEA could serve as a novel TPOR agonist to promote MKs differentiation and thrombopoiesis via mTOR and ERK signaling and could potentially be created as a promising new drug to treat thrombocytopenia.

Gender differences pharmacokinetics, bioavailability, hepatic metabolism and metabolism studies of Pinnatifolone A, a sesquiterpenoid compound, in rats by LC-MS/MS and UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS

BACKGROUND

Pinnatifolone A is a typical sesquiterpenoid and the primary active ingredient of Syringa oblata Lindl., has potent anti-inflammatory activity. However, Pinnatifolone A pharmacokinetic and metabolites analysis investigations in male and female rats, as well as its in vitro stability in male and female rat liver microsomes, have not been evaluated and compared.

PURPOSE

To investigate preclinical pharmacokinetic and metabolite in both genders, confirm gender differences, and provide usable information for the development of clinical applications.

METHODS

A quick, precise, and sensitive LC-MS/MS method was created and effectively used to determine the pharmacokinetics of oral (140 mg/kg) and intravenous (6.3 mg/kg) Pinnatifolone A in male and female rats, in vitro Pinnatifolone A elimination studies in male and female rat liver microsomes. Following that, a UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS technique was established to identify the metabolic profiles of Pinnatifolone A obtained from rat plasma and excreta.

RESULTS

In the current study, we established for the first time an LC-MS/MS method for the quantitation of Pinnatifolone A with acceptable linearity and selectivity, recovery and matrix effect, accuracy and precision. The absolute oral bioavailability of Pinnatifolone A was approximately 30.36% in female rats, the clearance (CL) was 20.99±3.33 l/h/kg in female rats and 472.37±437.31 l/h/kg in male rats. This difference in rat genders may pertain to the sex-specific expression of hepatic enzymes as demonstrated in the metabolic stability evaluation in the present research; the male rats exhibited higher CL_int(mic) (158.83±9.57 μl/min/mg protein) than female rats (76.47±7.90 μl/min/mg protein) liver microsomes, indicating higher Pinnatifolone A clearance in male rats. Twenty-four metabolites were detected and identified in female and male rats; N-acetylcysteine conjugation metabolite was the most abundant metabolites in both rat feces and urine. Furthermore, male and female rats had significantly different levels of the N-acetylcysteine conjugation metabolite. Hydrogenation metabolite was particular to female rats both in rat fecal and urine. Glucuronide conjugation metabolite was the predominant metabolite in rat plasma, and its amount in female rats was double that of male rats.

CONCLUSIONS

The present research is the first to report the preclinical pharmacokinetics and metabolites of Pinnatifolone A in male and female rats, confirming the gender-based differences. The findings provide a comprehensive overview for further understanding of the pharmacokinetic and metabolic characteristics of Pinnatifolone A and serve as a guide for its future development and utilization.

Comparison of Pharmacokinetic Profiles of 14 Major Bioactive Components in Normal and Arthritic Model Rats after Oral Administration of Angelicae pubescentis Radix by UPLC-MS/MS

An ultraperformance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) method was established to simultaneously determine 14 compounds of Angelicae pubescentis Radix (APR) in normal and arthritis rat plasma in which chloramphenicol and daidzein were used as the internal standards. After protein precipitation with acetonitrile, separation was carried out on a Thermo Hypersil GOLD C₁₈ column using gradient elution with 0.1% formic acid aqueous and acetonitrile consisting as the mobile phase at a flowing rate of 0.3 mL/min. A Thermo TSQ QUANTIS triple quadrupole mass spectrometer was used to detect 14 compounds in positive/negative ion exchange mode and this study was the first to investigate the pharmacokinetic changes of the active compounds in rats under the pathological state of arthritis. The method was verified and the results showed that the intra- and interday precision, accuracy, matrix effect, and extraction recovery were all acceptable, and the analytes were stable under different storage conditions. In addition, the pharmacokinetic behaviors of the 14 compounds were significantly different in model rats compared with normal rats. This indicated that the pharmacokinetic behavior of drugs will vary with the pathological state of the body, which suggested that individualized and reasonable drug administration plans should be formulated for different pathological states in clinical practice. This study provided a scientific basis and data support for better understanding the pharmacodynamic substance basis and clinical application of APR against arthritis.

Pharmacokinetic Study of Four Major Bioactive Components of Liandan Xiaoyan Formula in Ulcerative Colitis and Control Rats Using UPLC-MS/MS

Liandan Xiaoyan Formula (LXF), a classic Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula, is composed of two Chinese herbal medicines for treating bowel disease under the TCM theory. This study aimed to develop a rapid, stable, sensitive, and reliable method based on ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) to simultaneously determine four major bioactive components of LXF (andrographolide, dehydroandrographolide, 1-methoxicabony-β-carboline, 4-methoxy-5-hydroxy-canthin-6-one) in rat serum and evaluate the pharmacokinetic characteristics of LXF in ulcerative colitis (UC) and control rats. After pretreating by protein precipitation with methanol, separation was performed on a UPLC C18 column using gradient elution with a mobile phase consisting of acetonitrile and 0.1% formic acid at a flowing rate of 0.4 ml/min. Detection was performed on Triple-TOF™ 5600 mass spectrometry set at the positive ionization and multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode. The validated method showed good linearity (R² ≥ 0.9970), the intra- and inter-day accuracy were within ±11.58%, whereas the intra- and inter-day precision were less than 13.79%. This method was validated and applied to compare the pharmacokinetic profiles of the analytes in serum of UC induced by dextran sulphate sodium (DSS) and control rats after oral administration of LXF. The results showed that four major bioactive components of LXF were quickly absorbed after oral administration in both groups, with higher exposure levels in the UC group. This relationship between the active ingredients’ pharmacokinetic properties provided essential scientific information for applying LXF in clinical.

A novel UPLC-MS/MS method for simultaneous quantification of trigonelline, 4-hydroxyisoleucine, and diosgenin from Trigonella foenum-graecum extract: Application to pharmacokinetic study in healthy and type 2 diabetic rats

Trigonelline (TR), 4-hydroxyisoleucine (4-HI), and diosgenin (DG) are the main bioactives of the purified standardized extract of the popular plant Trigonella foenum-graecum L. (TFG), and it has been proven effective for the treatment of various diseases. However, to the best of our knowledge, no study has investigated the pharmacokinetic parameters of purified standardized T. foenum-graecum extract in normal and diabetic Wistar rats. The present study has developed and validated a rapid, reliable, and sensitive simultaneous ultra-performance liquid chromatography MS method to estimate these bioactives. The chromatographic separation was achieved using methanol, acetonitrile, and 0.1% formic acid with the ideal gradient flow system on a BEH Shield RP 18 column. A positive electrospray ionization mode was selected to estimate m/z values of TR (138.14 > 94.63), 4-HI (148.19 > 74.08), and DG (415.54 > 271.33). The method was robust and reproducible over the linearity range of 60-5000, 6-5000, and 15-5000 ng/mL for TR, 4-HI, and DG, respectively. Using this novel validated method, we investigated the pharmacokinetic parameters of bioactives using Phoenix WinNonlin version 8.0 (Certera) in normal and diabetic rats. The assay was successfully applied for the estimation of pharmacokinetic parameters using noncompartmental analysis. This investigation shows that the absorption rate increased, whereas distribution and elimination processes slowed down in diabetic rats compared with normal rats.

Branched-Chain Amino Acids Catabolism Pathway Regulation Plays a Critical Role in the Improvement of Leukopenia Induced by Cyclophosphamide in 4T1 Tumor-Bearing Mice Treated With Lvjiaobuxue Granule

Background: Cyclophosphamide is a common tumor chemotherapy drug used to treat various cancers. However, the resulting immunosuppression leads to leukopenia, which is a serious limiting factor in clinical application. Therefore, the introduction of immunomodulators as adjuvant therapy may help to reduce the hematological side effects of cyclophosphamide. Lvjiaobuxue granule has been widely used in the clinical treatment of gynecological diseases such as anemia and irregular menstruation. Recently, it has been found to increase the function of white blood cells, but its mechanism of action is still unclear. We aimed to reveal the mechanisms of Lvjiaobuxue granule against acute leukopenia by an integrated strategy combining metabolomics with network pharmacology. Methods: Subcutaneously inoculated 4T1 breast cancer cells to prepare tumor-bearing mice, intraperitoneal injection of cyclophosphamide to establish a 4T1 tumor-bearing mice leukopenia animal model, using pharmacodynamic indicators, metabolomics, network pharmacology and molecular biology and other technical methods. To comprehensively and systematically elucidate the effect and mechanism of Lvjiaobuxue granule in improving cyclophosphamide-induced leukopenia in 4T1 tumor-bearing mice. Results: Lvjiaobuxue granule can improve the blood routine parameters and organ index levels of the leukopenia model of 4T1 tumor-bearing mice. Metabolomics studies revealed that 15 endogenous metabolites in the spleen of mice were considered as potential biomarkers of Lvjiaobuxue granule for their protective effect. Metabonomics and network pharmacology integrated analysis indicated that Lvjiaobuxue granule exerted the leukocyte elevation activity by inhibiting the branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) degradation pathway and increasing the levels of valine, leucine and isoleucine. The results of molecular biology also showed that Lvjiaobuxue granule can significantly regulate the key enzymes in the catabolism of BCAAs, which further illustrates the importance of BCAAs in improving leukopenia. Conclusion: Lvjiaobuxue granule exerts obvious pharmacological effects on the leukopenia model of 4T1 tumor-bearing mice induced by cyclophosphamide, which could be mediated by regulating the branched-chain amino acid degradation pathway and the levels of valine, leucine and isoleucine.

A Comprehensive Review of Genus Sanguisorba: Traditional Uses, Chemical Constituents and Medical Applications

Genus Sanguisorba (family: Rosaceae) comprises nearly 148 species, distributed widely across the temperate and subtropical regions of the Northern Hemisphere. Sanguisorba officinalis L. (S. officinalis) has been used as a hemostatic and scald treating medicine in China for a long time. Numerous studies have demonstrated that plant extracts or monomers from S. officinalis exhibit several pharmacological effects, such as anti-cancer, anti-virus, anti-inflammation, anti-bacteria, neuroprotective and hepatoprotective effects. The other species of genus Sanguisorba are also being studied by researchers worldwide. Sanguisorba minor Scop. (S. minor), as an edible wild plant, is a common ingredient of the Mediterranean diet, and its young shoots and leaves are often mixed with traditional vegetables and consumed as salad. Reports on genus Sanguisorba available in the current literature were collected from Google Scholar, Web of Science, Springer, and PubMed. The Plant List (http://www.theplantlist.org./tpl1.1/search?q=Sanguisorba), International Plant Name Index (https://www.ipni.org/?q=Sanguisorba) and Kew Botanical Garden (http://powo.science.kew.org/) were used for obtaining the scientific names and information on the subspecies and cultivars. In recent years, several in vivo and in vitro experiments have been conducted to reveal the active components and effective monomers of S. officinalis and S. minor. To date, more than 270 compounds have been isolated and identified so far from the species belonging to genus Sanguisorba. Numerous reports on the chemical constituents, pharmacologic effects, and toxicity of genus Sanguisorba are available in the literature. This review provides a comprehensive understanding of the current traditional applications of plants, which are supported by a large number of scientific experiments. Owing to these promising properties, this species is used in the treatment of various diseases, including influenza virus infection, inflammation, Alzheimer’s disease, type 2 diabetes and leukopenia caused by bone marrow suppression. Moreover, the rich contents and biological effects of S. officinalis and S. minor facilitate these applications in dietary supplements and cosmetics. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to summarize the recent advances in the traditional uses, chemical constituents, pharmacological effects and clinical applications of genus Sanguisorba. The present comprehensive review may provide new insights for the future research on genus Sanguisorba.

The development and validation of a sensitive HPLC-MS/MS method for the quantitative and pharmacokinetic study of the seven components of Buddleja lindleyana Fort

Buddleja lindleyana Fort., a traditional Chinese medicine, has demonstrated anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antidementia, neuroprotective, antibacterial, and antioxidant effects. Its flowers, leaves, and roots have been used as traditional Chinese medicines. A simple and rapid high-performance liquid chromatography method coupled with mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) was applied in the multicomponent determination of Buddleja lindleyana Fort., and the discrepancies in the contents from ten different habitats were analyzed. The present study simultaneously determined the concentrations of seven chemical compounds of Buddleja lindleyana Fort. extract in rat plasma via HPLC-MS/MS, which was applied in the pharmacokinetic (PK) study of Buddleja lindleyana Fort. A C18 column was used for chromatographic separation, and ion acquisition was achieved by multiple-reaction monitoring (MRM) in negative ionization mode. The optimized mass transition ion-pairs (m/z) for quantization were 591.5/282.8 for linarin, 609.4/300.2 for rutin, 284.9/133.0 for luteolin, 300.6/151.0 for quercetin, 268.8/116.9 for apigenin, 283.0/267.9 for acacetin, 623.3/160.7 for acteoside, and 252.2/155.8 for sulfamethoxazole (IS). A double peak appeared in the drug–time curve of apigenin, which was associated with entero-hepatic recirculation. There were discrepancies in the contents of seven chemical compounds from 10 batches of Buddleja lindleyana Fort., which were associated with the growth environments. Herein, the pharmacokinetic parameters of seven analytes in Buddleja lindleyana Fort. extract are summarized. The maximum plasma concentration (C_max) of linarin, rutin, luteolin, quercetin, apigenin, acacetin and acteoside were 894.12 ± 9.34 ng mL⁻¹, 130.76 ± 18.33 ng mL⁻¹, 77.37 ± 25.72 ng mL⁻¹, 20.15 ± 24.85 ng mL⁻¹, 146.42 ± 14.88 ng mL⁻¹, 31.92 ± 17.58 ng mL⁻¹, and 649.78 ± 16.42 ng mL⁻¹, respectively. The time to reach C_max for linarin, rutin, luteolin, quercetin, apigenin, acacetin, and acteoside were 10, 5, 5, 5, 180, 10 and 10 min, respectively. This is the first report on the simultaneous determination of seven active components for 10 different growing environments and the pharmacokinetic studies of seven active components in rat plasma after the oral administration of Buddleja lindleyana Fort. extract. This study lays the foundation for a better understanding of the absorption mechanism of Buddleja lindleyana Fort., and the evaluation of its clinical application.

Quality control and pharmacokinetics of Buddleja lindleyana Fort by HPLC-MS/MS.

Ziyuglycoside II inhibits the growth of digestive system cancer cells through multiple mechanisms

Digestive system cancers, including liver, gastric, colon, esophageal and pancreatic cancers, are the leading cause of cancers with high morbidity and mortality, and the question of their clinical treatment is still open. Previous studies have indicated that Ziyuglycoside II (ZYG II), the major bioactive ingredient extract from Sanguisorba officinalis L., significantly inhibits the growth of various cancer cells. However, the selective anti-tumor effects of ZYG II against digestive system cancers are not systemically investigated. In this study, we reported the anti-cancer effect of ZYG II on esophageal cancer cells (OE21), cholangiocarcinoma cells (HuCCT1), gastric cancer cells (BGC-823), liver cancer cells (HepG2), human colonic cancer cells (HCT116), and pancreatic cancer cells (PANC-1). We also found that ZYG II induced cell cycle arrest, oxidative stress and mitochondrial apoptosis. Network pharmacology analysis suggested that UBC, EGFR and IKBKG are predicted targets of ZYG II. EGFR signaling was suggested as the critical pathway underlying the anti-cancer effects of ZYG II and both docking simulation and western blot analysis demonstrated that ZYG II was a potential EGFR inhibitor. Furthermore, our results showed synergistic inhibitory effects of ZYG II and chemotherapy 5-FU on the growth of cancer cells. In summary, ZYG II are effective anti-tumor agents against digestive cancers. Further systemic evaluation of the anti-cancer activities in vitro and in vivo and characterization of underlying mechanism will promote the development of novel supplementary therapeutic strategies based on ZYG II for the treatment of digestive system cancers.