Excavation of Q-markers from Ba-Zi-Bu-Shen capsule through efficacy evaluation, chemical profile,...

Ba-Zi-Bu-Shen capsule (BZBS), derived from the renowned Wu-Zi-Yan-Zong formulation of the Tang Dynasty, has been used as a kidney-tonifying as well as for the treatment of soreness of the waist and knees. However, there is a lack of quality control methods that can comprehensively reflect the bone regulating activity of the multi-components in BZBS.

This study aims to excavate Q-markers from Ba-Zi-Bu-Shen capsule through efficacy evaluation, chemical profile, three-dimensions overall analysis and anti-osteoporosis bioactivity based on a holistic combinatorial algorithm.

Firstly, the effects of BZBS were evaluated through behaviours, biochemical analysis, bone microstructure in the hydrocortisone induced ovariectomized rat model of osteoporosis associated with kidney-yang deficiency (OKYD). Secondly, profiling and identification of the chemical constituents of BZBS in vitro and in vivo were performed by an efficient interpretation approach with automatic matching software and molecular networking using UPLC-Q-TOF-MS. Thirdly, UPLC-QQQ-MS was used to quantify candidate compounds in 10 batches of BZBS. Then, the absorbed candidate compound-target-pathway network was constructed that implied potential therapeutic mechanisms of the candidate compounds on osteoporosis. Based on component analysis, content determination as well as network pharmacology results, a combinatorial algorithm was established to analyze different combinations of absorbed candidate compounds by using R code. Subsequently, the initial Q-markers were selected by taking regression area in content, structural diversity and osteoporosis target diversity of different combinations. Finally, the Q-markers were confirmed by using the activity evaluation system of osteoblast differentiation and mineralization, and osteoclast differentiation.

BZBS effectively improved body weight, temperature, behaviours, cAMP/cGMP, hormone levels, and bone microarchitecture (bone mineral density, bone volume/tissue volume, trabecular number, trabecular thickness, structure model index) in OKYD rats. A total of 42 xenobiotics (26 prototypes and 16 metabolites) were characterized from BZBS in OKYD rat plasma. Then, 17 absorbed candidate compounds were selected. Comparison of regression area of 131071 combinations from candidate compounds, the minimalist combination of 8 initial Q-markers (hyperin, osthole, epimedin C, icariin, schisandrin, cuscutamine, magnoflorine and 19α-hydroxyasiatic acid) were selected by covering high content, multiple structures and multiple targets (RA≥0.8×RA_max;CV≤10%). Combined the anti-osteoporosis activity evaluation (osteoblast differentiation and mineralization, and osteoclast differentiation), the above 8 components, featured 7 core chemical structures, were identified as Q-markers of BZBS.

This work provided a holistic perspective to solve the quality control of TCM preparations.