Identification of Chemical Constituents and Rat Metabolites of Jianpihuazhuotiaozhi Granule by Ultra-High-Performance Liquid Chromatography Coupled With Quadrupole-Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry

Abstract

Jianpihuazhuotiaozhi granules (JPHZTZ) are traditional Chinese medicine formula. An analytical method using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry was established to characterize the chemical constituents of JPHZTZ and determine its metabolic profile in rat urine and plasma after oral administration. A total of 220 compounds were identified in JPHZTZ extract, including 61 flavonoids, 16 alkaloids, 53 organic acids, 31 terpenoids, and 59 other compounds. Among these compounds, 11 were tentatively identified by comparing the retention times and mass spectral data with the corresponding reference standards and the literature; the other 209 components were tentatively identified based on their mass spectra alone. After the oral administration of JPHZTZ extract to rats, 13 prototypes and 54 metabolites were identified or tentatively characterized based on their retention time and mass spectra. The primary in vivo metabolic reactions that occurred after the administration of JPHZTZ extract included glucuronidation, sulfation, hydroxylation, and methylation. The 13 prototypes and 54 metabolites were identified in rat urine and plasma and were confirmed to be the potential active ingredients of JPHZTZ. Our findings provide a starting point for the further elucidation of the mechanism of action of JPHZTZ.