Study on the Blood Components of Bai Rui Granules Based on UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS Technology

Study on the Blood Components of Bai Rui Granules Based on UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS Technology
Bairui granules are a granular preparation composed of single herb Bairui grass, which has the effects of antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, clearing heat and detoxifying, and relieving cough. They are commonly used in modern clinical practice to treat pediatric tonsillitis, bronchitis, and various respiratory infections. The active ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine are mostly transported to the target through blood as a medium (excluding direct action in the intestine and external medication) to exert their effects. Therefore, analyzing the active ingredients in the body after oral administration of traditional Chinese medicine is very important for the study of the material basis of traditional Chinese medicine efficacy. Our research group has previously used liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry technology to systematically analyze the chemical composition of the alcohol extract of Atractylodes macrocephala, and found that there are many effective ingredients in Atractylodes macrocephala, such as flavonoids, alkaloids, and other compounds. Previous literature studies have mostly focused on the chemical composition and quality control of single herbs, lacking research on the blood components and metabolic processes of Atractylodes macrocephala granules in vivo, and the pharmacological substance basis is not yet clear.

The quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry technology, due to its high sensitivity and resolution, can quickly and efficiently analyze the chemical components in traditional Chinese medicine, and has been widely used in the research of the substance basis of traditional Chinese medicine efficacy. Therefore, on the basis of previous research, our research group continues to use the ultra high performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS) technology to analyze the blood entering components and metabolic process of Baisui Granule, which provides a reference basis for the basic research of effective substances, and is of great significance for the quality control and development and utilization of traditional Chinese patent medicines and simple preparations.

This study used UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS technology to analyze the absorbed blood components of Bairui granules. A total of 20 prototype components and 10 metabolites were detected from rat serum. The main components analyzed in the body are alkaloids such as quercetin and sophocarpine, as well as flavonoids such as kaempferol and resveratrol I; The main metabolic products in the body are the oxidation and glucuronidation of kaempferol and the oxidation and hydrolysis of sophocarpine, indicating that alkaloids and flavonoids are the main components entering the body and may also be potential active ingredients for drug efficacy.

Modern pharmacological research has shown that flavonoids and alkaloids have pharmacological functions such as anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, and antioxidant. Previous studies have reported that the anti-inflammatory effect of resveratrol derivatives in Bai Rui Cao is related to their effective inhibition of intracellular reactive oxygen species production and activation of p38 MAPK and activator protein 1. As a natural flavonol, resveratrol has a strong effect in inhibiting inflammatory cell function and suppressing the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. Bairuicao I can inhibit the expression of inflammatory cytokines TNF – α, IL-6, IL-1 β, etc. by acting on the NF – κ B and MAPK pathways, thereby improving pulmonary edema in mice infected with pneumonia. Alkaloids can significantly inhibit the growth of microorganisms such as Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Sophocarpine has strong anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects and can reduce inflammation by inhibiting the NF – κ B signaling pathway. Oxymatrine can exert anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting the NF – κ B signaling pathway and reducing the expression of inflammatory factors IL-6 and IL-8.

In summary, this study elucidated the blood components and metabolites of Bairui granules using UHPLC-Q-TOFMS/MS technology. These compounds may be closely related to the anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects of Bairui granules, which is of great significance for clarifying the material basis of traditional Chinese medicine efficacy and improving the quality standards of traditional Chinese medicine. It provides a reference basis for further understanding its mechanism of action and clinical application.