Method for rapidly discovering active components in Yupingfeng granules by UPLC-ESI-Q-TOF-MS

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Analytical Chemistry
• Traditional Chinese Medicine

Background:

• Yupingfeng granules (YPFG) are a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formulation used to tonify qi, strengthen the exterior, and reduce sweating.
• The specific active components responsible for YPFG's therapeutic effects remain largely unidentified.
• Understanding the chemical constituents is crucial for quality control and elucidating the mechanism of action.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically characterize the chemical constituents of Yupingfeng granules (YPFG).
• To investigate the in vivo bioactivity of YPFG components following oral administration.
• To provide a scientific basis for the quality control and mechanism research of YPFG.

Main Methods:

• Chemical constituents of YPFG were identified using ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization/quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-ESI-Q-TOF-MS).
• In vivo bioactivity was assessed by administering YPFG to Sprague-Dawley rats and analyzing plasma samples using UPLC-ESI-Q-TOF-MS.
• Flavonoids and saponins were extracted and compared with YPFG in immunosuppressed rats, with analysis via UPLC-ESI-Q-TOF-MS and principal component analysis (PCA).

Main Results:

• A total of 58 compounds were identified in YPFG, including flavonoids, saponins, organic acids, and coumarins.
• Thirteen compounds, primarily flavonoids and saponins, were detected in rat plasma after oral administration, indicating in vivo absorption.
• PCA confirmed that enriched flavonoid and saponin extracts exhibited similar effects to YPFG in immunosuppressed rats.

Conclusions:

• The study successfully identified numerous chemical constituents in YPFG using advanced mass spectrometry techniques.
• Key bioactive components, particularly flavonoids and saponins, were identified and shown to be absorbed in vivo.
• The findings support the use of YPFG in TCM and provide a foundation for further research into its quality control and therapeutic mechanisms.