Chemical Characterization and Metabolic Profiling of the Compounds in the Chinese Herbal Formula Li Chang Decoction by UPLC-QTOF/MS

Abstract

Background. Li Chang decoction (LCD), a Chinese medicine formula, is commonly used to treat ulcerative colitis (UC) in clinics. Purpose. This study aimed to identify the major components in LCD and its prototype and metabolic components in rat biological samples. Methods. The chemical constituents in LCD were identified by establishing a reliable ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-QTOF/MS) method. Afterwards, the rats were orally administered with LCD, and the biological samples (plasma, urine, and feces) were collected for further analyzing the effective compounds in the treatment of UC. Result. A total of 104 compounds were discriminated in LCD, including 26 flavonoids, 20 organic acids, 20 saponins, 8 amino acids, 5 oligosaccharides, 5 tannins, 3 lignans, 2 alkaloids, and 15 others (nucleosides, glycosides, esters, etc.). About 50 prototype and 94 metabolic components of LCD were identified in biological samples. In total, 29 prototype components and 22 metabolic types were detected in plasma. About 27 prototypes and 96 metabolites were discriminated in urine, and 34 prototypes and 18 metabolites were identified in feces. Conclusion. The flavonoids, organic acids, and saponins were the major compounds of LCD, and this study promotes the further pharmacokinetic and pharmacological evaluation of LCD.