TCM-based new drug discovery and development in China

Mass spectrometry imaging: new eyes on natural products for drug research and development

Natural products (NPs) and their structural analogs represent a major source of novel drug development for disease prevention and treatment. The development of new drugs from NPs includes two crucial aspects. One is the discovery of NPs from medicinal plants/microorganisms, and the other is the evaluation of the NPs in vivo at various physiological and pathological states. The heterogeneous spatial distribution of NPs in medicinal plants/microorganisms or in vivo can provide valuable information for drug development. However, few molecular imaging technologies can detect thousands of compounds simultaneously on a label-free basis. Over the last two decades, mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) methods have progressively improved and diversified, thereby allowing for the development of various applications of NPs in plants/microorganisms and in vivo NP research. Because MSI allows for the spatial mapping of the production and distribution of numerous molecules in situ without labeling, it provides a visualization tool for NP research. Therefore, we have focused this mini-review on summarizing the applications of MSI technology in discovering NPs from medicinal plants and evaluating NPs in preclinical studies from the perspective of new drug research and development (R&D). Additionally, we briefly reviewed the factors that should be carefully considered to obtain the desired MSI results. Finally, the future development of MSI in new drug R&D is proposed.

Polydatin as a therapeutic alternative for central nervous system disorders: A systematic review of animal studies

Polydatin, or piceid, is a natural stilbene found in grapes, peanuts, and wines. Polydatin presents pharmacological activities, including neuroprotective properties, exerting preventive and/or therapeutic effects in central nervous system (CNS) disorders. In the present study, we summarize and discuss the neuroprotective effects of polydatin in CNS disorders and related pathological conditions in preclinical animal studies. A systematic review was performed by searching online databases, returning a total of 110 records, where 27 articles were selected and discussed here. The included studies showed neuroprotective effects of polydatin in experimental models of neurological disorders, including cerebrovascular disorders, Parkinson's disease, traumatic brain injuries, diabetic neuropathy, glioblastoma, and neurotoxicity induced by chemical agents. Most studies were focused on stroke (22.2%) and conducted in male rodents. The intervention protocol with polydatin was mainly acute (66.7%), with postdamage induction treatment being the most commonly used regimen (55.2%). Overall, polydatin ameliorated behavioral dysfunctions and/or promoted neurological function by virtue of its antioxidant and antiinflammatory properties. In summary, this review offers important scientific evidence for the neuroprotective effects and distinct pharmacological mechanisms of polydatin that not only enhances the present understanding but is also useful for the development of future preclinical and clinical investigations.

An alcohol extract prepared from the male flower of Eucommia ulmoides Oliv. promotes synoviocyte apoptosis and ameliorates bone destruction in rheumatoid arthritis

Background

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic systemic autoimmune disease dominated by synovial hyperplasia and bone destruction. The male flower of Eucommia ulmoides Oliv. (EF) has been shown to exert effects on the inflammation caused by RA. However, how EF affects synoviocyte apoptosis and bone destruction on RA have not been investigated thoroughly. The effects of EF on apoptosis of human fibroblast-like synoviocytes-rheumatoid arthritis (HFLS-RA) cells, osteoclast differentiation of RAW264.7 cells, and bone destruction in a collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) model in rats were explored.

Methods

First, the main components of EF were identified by high-performance liquid chromatography. In vitro, we investigated the anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effects of EF on HFLS-RA cells by immunofluorescence assays, flow cytometry, real-time reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), and western blotting; we also investigated how EF influenced the differentiation of RAW264.7 cells into osteoclasts. In vivo, we used a rat model of CIA to investigate the effects of EF on anti-arthritis activity, toe swelling, Arthritis Score, serum levels of metabolic bone factors, and pathologic conditions. Micro-computed tomography was used to scan ankle joints. mRNA and protein expression of factors related to the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) pathway were determined by RT-qPCR and western blotting, respectively.

Results

EF inhibited synoviocyte proliferation and promoted apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. EF inhibited osteoclast differentiation by inhibiting activation of the NF-κB pathway. EF reduced articular inflammation in CIA rats, inhibited the expression of pro-angiogenic factors, and delayed the destruction of articular cartilage and bone. Our data indicated that EF acted via a mechanism related to bone metabolism induced by the NF-κB pathway.

Conclusions

EF exerts a potential therapeutic effect upon RA. Our research will help to elucidate the potential pharmacologic mechanisms associated with the beneficial effects of EF, and provide an experimental basis for EF application in clinical treatments.

Graphical Abstract

Antiepileptic Effects of Cicadae Periostracum on Mice and Its Antiapoptotic Effects in H2O2-Stimulated PC12 Cells via Regulation of PI3K/Akt/Nrf2 Signaling Pathways

Cicadae Periostracum (CPM), a commonly used animal traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), possesses antifebrile, spasmolytic, antiasthmatic, and antiphlogistic effects. In our present paper, we aimed to systemically investigate the antiepileptic effects of CPM in epileptic mice and explore the related molecular mechanism. Pentylenetetrazole- (PTZ) and strychnine-induced convulsion mice were established, and the results showed CPM could prolong the latency of convulsion and death and improve the neuronal damage in the hippocampus of PTZ-induced mice. Furthermore, the H2O2-treated PC12 cells were prepared to explore the possible mechanisms for the antiepileptic effects of CPM. CCK-8 results showed that CPM significantly improved the cell viability of H2O2-treated PC12 cells. Results of the acridine orange- (AO-) ethidium bromide (EB) staining, cell mitochondrial membrane potential (MOMP) analysis, and flow cytometry analysis showed that CPM significantly suppressed the H2O2-induced apoptosis in PC12 cells. In addition, CPM also downregulated the proapoptosis proteins, including Bax, cleaved- (C-) caspase-3, and C-caspase-9, and upregulated Bcl-2. Furthermore, CPM reduced the reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels via increasing antioxidative enzyme activities, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px). Importantly, CPM could increase the phosphorylation of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) and protein kinase B (Akt) in H2O2-induced PC12 cells and can promote the nuclear transfer of the nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and increase the expression of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) in the cytoplasm. In conclusion, our present study suggested CPM possessed antiepileptic effects through antiapoptosis of neuron cells via regulation of the PI3K/Akt/Nrf2 signaling pathway.

Alkaloids in Contemporary Drug Discovery to Meet Global Disease Needs

An overview is presented of the well-established role of alkaloids in drug discovery, the application of more sustainable chemicals, and biological approaches, and the implementation of information systems to address the current challenges faced in meeting global disease needs. The necessity for a new international paradigm for natural product discovery and development for the treatment of multidrug resistant organisms, and rare and neglected tropical diseases in the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and the Quintuple Helix is discussed.

Qihu Preparation Ameliorates Diabetes by Activating the AMPK Signaling Pathway in db/db Mice

PURPOSE

To examine the pharmacological effects of Qihu on type 2 diabetes mellitus using db/db mice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty-seven db/db mice were randomly divided into the following 5 groups: diabetes model control group (DM group; n = 7), administered with the adjuvant 0.3% carboxymethyl cellulose-Na; positive control group (Met group; n = 8), administered with metformin (0.13 g/kg bodyweight); Qihu-L group (n = 7), administered with a low dose of Qihu (0.75 g/kg bodyweight), Qihu-M group (n = 7), administered with a medium dose of Qihu (1.5 g/kg bodyweight); Qihu-H group (n = 8), administered with a high dose of Qihu (3.0 g/kg bodyweight). BKS mice (n = 8) were used as the negative control group. The db/db mice were administered with drugs through oral gavage for 28 days. The random blood glucose levels, glucose tolerance test, bodyweight, food intake, and blood lipid levels of the mice were measured during the experimental period. The liver and pancreas tissues were collected for pathological, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, and Western blotting analyses.

RESULTS

Compared with the DM group, the Qihu groups exhibited decreased bodyweight gain. The blood glucose levels in the Qihu-L, Qihu-M, and Qihu-H were 31.46%, 43.73%, and 51.83%, respectively, lower than those in the DM group. The triglyceride levels were significantly downregulated and the swelling and steatosis of the hepatocytes were significantly lower in the Qihu-M and Qihu-H groups than in the DM group. Qihu downregulated the expression of IL-1β, IL-6, and TXNIP and upregulated the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling pathway in the pancreas and liver tissues of db/db mice.

CONCLUSION

The anti-diabetic effects of Qihu are mediated through the activation of the AMPK/Txnip signaling and the downregulation of the secretion of inflammatory factors in db/db mice.

International Perspectives on Substantiating the Efficacy of Herbal Dietary Supplements and Herbal Medicines Through Evidence on Traditional Use

The efficacy of botanicals in medicines can be substantiated with evidence on traditional use, whereas in foodstuffs, this is often not possible. In Europe, for example, the evaluation and subsequent authorization of health claims on herbal dietary supplements (HDS) have been put on hold by the European Commission. This study aims to analyze the role of evidence on traditional use in international legal frameworks of foods and pharmaceuticals. Both legal sources as well as scientific studies offering insights into these regulatory frameworks were included into the analysis. The international approach toward evidence on traditional use for substantiating efficacy of botanicals varies highly. For herbal medicines, substantiating efficacy with evidence on traditional use is possible in all studied jurisdictions, except for Japan and the United States. HDS efficacy can only be substantiated with evidence on traditional use in India and New Zealand, although the enforcing authorities do not describe which data are required. Australia and Canada regulate botanicals in a separate "borderline" category from foods and pharmaceuticals. Both jurisdictions allow for substantiating efficacy with evidence on traditional use. This study's second objective was to assess the applicability of the international approaches in the European legal framework, in light of the ongoing political debate regarding the use of traditional evidence. Implementation of the analyzed international approaches would require major revisions of the current European legal framework. This review of international approaches might, however, aid in deciding upon future approaches for substantiating health claims with evidence on traditional use.

Antistress Effects of San-Huang-Xie-Xin Decoction on Restraint-Stressed Mice Revealed by 1H NMR-Based Metabolomics and Biochemistry Analysis

San-Huang-Xie-Xin decoction (SHXXD), composed of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma, Coptidis Rhizoma, and Scutellariae Radix, is a representative antipyretic and detoxifying prescription in traditional Chinese medicine. In this study, we investigated the antistress effects and underlying mechanisms of San-Huang-Xie-Xin decoction (SHXXD) on restraint-stressed mice by ¹H NMR-based metabolomics combined with biochemistry assay. A total of 48 male mice (5 weeks old, 18-22 g) were divided randomly into 6 groups (n = 8), including the normal group, restraint-stressed group, vitamin C group (positive drug, 17 mg/kg), and 3-dosage groups of SHXXD (200, 400, and 800 mg/kg). The stress model was induced by restraining mice in a polypropylene centrifuge tube for 6 h every day. The rotarod test was performed, and several biochemical indicators were measured. Moreover, other 24 animals were divided into 3 groups (n = 8) including the normal group, restraint-stressed group, and SHXXD group (800 mg/kg) for ¹H NMR-based metabolomics analysis. Our results showed that SHXXD significantly increased the rotarod time, thymus index, spleen index, and the levels of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and interleukin- (IL-) 2, but decreased the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), IL-1β, tumor necrosis factor- (TNF-) α, corticosterone (CORT), and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) in restraint-stressed mice. Moreover, the contents of eight endogenous metabolites that were changed by restraint stress were significantly reversed by SHXXD. The results of both metabolomics and biochemical analysis indicated that SHXXD (800 mg/kg, p.o.) could improve the biochemical changes and metabolic disorders in restraint-stressed mice by antioxidation and anti-inflammation, enhancing the body's immune function and restoring several disturbed metabolic pathways (i.e., lipid metabolism, glycolysis and gluconeogenesis, inflammatory injury, and energy metabolism). Taken together, these results indicated that SHXXD has a potential antistress effect in restraint-stressed mice and could be considered as a candidate drug for stress-related disorders.

Essential Oils and Their Major Compounds in the Treatment of Chronic Inflammation: A Review of Antioxidant Potential in Preclinical Studies and Molecular Mechanisms

Inflammatory diseases result from the body's response to tissue damage, and if the resolution is not adequate or the stimulus persists, there will be progression from acute inflammation to chronic inflammation, leading to the development of cancer and neurodegenerative and autoimmune diseases. Due to the complexity of events that occur in inflammation associated with the adverse effects of drugs used in clinical practice, it is necessary to search for new biologically active compounds with anti-inflammatory activity. Among natural products, essential oils (EOs) present promising results in preclinical studies, with action in the main mechanisms involved in the pathology of inflammation. The present systematic review summarizes the pharmacological effects of EOs and their compounds in in vitro and in vivo models for inflammation. The research was conducted in the following databases: PubMed, Scopus, BIREME, Scielo, Open Grey, and Science Direct. Based on the inclusion criteria, 30 articles were selected and discussed in this review. The studies listed revealed a potential activity of EOs and their compounds for the treatment of inflammatory diseases, especially in chronic inflammatory conditions, with the main mechanism involving reduction of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species associated with an elevation of antioxidant enzymes as well as the reduction of the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), reducing the expression of proinflammatory cytokines. Thus, this review suggests that EOs and their major compounds are promising tools for the treatment of chronic inflammation.

Internationalization of Traditional/Complementary Medicine products: market entry as medicine

Internationalization of Traditional/Complementary Medicine (T&CM) products is important for initiating and sustaining developments in this field. Particularly for traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs), the global market continues to expand due to an interest in the potential clinical benefits of traditional approaches that are largely considered lower risk and lower cost than many conventional treatments. While the benefits of internationalization hold clear advantages for the business of T&CM products, keeping abreast of regulatory processes in different countries and regions that regularly revise market entry requirements is challenging. At present, the regulations of T&CM products are country specific and largely based on a risk-based assessment with a focus on protecting the consumer. To date, systematic analysis of these regulatory differences between countries and regions is limited. Publically available information about the legal requirements for the market entry of T&CM products were obtained from the relevant regulatory authority’s websites for selected countries and regions (Macau-China, Hong Kong-China, Singapore, Australia, Canada, the European countries and the US). The market entry requirements in terms of quality, safety and efficacy of T&CM products for each country were analyzed and compared. Major differences were identified in the classification of T&CM products, market entry pathways, requirements of compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices; and level of evidence to demonstrate safety and efficacy based on historical use, non-clinical and clinical studies. Variations in the evaluation standards adopted by regulatory authorities pose a number of barriers and opportunities for the internationalization of T&CM products and have great implications for internationalization of TCMs from the sponsors’ and the regulators’ perspectives.

Flavonoids as Therapeutic Agents in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Diseases: A Systematic Review of Preclinical Evidences

Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases are considered the most common neurodegenerative disorders, representing a major focus of neuroscience research to understanding the cellular alterations and pathophysiological mechanisms involved. Several natural products, including flavonoids, are considered able to cross the blood-brain barrier and are known for their central nervous system-related activity. Therefore, studies are being conducted with these chemical constituents to analyze their activities in slowing down the progression of neurodegenerative diseases. The present systematic review summarizes the pharmacological effects of flavonoids in animal models for Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. A PRISMA model for systematic review was utilized for this search. The research was conducted in the following databases: PubMed, Web of Science, BIREME, and Science Direct. Based on the inclusion criteria, 31 articles were selected and discussed in this review. The studies listed revealed that the main targets of action for Alzheimer's disease therapy were reduction of reactive oxygen species and amyloid beta-protein production, while for Parkinson's disease reduction of the cellular oxidative potential and the activation of mechanisms of neuronal death. Results showed that a variety of flavonoids is being studied and can be promising for the development of new drugs to treat neurodegenerative diseases. Moreover, it was possible to verify that there is a lack of translational research and clinical evidence of these promising compounds.

Riparsaponin isolated from Homonoia riparia Lour induces apoptosis of oral cancer cells

Homonoia riparia Lour (Euphorbiaceae) is a known source of herbal medicine in China, and riparsaponin (RSP) is an active constituent isolated from H. riparia. The aim of the present study was to investigate the antitumor effect of RSP on human oral carcinoma cells and its potential underlying molecular mechanism. RSP was isolated from roots of H. riparia and identified using nuclear magnetic resonance. An MTT assay was used to evaluate the cytotoxicity of RSP on human oral carcinoma cells. Subsequently, DAPI staining was performed to investigate the apoptotic effect of RSP. To investigate the potential underlying molecular mechanism of action of RSP, western blotting was performed to determine the expression of cleaved caspase 3/9, B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax), Bcl-2-associated death promoter (Bad), epithelial cadherin (E-CAD), c-MET, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9. RSP exhibited a significant anti-proliferative effect on oral carcinoma cells at concentrations between 10 and 200 µg/ml via apoptosis. Following treatment with RSP (20, 40 and 80 µg/ml), expression of cleaved caspase-3 (P<0.05, P<0.01 and P<0.01, respectively), cleaved caspase-9 (P<0.01), Bad (P<0.01), Bax (P<0.01), c-MET (P<0.01), MMP-2 (P<0.01) and MMP-9 (P<0.01) in oral carcinoma cells was increased significantly compared with the control group, whereas expression of Bcl-2 (P<0.01) and E-CAD (P<0.01) was decreased. These results suggest that RSP possessed notable antitumor activity against oral squamous cell carcinoma by inducing mitochondria-mediated apoptosis.

Rhein and rhubarb similarly protect the blood-brain barrier after experimental traumatic brain injury via gp91phox subunit of NADPH oxidase/ROS/ERK/MMP-9 signaling pathway

Oxidative stress chiefly contributes to the disruption of the BBB following traumatic brain injury (TBI). The Chinese herbal medicine rhubarb is a promising antioxidant in treating TBI. Here we performed in vivo and in vitro experiments to determine whether rhubarb and its absorbed bioactive compound protected the BBB after TBI by increasing ZO-1 expression through inhibition of gp91phox subunit of NADPH oxidase/ROS/ERK/MMP-9 pathway. Rats were subjected to the controlled cortical impact (CCI) model, and primary rat cortical astrocytes were exposed to scratch-wound model. The liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry method showed that rhein was the compound absorbed in the brains of CCI rats after rhubarb administration. The wet-dry weights and Evans blue measurements revealed that rhubarb and rhein ameliorated BBB damage and brain edema in CCI rats. Western blots showed that rhubarb and rhein downregulated GFAP in vitro. RT-PCR, immunohistochemistry, Western blot and dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate analysis indicated that rhubarb prevented activation of gp91phox subunit of NADPH oxidase induced ROS production, subsequently inhibited ERK/MMP-9 pathway in vivo and in vitro. Interestingly, rhein and rhubarb similarly protected the BBB by inhibiting this signaling cascade. The results provide a novel herbal medicine to protect BBB following TBI via an antioxidative molecular mechanism.

Matrine Exerts a Strong Anti-Arthritic Effect on Type II Collagen-Induced Arthritis in Rats by Inhibiting Inflammatory Responses

To investigate anti-arthritic effects of matrine isolated from the roots of S. flavescens on type II collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) in rats and to explore its related potential mechanisms, CIA rats were established and administered with matrine (20, 40 or 80 mg/kg/days, for 30 days). Subsequently, blood was collected to determine serum levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-17A, IL-10, MMP-2, MMP-3 and MMP-9, and hind paws and knee joints were collected for histopathological examination. Furthermore, indices of the thymus and spleen were determined, and synovial tissues were collected to determine the protein expressions of p-IκB, IκB, Cox-2 and iNOS. Our results indicated that matrine significantly suppressed inflammatory reactions and synovial tissue destruction. Matrine inhibited paw swelling, arthritis indices and weight loss in CIA rats. Additionally, matrine decreased the levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-17A, MMP-2, MMP-3 and MMP-9. Matrine also down-regulated expressions of p-IκB, Cox-2, and iNOS but up-regulated IκB in synovial tissues in CIA rats. The results suggested matrine possesses an anti-arthritic effect in CIA rats via inhibiting the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and proteins that promote the NF-κB pathway.

Factors to consider in developing individual pharmaceutical product quality risk profiles useful to government procurement agencies

Governments that procure pharmaceutical products from an Essential Medicine List (EML) bear special responsibility for the quality of these products. In this article we examine the possibility of developing a pharmaceutical product quality risk assessment scheme for use by government procurement officials. We use the Chinese EML as a basis, and US recall data is examined as it is publically available.This is justified as the article is only concerned with inherent product quality risks. After establishing a link between Chinese essential medicines and those available in the US, we examine US recall data to separate product specific recalls. We conclude that, in addition to existing manufacturing based risks, there are two other product specific risks that stand out from all others, degradation and dissolution failure. Methodology for relative product risk for degradation is needed to be developed and further work is required to better understand dissolution failures which largely occur with modified-release solid oral products. We conclude that a product specific quality risk profile would be enhanced by including a risk assessment for degradation for all products, and in the case of solid oral products, dissolution.

Analysis of Chemical Constituents in Wuzi-Yanzong-Wan by UPLC-ESI-LTQ-Orbitrap-MS

Wuzi-Yanzong-Wan (WZYZW), a classical traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) prescription containing Fructus Lych, Semen Cuscutae (fried), Fructus Rubi, FructusSchisandraechinensis (steamed) and Semen Plantaginis (fried with salt), is widely used to treat impotence, sterility, spermatorrhea, premature ejaculation, lumbago and post-micturation dribble. However, the chemical profile of WZYZW has not been established yet. In this work, a rapid and sensitive method for systematically screening and identifying the chemical constituents of WZYZW in both positive and negative ion modes using Ultra-Performance LC coupled with ESI-linear ion trap-Orbitrap tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-ESI-LTQ-Orbitrap-MS) has been developed. Based on the chromatographic and spectrometric data, and referring to the literature, we could tentatively identify 106 compounds, including organic acids, flavonoids, phenylpropanoids, alkaloids and terpenoids. Fourteen ingredients from FructusLych were identified, while 10 ingredients were from Semen Cuscutae (fried), 33 ingredients were from Fructus Rubi, 37 ingredients were from Fructus Schisandrae chinensis (steamed), and 20 ingredients were from Semen Plantaginis (fried with salt). The results may provide essential data for further quality control, pharmacological research and clinical evaluation of WZYZW. Furthermore, this study indicates the developed approach based on UPLC-ESI-LTQ-Orbitrap-MS is suitable for characterizing the chemical profiles of TCM prescriptions. This is the first report to provide a comprehensive analysis of the chemical constituents of WZYZW.

Development and validation of an HPLC-MS/MS analytical method for quantitative analysis of TCBA-TPQ, a novel anticancer makaluvamine analog, and application in a pharmacokinetic study in rats

We have recently designed and synthesized several novel iminoquinone anticancer agents that have entered preclinical development for the treatment of human cancers. Herein we developed and validated a quantitative HPLC-MS/MS analytical method for one of the lead novel anticancer makaluvamine analog, TCBA-TPQ, and conducted a pharmacokinetic study in laboratory rats. Our results indicated that the HPLC-MS/MS method was precise, accurate, and specific. Using this method, we carried out in vitro and in vivo evaluations of the pharmacological properties of TCBA-TPQ and plasma pharmacokinetics in rats. Our results provide a basis for future preclinical and clinical development of this promising anticancer marine analog.

Metabolic pathway profiling of the derivative of important herbal component noscapine

The present study aims to investigate the influence of metabolic behavior by the introduction of bromo atom into the structure of noscapine. Oral gavage of 50 mg/kg bromo-noscapine for 6- to 8-week-old male mice with C57BL/6 background resulted in the detection of the metabolite undergoing cleavage of methylenedioxy group (II), demethylated bromo-noscapine (III, IV), meconine (V), bromo-cotarnine (VI), bisdemethylated bromo-noscapine (VII), and their corresponding glucuronides (G1-G4) in urine, feces, and serum (24 h). In vitro human liver microsomes or mice liver microsomes incubation system can also give the formation of phase I metabolites. Furthermore, the phase I drug-metabolizing enzymes involved in the metabolism of bromo-noscapine was screened. Many CYP isoforms were involved in the formation of metabolite II, and CYP3A4, CYP1A1, CYP2C19, and CYP2D6 were major CYP isoforms. All the determined CYP isoforms showed the catalytic activity towards the formation of metabolites III, V, and VI. The major CYP isoforms involved in the catalytic formation of metabolite IV were CYP2C19, CYP2D6, and CYP2E1. In conclusion, to date, many structural derivatives of noscapine have been synthesized based on the efficiency. However, the metabolic behavior remains to be elucidated, and the present study gave an example through the investigation of metabolic pathway of bromo-noscapine. The introduction of bromo atom into the structure of noscapine did not alter the metabolites profile, but changed the drug-metabolizing enzyme profiles.