Identification of metabolites of Buyang Huanwu decoction in rat urine using liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry

Network pharmacology-guided and TCM theory-supported in vitro and in vivo component identification of Naoluoxintong

Naoluoxintong (NLXT) has been used to treat ischemic stroke (IS) in China for more than two hundred years. However, the pharmacodynamic material basis of NLXT has not been fully studied. Under the guidance of the former network pharmacological analysis, a rapid and reliable method combining UPLC-Q-TOF-MSE with the novel informatics UNIFI™ platform was established which was used to study the composition of NLXT and its prototype components and metabolites in vivo. A total of 102 compounds were identified. 13 compounds were sourced from "Monarch herb", mainly involving flavonoids and their glycosides. 54 compounds were sourced from "Minister herb", mainly involving triterpenoid saponins, organic acids and lactones. 11 compounds were from the "Assistant herb", mostly containing citric acid and esters of citric acid. 24 compounds were from the "Guide herb", mostly including flavonoids and their glycosides, organic acids and lactones. Moreover, 24 prototype components and 30 metabolites were detected, and in vivo transformation pathways for different types of chemical components were provided. This is a comprehensive report on the identification of major chemical components in NLXT and metabolic components in rats by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS combined with UNIFI platform under the guidance of network pharmacology, which is helpful for the quality control of NLXT and the study of quality markers.

Characterization of metabolites of sagittatoside B in rats using UPLC-QTOF-MS spectrometry

Sagittatoside B is one of the principal diglucosides in Herba Epimedii. In this work, an ultra-performance liquid chromatography/quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC/Q-TOF-MS) was applied to the rapid analysis of sagittatoside B metabolites in rats after oral administration. A total number of 17 metabolites were detected or tentatively identified from rat plasma, bile, urine and feces. The major metabolic pathways of sagittatoside B in rats were hydrolysis, hydrogenation, hydroxylation, dehydrogenation, demethylation, decarbonylation and conjugation with glucuronic acid and different sugars. This work revealed the metabolism of sagittatoside B in vivo, and reported the characteristic metabolic reactions of sagittatoside B for the first time. This provided the basis for the further research and development of sagittatoside B, and also provided reference for the metabolism of active flavonoid compounds.

Research progress on pyroptosis-mediated immune-inflammatory response in ischemic stroke and the role of natural plant components as regulator of pyroptosis: A review

Ischemic stroke (IS) is one of the leading causes of death and disability. Its pathogenesis is not completely clear, and inflammatory cascade is one of its main pathological processes. The current clinical practice of IS is to restore the blood supply to the ischemic area after IS as soon as possible through thrombolytic therapy to protect the vitality and function of neurons. However, blood reperfusion further accelerates ischemic damage and cause ischemia-reperfusion injury. The pathological process of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury involves multiple mechanisms, and the exact mechanism has not been fully elucidated. Pyroptosis, a newly discovered form of inflammatory programmed cell death, plays an important role in the initiation and progression of inflammation. It is a pro-inflammatory programmed death mediated by caspase Caspase-1/4/5/11, which can lead to cell swelling and rupture, release inflammatory factors IL-1β and IL-18, and induce an inflammatory cascade. Recent studies have shown that pyroptosis and its mediated inflammatory response are important factors in aggravating ischemic brain injury, and inhibition of pyroptosis may alleviate the ischemic brain injury. Furthermore, studies have found that natural plant components may have a regulatory effect on pyroptosis. Therefore, this review not only summarizes the molecular mechanism of pyroptosis and its role in ischemic stroke, but also the role of natural plant components as regulator of pyroptosis, in order to provide reference information on pyroptosis for the treatment of IS in the future.

Buyang Huanwu decoction improves neural recovery after spinal cord injury in rats through the mTOR signaling pathway and autophagy

BACKGROUND

Spinal cord injury (SCI) refers to the interruption of the tracts inside the spinal cord caused by various factors. The repair of damaged axons has always been a difficult point in clinical treatment and neuroscience research. The treatment of SCI with Buyang huanwu decoction (BYHWD), a well-known recipe for invigorating Qi (a vital force forming part of any living entity in traditional Chinese culture) and promoting blood circulation, shows a good effect.

METHODS

The rubrospinal tract (RST) transection model in rats was established in this study and rats were administrated with low (BL), medium (BM), or high (BH) doses of BYHWD.

RESULTS

Compared with the SCI group, BL, BM moderately, and BH significantly improved the motor function of forelimbs and increased the number of red nucleus neurons in SCI rats. As for the possible molecular mechanism, BL, BM moderately, and BH significantly increased mTOR whereas decreased Beclin-1 and LC3 in the red nucleus.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, low, medium, and high doses of BYHWD could promote neural recovery in SCI rats through improving motor function and neuron survival in the red nucleus. The neuroprotective effects of BYHWD might be associated with affecting the mTOR signaling pathway and autophagy.

A precise efficacy determination strategy of traditional Chinese herbs based on Q-markers: Anticancer efficacy of Astragali radix as a case

BACKGROUND

As a "multi-components and multi-efficacy" complex system, traditional Chinese herbs are universally distributed and applied in treating clinical diseases. However, the efficacy deviation and ambiguous clinical location are affected by different effects and content of components caused by uncertain factors in the production process. It further restricts resource allocation and clinical medication and hinders modernization and globalization. In this study, a precise efficacy determination strategy was innovatively proposed, aiming to quantitatively predict the efficacy of herbs and obtain precise medicinal materials. Quality-markers (Q-markers) characterizing the efficacy are conducive to achieving precise efficacy determination.

PURPOSE

With the anticancer efficacy of Astragali radix (AR) as a case, the present study was designed to establish a methodology for precise efficacy determination based on Q-markers characterizing specific efficacy.

METHODS

Guided by the basic principles of Q-markers, the potential Q-markers characterizing the anticancer efficacy of AR were screened through molecular simulation and network pharmacology. The activity of Q-markers was evaluated on MDA-MB-231 cells, and the content of Q-markers was determined by HPLC. A quantitative efficacy prediction model of the relationship between the influencing factors and anticancer efficacy was further constructed through the effect-constituents index (ECI) and machine learning and verified by biotechnology, which can be directly applied to predict the efficacy in numerous samples.

RESULTS

Astragaloside I, astragaloside II, and astragaloside III inhibited the proliferation of MDA-MB-231 cells and were successfully quantified in AR samples, reflecting the effectiveness and measurability of Q-markers. Gradient Boost Regression showed the best performance in the quantitative efficacy prediction model with EV_test= 0.815, R²_test= 0.802. The results of precise efficacy determination indicated that 1-2-3 (Wuzhai, Shanxi, two years, C segment) sample performed best in 54 batches of AR samples with biased anticancer efficacy. Furthermore, AR samples with higher ECI had higher anticancer efficacy and vice versa.

CONCLUSION

The precise efficacy determination strategy established in the present study is reliable and proved in the AR case, which is expected to support resource allocation optimization, efficacy stability improvement, and precise clinical medication achievement.

Comparative analysis of absorbed ingredients and metabolites, and pharmacokinetic studies of Zhimu-Huangbai herb pair in the plasma of normal and type 2 diabetes mellitus rats by UHPLC-linear trap quadrupole-orbitrap MS and LC-MS/MS

A new rapid ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with linear trap quadrupole orbitrap mass spectrometry method was established for the qualitative analysis of absorbed ingredients and metabolites of Zhimu-Huangbai herb pair, which is used to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus. A total of 16 absorbed ingredients and 11 metabolites were identified in normal and type 2 diabetes mellitus rats, respectively. Such findings indicated that the diabetic model had no effect on the type of components in plasma. Seven absorbed ingredients and 11 metabolites were first identified after the oral administration of Zhimu-Huangbai herb pair. Thereafter, ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with linear trap quadrupole orbitrap mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography-API4000⁺ triple quadrupole mass spectrometer methods were established and validated for pharmacokinetic comparative studies of seven major bioactive components in normal and type 2 diabetes mellitus rats. Partial pharmacokinetic parameters in the plasma of type 2 diabetes mellitus rats were significantly different from those in normal rats. To our knowledge, this is the first comparison of absorbed ingredients and metabolites of Zhimu-Huangbai herb pair, and its use in pharmacokinetic studies between normal and type 2 diabetes mellitus rats. Ultimately, our findings provide insights into the clinical usage of Zhimu-Huangbai herb pair.

Strategies for determining the bioactive ingredients of honey-processed Astragalus by serum pharmacochemistry integrated with multivariate statistical analysis

Honey-processed Astragalus is a widely used traditional Chinese medicine that has a better effect on reinforcing "Qi" (vital energy) than the raw one. A comparative study of metabolites analysis between them in rat serum for finding the bioactive ingredients was carried out using serum pharmacochemistry and multivariate statistical analysis. The blood collection methods and time were optimized first. Then the prototypes and metabolites in serum samples after oral administration were investigated by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry integrated with principal component analysis and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis. The contents of metabolites were also analyzed to evaluate the metabolic profile differences. As a result, nine prototypes and 36 metabolites were identified. Only two prototypes and 15 metabolites were different between raw and honey-processed Astragalus. Their biotransformation reactions contained the process of oxidation, demethylation, and hydrolysis in phase I and glucuronide conjugation or sulfate conjugation in phase II. Most of the detected metabolites were transformed from isoflavones and isoflavanes. Our results expand the knowledge about the influence of honey-processing on Astragalus and suggest the different curative effects between raw and honey-processed Astragalus might due to their therapeutic material discrepancy.

A novel strategy for screening bioavailable quality markers of traditional Chinese medicine by integrating intestinal absorption and network pharmacology: Application to Wu Ji Bai Feng Pill

BACKGROUND

Major components are often used as marker compounds for quality control of traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs). However, these compounds may not necessarily bioavailable and active in vivo, thereby, failing to control the "quality".

PURPOSE

The purpose of this paper is to develop a novel strategy integrating absorption and activity deduced from network pharmacology to identify more reasonable markers for quality control of TCM formulas using Wu Ji Bai Feng Pill (WJBFP) as an example.

STUDY DESIGN

Human Caucasian colon adenocarcinoma (Caco-2) cell transport studies and a bioavailability-enhanced network pharmacological approach were integrated to identify better phytochemical markers for quality control.

METHODS

The absorption of multiple components in WJBFP was evaluated by a Caco-2 cell culture model. Nine databases were used to identify potential targets in the network pharmacology analysis. Cytoscape 3.7.2 was employed for the network data integration, visualization, and centrality analysis. Molecular docking was carried out to investigate the binding affinity of the identified markers to their candidate targets.

RESULTS

The apparent permeability coefficient (Papp) and efflux ratio (ER) of 66 compounds were determined. Five hundred and two putative targets and 187 primary dysmenorrhea (PD) related targets were identified. Twenty-two candidate targets interacting with 20 potential active compounds were screened with the putative PD related targets intersection network using Degree Centrality (DC) ranking. By integrating absorption, 16 candidate targets interacting with 8 potential active compounds were identified. Besides, 53 compounds hitting candidate targets were divided into two classes according to their DC values. Then each of the two classes of DC was stratified into two groups based on the Papp for a total of four classes. Finally, five compounds belonging to Class 1 with higher DC and higher Papp, formononetin, ferulic acid, isoliquiritigenin, neocryptotanshinone and senkyunolide A, were identified as potential bioavailable phytochemical markers for the quality control of WJBFP against PD. Furthermore, molecular docking analysis validated the interplay between candidate targets and marker ingredients.

CONCLUSION

A novel strategy combining intestinal absorption with network pharmacology analysis was successfully established to identify bioavailable and bioactive markers for quality control of WJBFP against PD.

Protective Effect of Buyang Huanwu Decoction on Neurovascular Unit in Alzheimer's Disease Cell Model via Inflammation and RAGE/LRP1 Pathway

Background

The aim of this study was to investigate the protective mechanism of neurovascular unit of Buyang Huanwu decoction (BYHWD) in an Alzheimer’s disease (AD) cell model via RAGE/LRP1 pathway and find a reliable target for Alzheimer’s disease treatment.

Material/Methods

Rat brain microvessel endothelial cells (BMECs) were cultured in 10% FBS and 1% penicillin/streptomycin. The AD model was established by administration of 24 μmol/L amyloid-β peptides 25~35. Different concentrations of BYHWD (0.1 mg/mL, 1 mg/mL, and 10 mg/mL) were added as the drug intervention. The morphology of the cells was observed by light microscopy and the ultrastructure of the cells was observed by microscopy. The inflammatory factors IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and Aβ_25–35 were detected by ELISA. Flow cytometry was used to assess the apoptosis rate. The expressions of RAGE, LRP1, ICAM-1, VCAM-1, Apo J, Apo E, and NF-κBp65 were detected by Western blotting.

Results

The structure of cells in BYHWDM and BYHWDH gradually recovered with increasing dose. BYHWD decreased the apoptotic rate of BMECs induced by Aβ_25–35. The cells treated with different concentrations of BYHWD had significant difference in terms of anti-apoptotic effect. The therapeutic effect of BYHWD on AD was via the RAGE/LRP1 and NF-κBp65 pathways.

Conclusions

BYHWD regulates Aβ metabolism via the RAGE/LRP1 pathway, inhibits vascular endothelial inflammation induced by ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 via the NF-κBP65 pathway, and promotes morphological changes induced by Aβ-induced brain microvascular endothelial cell damage.

Neuroprotective effect of glycosides in Buyang Huanwu Decoction on pyroptosis following cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Buyang Huanwu Decoction (BYHWD) is used in classical traditional Chinese medicine to prevent and treat cerebral ischemia. Glycosides, which are effective components extracted from BYHWD, mainly include astragaloside IV, paeoniflorin, and amygdalin. These glycosides are the primary pharmacologically effective constituents of BYHWD that act against cerebral ischemic nerve injury; however, the mechanism of action of BYHWD is still unclear.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The present study aimed to determine the effect of BYHWD glycosides on pyroptosis after cerebral ischemia reperfusion injury and explore whether its mechanism involves the classical pyroptosis pathway mediated by NLRP3.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 140) were randomly divided into seven groups: sham, cerebral ischemia and reperfusion (I/R), glycosides (0.064 g/kg, 0.128 g/kg, and 0.256 g/kg), BYHWD, and AC-YVAD-CMK (caspase-1 inhibitor). A rat model of cerebral I/R was established via classic middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) for 2 h, followed by 24-h reperfusion. Neurological function was estimated using neurological defect scores. Brain infarct volumes were determined by 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining, and nerve cell damage was evaluated by Nissl staining. Pyroptosis was detected using TUNEL and caspase-1 immunofluorescence double staining. Protein expression of NLRP3, ASC, caspase-1, pro-caspase-1, and IL-1β was analyzed using Western blot analysis.

RESULTS

Glycosides improved neurological dysfunction, alleviated neuronal damage, and inhibited neuronal pyroptosis. The 0.128 g/kg glycosides group showed the most significant effects. Furthermore, we observed that this group showed significant inhibition of the expression of NLRP3, ASC, pro-caspase-1, caspase-1, and IL-1β proteins of the NLRP3-mediated classical pathway of pyroptosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Glycosides exert neuroprotective effects by inhibiting pyroptosis of neurons after cerebral I/R injury. The underlying mechanism of action is closely related to the regulation of the classical pyroptosis pathway by NLRP3.

Buyang huanwu decoction combined with BMSCs transplantation promotes recovery after spinal cord injury by rescuing axotomized red nucleus neurons

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Buyang huanwu decoction (BYHWD) is a classic recipe in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) to supplement Qi and activate blood. It has been used to recover the neural function after the injury of central nervous system for hundreds of years in China.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study investigated whether Buyang huanwu decoction (BYHWD) combined with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) transplantation had synergistic effect on neuroprotection of red nucleus neurons after spinal cord injury (SCI).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Rubrospinal tract (RST) transection model was established and BMSCs were collected. The forelimb locomotor function was recorded using inclined plate test and spontaneous vertical exploration. cAMP level in red nucleus was detected with Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Morphology and number of red nucleus neurons was observed using Nissl's staining. Expression of cAMP-response element binding protein (CREB), ras homolog gene family member A (RhoA) and nerve growth factor (NGF) in red nucleus was detected using immunohistochemistry, qRT-PCR and Western-blotting.

RESULTS

The combination of BYHWD and BMSCs transplantation could improve the forelimb locomotor function significantly and give the red nucleus somas a better protection. Meanwhile, cAMP level, CREB and NGF increased, while RhoA decreased remarkably in the BYHWD+BMSCs group.

CONCLUSIONS

BYHWD combined with BMSCs transplantation had synergistic effect on neuroprotection of red nucleus neurons after SCI; the mechanism may be related to up-regulating cAMP level, activating the cAMP/CREB/RhoA signaling pathway, and promoting expression of NGF.

Screening and Identification of the Metabolites of Water Extracts of Raw and Honey-Processed Astragalus in Rat Urine Based on UHPLC/ESI-Q-TOF-MS and Multivariate Statistical Analysis

Radix Astragali is a famous traditional Chinese medicine and honey-processed Astragalus is a product of Radix Astragali acquired by honey-processing. These two products are widely utilized to treat various diseases. In this study, we screened bioactive components and metabolites of raw and honey-processed Astragalus in rat urine by ultra-performance liquid chromatography equipped with electrospray ionization/quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC/ESI-Q-TOF-MS) combined with multivariate statistical analysis. In total, 62 compounds, including 7 parent compounds and 55 metabolites, were detected and 11 metabolites were characterized for the first time. The identified metabolites indicated that the metabolic reactions of Astragalus in rats included hydroxylation, glucuronidation, deglucosidation, monomethylation, demethylation, sulfation, hydrogenation, and dehydroxylation. The metabolic pathways of raw and honey-processed Astragalus in rat urine also were clarified. Through multivariate statistical analysis of the data of the raw and honey-processed Astragalus groups, we found that 20 compounds were differential components and that 1 metabolite only existed in the honey-processed Astragalus group. The differences in these ingredients between these two groups might provide the basis for interpreting the biologic activity differences in traditional Chinese medicine treatments. Graphical Abstract.

Buyang Huanwu Decoction ameliorates ischemic stroke by modulating multiple targets with multiple components: In vitro evidences

Buyang Huanwu Decoction (BYHWD) is a well-known traditional Chinese medicine prescription which is used to treat ischaemic stroke and stroke-induced disabilities. However, the exact mechanism underlying BYHWD's amelioration of ischaemic stroke and its effective constituents remain unclear. The present study aimed to identify the effective constituents of BYHWD and to further explore its action mechanisms in the amelioration of ischaemic stroke by testing the activities of 15 absorbable chemical constituents of BYHWD with the same methods under the same conditions. The following actions of these 15 compounds were revealed: 1) Ferulic acid, calycosin, formononetin, astrapterocarpan-3-O-β-D-glucoside, paeonol, calycosin-7-O-β-D-glucoside, astraisoflavan-7-O-β-D-glucoside, ligustrazine, and propyl gallate significantly suppressed concanavalin A (Con A)-induced T lymphocyte proliferation; 2) Propyl gallate, calycosin-7-O-β-D-glucoside, paeonol, and ferulic acid markedly inhibited LPS-induced apoptosis in RAW264.7 cells; 3) Propyl gallate and formononetin significantly inhibited LPS-induced NO release; 4) Hydroxysafflor yellow A and inosine protected PC12 cells against the injuries caused by glutamate; and 5) Formononetin, astragaloside IV, astraisoflavan-7-O-β-D-glucoside, inosine, paeoniflorin, ononin, paeonol, propyl gallate, ligustrazine, and ferulic acid significantly suppressed the constriction of the thoracic aorta induced by KCl in rats. In conclusion, the results from the present study suggest that BYHWD exerts its ischaemic stroke ameliorating activities by modulating multiple targets with multiple components.

Rapid Screening of Chemical Constituents in Rhizoma Anemarrhenae by UPLC-Q-TOF/MS Combined with Data Postprocessing Techniques

Rhizoma Anemarrhenae, a famous traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), is the dried rhizome of Anemarrhena asphodeloides Bge. (Anemarrhena Bunge of Liliaceae). The medicine presents anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, sedative, and diuretic effects. The chemical constituents of Rhizoma Anemarrhenae are complex and diverse, mainly including steroidal saponins, flavonoids, phenylpropanoids, benzophenones, and alkaloids. In this study, UPLC-Q-TOF/MS was used in combination with data postprocessing techniques, including characteristic fragments filter and neutral loss filter, to rapidly classify and identify the five types of substances in Rhizoma Anemarrhenae. On the basis of numerous literature reviews and according to the corresponding characteristic fragments produced by different types of compounds in combination with neutral loss filtering, we summarized the fragmentation patterns of the main five types of compounds and successfully screened and identified 32 chemical constituents in Rhizoma Anemarrhenae. The components included 18 steroidal saponins, 6 flavonoids, 4 phenylpropanoids, 2 alkaloids, and 2 benzophenones. The method established in this study provided necessary data for the study on the pharmacological effects of Rhizoma Anemarrhenae and also provided the basis for the chemical analysis and quality control of TCMs to promote the development of a method for chemical research on TCMs.

Pharmacokinetics and metabolism of olerciamide A from Portulaca oleracea L. in rats by UHPLC-UV and UHPLC-ESI-Q-TOF/MS

The aim of this study was to elucidate the pharmacokinetics of olerciamide A in rats after oral and intravenous administration of Portulaca oleracea L. extract by a simple and rapid ultra high-performance liquid chromatography method with bergapten as internal standard. The pharmacokinetic results indicated that olerciamide A was rapidly distributed with a time to peak concentration of 30 min after oral administration and presented a low oral absolute bioavailability of 4.57%. The metabolism of olerciamide A in rats was also investigated using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography electrospray coupled with quadrupole-time of flight mass spectrometry to elucidate the reason for the low absolute bioavailability of olerciamide A and seven metabolites of oleraciamide A were found in rat plasma and urine.

Identification of allocryptopine and protopine metabolites in rat liver S9 by high-performance liquid chromatography/quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry

RATIONALE

Allocryptopine (AL) and protopine (PR) have been extensively studied because of their anti-parasitic, anti-arrhythmic, anti-thrombotic, anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial activity. However, limited information on the pharmacokinetics and metabolism of AL and PR has been reported. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to investigate the in vitro metabolism of AL and PR in rat liver S9 using a rapid and accurate high-performance liquid chromatography/quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (HPLC/QqTOFMS) method.

METHODS

The incubation mixture was processed with 15% trichloroacetic acid (TCA). Multiple scans of AL and PR metabolites and accurate mass measurements were automatically performed simultaneously through data-dependent acquisition in only a 30-min analysis. The structural elucidations of these metabolites were performed by comparing their changes in accurate molecular masses and product ions with those of the precursor ion or metabolite.

RESULTS

Eight and five metabolites of AL and PR were identified in rat liver S9, respectively. Among these metabolites, seven and two metabolites of AL and PR were identified in the first time, respectively. The demethylenation of the 2,3-methylenedioxy, the demethylation of the 9,10-vicinal methoxyl group and the 2,3-methylenedioxy group were the main metabolic pathways of AL and PR in liver S9, respectively. In addition, the cleavage of the methylenedioxy group of the drugs and subsequent methylation or O-demethylation were also the common metabolic pathways of drugs in liver S9. In addition, the hydroxylation reaction was also the metabolic pathway of AL.

CONCLUSIONS

This was the first investigation of in vitro metabolism of AL and PR in rat liver S9. The detailed structural elucidations of AL and PR metabolites were performed using a rapid and accurate HPLC/QqTOFMS method. The metabolic pathways of AL and PR in rat were tentatively proposed based on these characterized metabolites and early reports. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Identification of absorbed constituents and metabolites in rat plasma after oral administration of Shen-Song-Yang-Xin using ultra-performance liquid chromatography combined with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry

In this study, a rapid and sensitive method by ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry, and Metabolynx(TM) software with mass defect filter technique was developed for screening and identification of the metabolites in rat plasma after oral administration of Shen-Song-Yang-Xin capsule (SSYX). A total of 92 SSYX-related xenobiotics were identified or characterized, including 45 prototypes and 47 metabolites. The results indicated that the absorbed constituents and metabolites mainly came from benzocyclooctadiene lignans, tanshinones, isoquinoline alkaloids and triterpenic acids, while phase I reactions (e.g. hydrogenation, hydroxylation, demethylation) and phase II reaction (glucuronidation) were the main metabolic pathways of these ingredients in SSYX. This is the first study on metabolic profiling of SSYX in rat plasma after oral administration. Furthermore, these findings provide useful information on the potential bioactive compounds, and enhance our understanding of the action mechanism of SSYX.

Concurrent quantification and comparative pharmacokinetic analysis of bioactive compounds in the Herba Ephedrae-Semen Armeniacae Amarum herb pair

The Mahuang-Xingren herb-pair (MX), the combination of Herba Ephedrae (Mahuang in Chinese) and Semen Armeniacae Amarum (Xingren in Chinese), is a classical combination used in traditional Chinese Medicine to treat asthma and bronchitis. A simple and reliable ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method was developed to simultaneously quantify and compare the pharmacokinetics of 5 ephedra alkaloids and epimers of amygdalin and prunasin in rat plasma after oral administration of Mahuang, Xingren, and MX aqueous extracts. Samples were pretreated by a single-step protein precipitation with acetonitrile, and diphenhydramine hydrochloride and puerarin were used as internal standards. Pharmacokinetic parameters were investigated using DAS 3.2.2 (Mathematical Pharmacology Professional Committee of China, Shanghai, China). The validated method demonstrated adequate sensitivity, selectivity, and process efficiency for the bioanalysis of 8 compounds, including 3 pairs of epimers. MX administration improved the bioavailability of amygdalin and prunasin. Furthermore, MX facilitated intake of lower doses of ephedra alkaloids and increased elimination rates in comparison with Mahuang alone. These results illustrate the rationale behind the preferred use of the combination of Mahuang and Xingren. To our knowledge, this is the first report of stereo-selective metabolism of amygdalin. Further, the metabolic mechanism underlying this phenomenon merits future research attention.

Identification and pharmacokinetics of the major constituents of Fugan Fang in rat plasma

The major constituents and their pharmacokinetics of FGF, an TCM prescribed for the treatment of hepatic diseases in rat plasma.

Profiling the metabolism of astragaloside IV by ultra performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole/time-of-flight mass spectrometry

Astragaloside IV is a compound isolated from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Astragalus membranaceus, that has been reported to have bioactivities against cardiovascular disease and kidney disease. There is limited information on the metabolism of astragaloside IV, which impedes comprehension of its biological actions and pharmacology. In the present study, an ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole/time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS)-based approach was developed to profile the metabolites of astragaloside IV in rat plasma, bile, urine and feces samples. Twenty-two major metabolites were detected. The major components found in plasma, bile, urine and feces included the parent chemical and phases I and II metabolites. The major metabolic reactions of astragaloside IV were hydrolysis, glucuronidation, sulfation and dehydrogenation. These results will help to improve understanding the metabolism and reveal the biotransformation profiling of astragaloside IV in vivo. The metabolic information obtained from our study will guide studies into the pharmacological activity and clinical safety of astragaloside IV.

An integrated strategy based on UPLC-DAD-QTOF-MS for metabolism and pharmacokinetic studies of herbal medicines: Tibetan "Snow Lotus" herb (Saussurea laniceps), a case study

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Saussurea laniceps Hand.-Mazz. (SL) has long been used under the herbal name Tibetan "Snow Lotus" for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, stomachache and dysmenorrhea in Tibetan folk medicine. Since herbal medicine (HM) is a synergistical system with multiple components, both of the metabolism and pharmacokinetic studies of HM are interdependent. This study aimed to develop an integrated strategy based on the UPLC-DAD-QTOF-MS technique for metabolism and pharmacokinetic studies of HM.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

SL was used here as a test herb to verify the feasibility of the proposed strategy. SL was administered to rats, then, the blood plasma, urine and feces were analyzed to determine the metabolic profiles. Using our strategy, umbelliferone and scopoletin were evaluated to be the key bioactive components. Their pharmacokinetic parameters were measured and biotransformation pathways were elucidated.

RESULTS

After oral administration of SL to rats, 17 components in blood, 10 components in urine and 2 components in feces were identified and characterized using our UPLC-DAD-QTOF-MS method. Umbelliferone, scopoletin and their metabolites were found to be the major components involved in the metabolism process. Literature reports also suggest that umbelliferone and scopoletin are responsible for the therapeutic effects of SL, thus these two components were selected as the active markers for pharmacokinetic study. In the test of validity, the established method presented good linearity with R(2)>0.99. The relative standard deviation value was below 13.9% for precision, and recovery studies for accuracy were found to be within the range 91.8-112.5%.

CONCLUSION

The present strategy offers, simultaneously, precision in quantitative analysis (metabolism study) and accuracy in quantitative analysis (pharmacokinetic study) with greater efficiency and less costs, which is therefore reliably used for integrated metabolism and pharmacokinetic studies of HM.

Chemical profile analysis and comparison of two versions of the classic TCM formula Danggui Buxue Tang by HPLC-DAD-ESI-IT-TOF-MSn

Danggui Buxue Tang (DBT) is a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) formula primarily used to treat symptoms associated with menopause in women. Usually, DBT is composed of one portion of Radix Angelicae Sinensis (RAS) and five portions of Radix Astragali (RA). Clinically, Radix Hedysari (RH) is sometimes used by TCM physicians to replace RA in DBT. In order to verity whether the chemical constituents of the DBT1 (RA:RAS = 5:1, w/w) and DBT2 (RH:RAS = 5:1, w/w) share similarities the chemical profiles of the two DBTs crude extracts and urine samples were analyzed and compared with the aid of HPLC-DAD-ESI-IT-TOF-MSⁿ, which determines the total ion chromatogram (TIC) and multi-stage mass spectra (MSⁿ). Then, the DBT1 and DBT2 were identified and compared on the basis of the TIC and the MSⁿ. In the first experiment (with crude extracts), 69 compounds (C1–C69) were identified from the DBT1; 46 compounds (c1–c46) were identified from the DBT2. In the second experiment(with urine samples), 44 compounds (M1–M44) were identified from the urine samples of rats that had been administered DBT1, and 34 compounds (m1–m34) were identified from the urine samples of rats that had been administered DBT2. Identification and comparison of the chemical compositions were carried out between the DBT1 and DBT2 of the crude extracts and urine samples respectively. Our results showed that the two crude extracts of the DBTs have quite different chemical profiles. The reasons for their differences were that the special astragalosides in DBT1 and the isoflavonoid glycosides formed the malonic acid esters undergo single esterification and acetyl esters undergo acetylation in DBT1. In contrast, the urine from DBT1-treated rats strongly resembled that of DBT2-treated rats. These metabolites originate mainly from formononetin, calycosin and their related glycosides, and they were formed mainly by the metabolic process of reduction, deglycosylation, demethylation, hydrogenation and sulfation. The HPLC-DAD-ESI-IT-TOF-MSⁿ method was successfully applied for the rapid chemical profiles evaluation of two DBTs and their related urine samples.

Characterization of metabolites of 20(S)-protopanaxadiol in rats using ultra-performance liquid chromatography/quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry

In this study, ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC)/quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (QTOF-MS) was applied to the rapid analysis of 20(S)-protopanaxadiol (PPD) metabolites in rats after oral administration, enabling the structural characterization of 23 metabolites in plasma, bile, urine, and feces. 16 of these, including M1-M5, M9, and M11-M15, have not been previously reported. The results also indicated that demethylation, dehydration, dehydrogenation, oxidation, deoxidation, and glucuronidation were the major metabolic reactions of PPD in vivo. This study provides important information about the metabolism of PPD which will be helpful for fully understanding its mechanism of action. Furthermore, structural modification of PPD in vivo may aid in obtaining new chemical derivatives for pharmacological screening.