Quantitative determination of characteristic components from compound of Lysionotus pauciflorus Maxim. by LC-MS/MS and its application to a pharmacokinetic study

Methoxyflavone glucosides and caffeoyl phenylethanoid glycoside from Lysionotus pauciflorus: their structures and anti-ferroptosis activity

Phytochemical investigation on the aerial parts of Lysionotus pauciflorus Maxim. (Gesneriaceae), a medicinal plant used in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China, resulted in the isolation of 13 secondary metabolites including two methoxyflavones, six flavonoid glycosides, and five caffeoyl phenylethanoid glycosides. Among these, the chemical structures of previously undescribed metabolites (1-3) were elucidated to be nevadensin 7-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-β-D-glucopyranoside (1), nevadensin 7-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 6)-β-D-glucopyranoside (2), and 2-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)ethyl-1-O-β-D-apiofuranosyl-(1 → 4)-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 3)-β-D-(6'-O-E-caffeoyl)glucopyranoside (3) by detailed spectroscopic and HPLC analyses. Inhibitory activity of isolated compounds against RSL3-induced ferroptosis on human hepatoma Hep3B cells were evaluated.

Development and validation of a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method for simultaneous quantification of eight Xiakucao Oral liquid-related compounds in rat plasma and its application in pharmacokinetic study

Xiakucao Oral Liquid (XKCOL) has been widely used for treating mammary gland hyperplasia and goiter in China. However, its pharmacokinetic data have been missing to date. To conduct its pharmacokinetic study, we established an LC-tandem mass spectrometry method for the simultaneous determination of eight XKCOL-related compounds in rat plasma. Liquid-liquid extraction was used for the sampling process. Chromatographic separation was performed on a Phenomenon Luna C18 column with a mobile phase of methanol and 2 mM ammonium acetate, using gradient elution at a flow rate of 0.8 mL/min. Detection was performed in the multiple reaction monitoring mode using negative electrospray ionization (ESI-) with optimized MS parameters. Endogenous substances and carryover did not interfere in the detection of analytes. The calibration curves showed a good linear relationship within the linear ranges. The intra- and inter-batch accuracy and precision were 94.8%-110.0% and ≤11.2%, respectively. There was no significant matrix effect and the recovery was reproducible. The dilution of samples did not affect the accuracy and precision. The solution and plasma samples were stable under the various test conditions. The major components of XKCOL absorbed into the blood were salvianic acid A and rosmarinic acid. They demonstrated linear kinetics over the dose range used in this study.

The mysteries of pharmacokinetics and in vivo metabolism of Oroxylum indicum (L.) Kurz: A new perspective from MSOP method

The pharmacological effects of flavonoids in Oroxylum indicum (L.) Kurz against inflammation, bacterial, and oxidation have been well-documented. Additionally, it is commonly consumed as tea. However, the in vivo mechanism of its main compounds has not been well elucidated. In this study, a highly selective and sensitive UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS method combined with Mass Spectrum-based Orthogonal Projection (MSOP) theory and four-step analytical strategy was established and validated to identify metabolites in rats following oral administration Oroxylum indicum (L.) Kurz extract. Furthermore, a sensitive LC-MS/MS method was developed and validated for the first time to analyze the pharmacokinetics of ten main flavonoids in rats. Notably, a total of 47 metabolites were identified in blood, bile, urine, and feces samples. The maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) values for oroxin A, oroxin B, baicalin, chrysin, baicalein, scutellarein, apigenin, quercetin oroxylin A and isorhamnetin were 2945.1 ± 11.23 ng/mL, 3123.9 ± 16.37 ng/mL, 130.40 ± 27.52 ng/mL, 117.20 ± 28.54 ng/mL, 64.12 ± 19.33 ng/mL, 97.22 ± 24.27 ng/mL, 145.22 ± 29.92 ng/mL, 45.19 ± 18.84 ng/mL, 67.32 ± 15.78 ng/mL and 128.44 ± 26.42 ng/mL. A double peak was observed in the drug-time curve of apigenin, due to enterohepatic recirculation. This study demonstrated that MSOP method provided more technical support for the identification of flavonoid metabolites in complex system than traditional methods.

Network pharmacology to explore the molecular mechanisms of Prunella vulgaris for treating thyroid cancer

BACKGROUND

Thyroid cancer (TC) is the most common endocrine malignancy that has rapidly increased in global incidence. Prunella vulgaris (PV) has manifested therapeutic effects in patients with TC. We aimed to investigate its molecular mechanisms against TC and provide potential drug targets by using network pharmacology and molecular docking.

METHODS

The ingredients of PV were retrieved from Traditional Chinese Medicine Systematic Pharmacology Database. TC-related gene sets were established using the GeneCard and OMIM databases. The establishment of the TC-PV target gene interaction network was accomplished using the STRING database. Cytoscape constructed networks for visualization. Protein-protein interaction, gene ontology and the biological pathway Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes enrichment analyses were performed to discover the potential mechanism. Molecular docking technology was used to analyze the effective compounds from PV for treating TC.

RESULTS

11 active compounds and 192 target genes were screened from PV. 177 potential targets were obtained by intersecting PV and TC gene sets. Network pharmacological analysis showed that the PV active ingredients including Vulgaxanthin-I, quercetin, Morin, Stigmasterol, poriferasterol monoglucoside, Spinasterol, kaempferol, delphinidin, stigmast-7-enol, beta-sitosterol and luteolin showed better correlation with TC target genes such as JUN, AKT1, mitogen-activated protein kinase 1, IL-6 and RELA. The gene ontology and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes indicated that PV can act by regulating the host defense and response to oxidative stress immune response and several signaling pathways are closely associated with TC, such as the TNF and IL-17. Protein-protein interaction network identified 8 hub genes. The molecular docking was conducted on the most significant gene MYC. Eleven active compounds of PV can enter the active pocket of MYC, namely poriferasterol monoglucoside, stigmasterol, beta-sitosterol, vulgaxanthin-I, spinasterol, stigmast-7-enol, luteolin, delphinidin, morin, quercetin and kaempferol. Further analysis showed that oriferasterol monoglucoside, followed by tigmasterol, were the potential therapeutic compound identified in PV for the treatment of TC.

CONCLUSION

The network pharmacological strategy integrates molecular docking to unravel the molecular mechanism of PV. MYC is a promising drug target to reduce oxidative stress damage and potential anti-tumor effect. Oriferasterol monoglucoside and kaempferol were 2 bioactive compounds of PV to treat TC. This provides a basis to understand the mechanism of the anti-TC activity of PV.

UPLC-MS/MS method for the determination of the herb composition of Tangshen formula and the in vivo pharmacokinetics of its metabolites in rat plasma

INTRODUCTION

Tangshen formula (TSF) is a traditional Chinese medicine composed of seven medicinal herbs including Astragalus membranaceus, Rehmannia glutinosa Libosch, Citrus aurantium L., etc. which is used to treat diabetic nephropathy III, IV qi and yin deficiency and stasis syndrome. Most of the studies on TSF are pharmacological and pharmacodynamic experiments. There are few basic studies on its chemical substances, and the effective constituents are not clear.

OBJECTIVE

To analyse the main chemical components of TSF and the absorbed components in rat plasma following oral administration based on liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Moreover, providing a rapid and valid analytical strategy for simultaneous determination of six components in rat plasma and use it in pharmacokinetic studies.

RESULTS

A total of 132 components were identified in TSF, and 44 components were identified in rat plasma after oral TSF, 35 of which were prototype components and nine were metabolic components. A sensitive and reliable LC-MS/MS method was developed for simultaneous determination of six components in rat plasma. The intra-day and inter-day precision relative standard deviation (RSD) was lower than 15%; the accuracy of low, medium and high concentrations ranged from 80% to 120%. The recovery met the requirements and the RSD of the recoveries was less than 15%.

CONCLUSION

A total of 132 components were identified in TSF. The LC-MS/MS quantitative method for the simultaneous determination of morroniside, loganin, notoginsenoside R₁ , ginsenoside Re, ginsenoside Rb₁ and astragaloside IV in rat plasma was established for the first time. The pharmacokinetic parameters are clarified, which can guide the clinical medication of TSF.

Systematic characterization of chemical constituents in Mahuang decoction by UHPLC tandem linear ion trap-Orbitrap mass spectrometry coupled with feature-based molecular networking

Comprehensive characterization of traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions has long been a hurdle due to the chemical complexity and the lack of analytical tools. Mahuang decoction is a well-known traditional Chinese medicine prescription widely used for sweating and relieving the exterior, relieving cough and asthma, but it was insufficiently chemically scrutinized. In this study, the chemical component information of Mahuang decoction was investigated by ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography tandem linear ion trap-Orbitrap mass spectrometry. A new data processing tool, feature-based molecular networking, was introduced for grouping and elucidating the compounds. In this way, 156 chemical components were identified or tentatively characterized, including alkaloids, triterpenoid saponins, flavanone-O-glycosides, flavone-C-glycosides, and procyanidins. Thus, this research provides a solid foundation for further development of Mahuang decoction, and the adopted method is expected to be applied to other traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions.

Global Analysis the Potential Medicinal Substances of Shuangxia Decoction and the Process In Vivo via Mass Spectrometry Technology

Shuangxia decoction is an effective traditional Chinese medicine formula for treating insomnia. Up to now, there has not been any report about the effective substances. An omics data processing method based on mass spectrometry technology is used to explore the chemical composition changes of Shuangxia decoction, the components absorbed into the blood and brain, and to explore the anti-insomnia mechanism based on molecular docking technology. Forty-nine chemical components in Shuangxia decoction have been identified, and 51 new components generated by co-decoction have been discovered. It was found that 7,404 compounds of Shuangxia decoction were absorbed into the blood. Forty kinds of known compounds were quickly identified, and 15 new compounds generated by co-decoction were also found to be absorbed into the blood. By using UPLC-MS/MS method, it was confirmed that 10 compounds were absorbed into the blood and 9 compounds were absorbed into the brain. Furthermore, it is found that rosmarinic acid is mainly distributed in the hypothalamus and striatum, and caffeic acid is mainly distributed in the hypothalamus, striatum, and hippocampus. Molecular docking results showed rosmarinic acid, danshensu, and HMLA with GABAA receptor have excellent binding characteristics, even surpassing the proligand. Danshensu and HMLA with dopamine D2 receptor also showed good binding energy. Our findings will help to further confirm the mechanism of Shuangxia decoction for relieving insomnia, and we also establish a novel data processing method for supplementing the mechanism of the efficacy of other traditional Chinese medicine formula.

The Mechanism of Jian-Gan-Xiao-Zhi Decoction in Insulin Resistant Adipocytes and Its Component Analysis

Background: Jian-Gan-Xiao-Zhi decoction (JGXZ) is a traditional Chinese medicine formula to treat patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The study aimed to analyze the mechanism of JGXZ in adipocytes and detect the main components of the drug in rat serum. Methods: 3T3-L1 preadipocytes were used to establish an insulin resistant (IR) adipocyte model. Lipid accumulation in adipocytes was detected by oil red O staining. After JGXZ treatment, glucose consumption, total cholesterol (TC), and triglyceride (TG) were analyzed using the corresponding kits. ROS levels were measured by flow cytometry. In addition, Western blot was used to assess LKB1/AMPK and JNK/IRS/PI3k/AKT expressions. The main components of JGXZ in rat serum samples were detected by LC-MS/MS using a Phenomenex Luna C18 column, a mobile phase of methanol and 0.1% formic acid solution, and ESI detection. Results: JGXZ significantly decreased glucose levels and adipogenesis, accompanied by decreased IR ( P < 0.01). Besides, JGXZ markedly affected ROS, LKB1/AMPK, and JNK/IRS/PI3k/AKT levels ( P < 0.01). R1, Rg1, paeoniflorin, Rb1, astragaloside IV, and tanshinone could be significantly quantified. Conclusions: JGXZ decreased glucose and lipid synthesis, possibly via the ROS/AMPK/JNK pathway. R1, Rg1, paeoniflorin, Rb1, astragaloside IV, and tanshinone in JGXZ could play major roles in treating NAFLD, which could assist in the study of the mechanism of JGXZ in treating NAFLD.

Assessment of a developed HPLC-MS/MS approach for determining plasma eupatorin in rats and its application in pharmacokinetics analysis

Eupatorin, a bioactive compound extracted from Java tea (Orthosiphon stamineus), possesses potent anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory and vasodilation activities. To date, no pharmacokinetics studies on eupatorin have yet been performed. Here, we established and validated a sensitive and selective LC-MS/MS (liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry) approach for determining plasma eupatorin in rats. Chromatographic fractionation was conducted on a Wonda Cract ODS-2 C18 Column (4.6 mm × 150 mm, 5 μm) with a mobile phase containing aqueous 0.1% formic acid and acetonitrile using a flow rate of 0.8 ml min⁻¹. In multiple reaction monitoring mode, precursor-to-product ion transitions for quantification of eupatorin and the internal standard were set at 343.1 → 328.1 and 252.0 → 155.9, respectively. The intra- and inter-day precision and accuracy were found to be below 6.72% and within ±8.26% in rat plasma, respectively. Meanwhile, all values of the matrix effect, recovery and stability were within the accepted ranges. Furthermore, we carried out the pharmacokinetic analysis using the developed method. The pharmacokinetic study revealed that while the C_max (maximum plasma concentration) of eupatorin and time for reaching the C_max (T_max) were 974.886 ± 293.898 μg L⁻¹ and 0.25 h, respectively, the half-life was 0.353 ± 0.026 h. This study will be of great significance to the research on the pharmacology, clinical pharmacy and drug action mechanism of eupatorin.

Eupatorin, a bioactive compound extracted from Java tea (Orthosiphon stamineus), possesses potent anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory and vasodilation activities.

The development and validation of an HPLC-MS/MS method for the determination of eriocitrin in rat plasma and its application to a pharmacokinetic study

Eriocitrin is one of the major active constituents of lemon fruit, and it possesses strong antioxidant, lipid-lowering, anticancer and anti-inflammatory activities and has long been used in food, beverages and wine.