DCABM-TCM: A Database of Constituents Absorbed into the Blood and Metabolites of Traditional Chinese Medicine

Quality markers of Guchang Zhixie pills based on multicomponent qualitative and quantitative analysis combined with network pharmacology and chemometric analysis

Traditional Chinese medicine Guchang Zhixie pills(GCZX) is one of the famous varieties of "Qin medicine" that has been extensively applied to treating irritable bowel syndrome(IBS). However, despite the acknowledged clinical advantages of GCZX there are significant constraints on its quality control and evaluation. The present study utilized UHPLC-Q-Exactive-Orbitrap-MS to analyze the chemical composition of GCZX. Additionally, network pharmacology approaches were utilized to explore the underlying mechanism by which blood components exert therapeutic effects in the treatment of IBS. Furthermore, the GCZX samples were evaluated for their quality on the basis of the qualitative results obtained from 25 batches of GCZX samples using fingerprinting; subsequently, multivariate statistical analysis methods were employed for further analysis. The results indicated the presence of 198 individual components. Among them, 17 prototype compounds were detected in the serum of rats that were administered with GCZX. The potential therapeutic mechanism of GCZX in the treatment of IBS may be associated with the modulation of the neurological system, the immunological system, and the inflammatory response. Moreover, a total of seven prominent peaks were identified after fingerprint analysis. The range of fingerprint similarity among the 25 batches of samples varied from 0.843 to 1.000. The application of chemometrics analysis successfully facilitated the categorical classification of 25 batches of GCZX into three distinct groups. Seven components hold significant importance and should be duly considered during the quality control process of GCZX. The present study can establish the Q-Markers of GCZX for IBS, thereby providing a foundation for investigating the theoretical underpinnings and elucidating the mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of GCZX in the treatment of IBS.

Elucidating the anti-hypertensive mechanisms of Uncaria rhynchophylla-Alisma plantago-aquatica L: an integrated network pharmacology, cluster analysis, and molecular docking approach

Background: With the increasing global prevalence of hypertension, a condition that can severely affect multiple organs, there is a growing need for effective treatment options. Uncaria rhynchophylla-Alisma plantago-aquatica L. (UR-AP) is a traditional drug pair used for treating hypertension based on the liver-kidney synergy concept. However, the detailed molecular mechanisms underlying its efficacy remain unclear. Methods: This study utilized an integrative approach combining network pharmacology, cluster analysis, and molecular docking to uncover the bioactive components and targets of UR-AP in the treatment of hypertension. Initially, we extracted data from public databases to identify these components and targets. A Protein-Protein Interaction (PPI) network was constructed, followed by enrichment analysis to pinpoint the bioactive components, core targets, and pivotal pathways. Cluster analysis helped in identifying key sub-networks and hypothesizing primary targets. Furthermore, molecular docking was conducted to validate the interaction between the core targets and major bioactive components, thus confirming their potential efficacy in hypertension treatment. Results: Network pharmacological analysis identified 58 bioactive compounds in UR-AP, notably quercetin, kaempferol, beta-sitosterol (from Uncaria rhynchophylla), and Alisol B, alisol B 23-acetate (from Alisma plantago-aquatica L.), as pivotal bioactives. We pinpointed 143 targets common to both UR-AP and hypertension, highlighting MAPK1, IL6, AKT1, VEGFA, EGFR, and TP53 as central targets involved in key pathways like diastolic and endothelial function, anti-atherosclerosis, AGE-RAGE signaling, and calcium signaling. Cluster analysis emphasized IL6, TNF, AKT1, and VEGFA's roles in atherosclerosis and inflammation. Molecular docking confirmed strong interactions between these targets and UR-AP's main bioactives, underscoring their therapeutic potential. Conclusion: This research delineates UR-AP's pharmacological profile in hypertension treatment, linking traditional medicine with modern pharmacology. It highlights key bioactive components and their interactions with principal targets, suggesting UR-AP's potential as a novel therapeutic option for hypertension. The evidence from molecular docking studies supports these interactions, indicating the relevance of these components in affecting hypertension pathways. However, the study acknowledges its limitations, including the reliance on in silico analyses and the need for in vivo validation. These findings pave the way for future clinical research, aiming to integrate traditional medicine insights with contemporary scientific approaches for developing innovative hypertension therapies.

Discovery of the Active Compounds of the Ethyl Acetate Extract Site of Ardisia japonica (Thunb.) Blume for the Treatment of Acute Lung Injury

The objective of this study was to identify and evaluate the pharmacodynamic constituents of Ardisiae Japonicae Herba (AJH) for the treatment of acute lung injury (ALI). To fully analyze the chemical contents of various extraction solvents (petroleum ether site (PE), ethyl acetate site (EA), n-butanol site (NB), and water site (WS)) of AJH, the UPLC-Orbitrap Fusion-MS technique was employed. Subsequently, the anti-inflammatory properties of the four extracted components of AJH were assessed using the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced MH-S cellular inflammation model. The parts that exhibited anti-inflammatory activity were identified. Additionally, a technique was developed to measure the levels of specific chemical constituents in the anti-inflammatory components of AJH. The correlation between the "anti-inflammatory activity" and the constituents was analyzed, enabling the identification of a group of pharmacodynamic components with anti-inflammatory properties. ALI model rats were created using the tracheal drip LPS technique. The pharmacodynamic indices were evaluated for the anti-inflammatory active portions of AJH. The research revealed that the PE, EA, NB, and WS extracts of AJH included 215, 289, 128, and 69 unique chemical components, respectively. Additionally, 528 chemical components were discovered after removing duplicate values from the data. The EA exhibited significant anti-inflammatory activity in the cellular assay. A further analysis was conducted to determine the correlation between anti-inflammatory activity and components. Seventeen components, such as caryophyllene oxide, bergenin, and gallic acid, were identified as potential pharmacodynamic components with anti-inflammatory activity. The pharmacodynamic findings demonstrated that the intermediate and high doses of the EA extract from AJH exhibited a more pronounced effect in enhancing lung function, blood counts, and lung histology in a way that depended on the dosage. To summarize, when considering the findings from the previous study on the chemical properties of AJH, it was determined that the EA contained a group of 13 constituents that primarily contributed to its pharmacodynamic effects against ALI. The constituents include bergenin, quercetin, epigallocatechingallate, and others.