Uncovering the Q-marker and potential mechanisms of Qishan Formula for lung cancer based on multi-technology

Abstract Qishan Formula (QSF) is mainly used to treat lung cancer and its side effects of radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Although the clinical efficacy of QSF has been recognized, its mechanism of action and active ingredients are still unclear. This study aims to explore the potential Q-Marker of QSF and reveal its anti-lung cancer mechanism. Firstly, the fingerprints of 10 batches of QSF were established, and the potential Q-markers were screened by chemometrics, then network pharmacology and molecular docking methods were used to explore its anti-lung cancer mechanism. Finally, the potential Q-markers were quantitatively by UPLC-QDA. The results showed that 48 common peaks were identified by the established fingerprint, and calycosin, ginsenoside Rg1, atractylenolide III, atractylenolide I and ginsenoside Rb1 were screened as potential Q-Markers of QSF by chemometrics. Network pharmacology and molecular docking found that the potential Q-Markers may regulate various signaling pathways through targets such as FOS, IL6, EGFR, ESR1, MAPK1, and MAPK3, and play a therapeutic role in lung cancer. Besides, the established UPLC-QDA can also perform quality control for Q-Markers of QSF. This study can provide academic ideas and lay a foundation for the comprehensive quality control and mechanism research of QSF and other compound preparation. Graphical Abstract