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Guan Y, Yang B, Zeng J, Mo Y, Wu X, Yang Y, Feng L, Jia X. A novel strategy for the multi-components division and discovering pharmacodynamic material basis of Chinese herbal compounds: A case study of Xian-Ling-Gu-Bao capsule. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2024; 243:116112. [PMID: 38513502 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2024.116112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
The therapeutic effects of Chinese herbal compounds are often achieved through the synergistic interactions of multiple ingredients. However, current research predominantly focuses on individual ingredients, neglecting the holistic nature of Chinese herbal compounds. This study proposes a novel strategy to elucidate the pharmacodynamic material basis of Chinese herbal compounds based on their multi-components (components named 'ZuFen' in China, it refers to multiple ingredients with similar chemical structures) composition, using the Xian-Ling-Gu-Bao (XLGB) capsule as a case study. Cheminformatics-based components partitioning was conducted after sourcing ingredients from various databases, resulting in a total of 856 ingredients which were categorized into nine major components. Furthermore, the pharmacodynamic ingredients of XLGB capsule were determined by analyzing the ingredients that were absorbed into the bloodstream. Through a combination of these ingredients and screening for absorption, the Dipsacus asper saponin components, Psoralea corylifolia coumarin components, and Epimedium flavonoid polyglycosides components were isolated. The anti-osteoporosis efficacy of these components were evaluated in zebrafish, demonstrating their capability to reverse mineralization reduction caused by prednisolone. These findings further support the idea that these components serve as the material basis for the pharmacological efficacy of XLGB capsule. This study provides a novel systematic strategy for discovering the pharmacodynamic material basis of the efficacy of Chinese herbal compounds based on a 'multi-components' perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxin Guan
- School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, PR China
| | - Bing Yang
- School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, PR China
| | - Jingqi Zeng
- School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, PR China
| | - Yulin Mo
- School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, PR China
| | - Xiaochun Wu
- School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, PR China
| | - Yanjun Yang
- School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, PR China
| | - Liang Feng
- School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, PR China.
| | - Xiaobin Jia
- School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, PR China.
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He L, Chen C, Duan S, Li Y, Li C, Yao X, Gonzalez FJ, Qin Z, Yao Z. Inhibition of estrogen sulfation by Xian-Ling-Gu-Bao capsule. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2023; 225:106182. [PMID: 36152789 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2022.106182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Xian-Ling-Gu-Bao capsule (XLGB) is a widely prescribed traditional Chinese medicine used for the treatment of osteoporosis. However, it significantly elevates levels of serum estrogens. Here we aimed to assess the dominant contributors of sulfotransferase (SULT) enzymes to the sulfation of estrogens and identify the effective inhibitors of this pathway in XLGB. First, estrone, 17β-estradiol, and estriol underwent sulfation in human liver S9 extracts. Phenotyping reactions and enzyme kinetics assays revealed that SULT1A1, 1A2, 1A3, 1C4, 1E1, and 2A1 all participated in estrogen sulfation, with SULT1E1 and 1A1 as the most important contributors. The incubation system for these two active enzymes were optimized with Tris-HCl buffer, DL-Dithiothreitol (DTT), MgCl2, adenosine 3'-phosphate 5'-phosphosulfate (PAPS), protein concentration, and incubation time. Then, 29 compounds in XLGB were selected to investigate their inhibitory effects and mechanisms against SULT1E1 and 1A1 through kinetic modelling. Moreover, in silico molecular docking was used to validate the obtained results. And finally, the prenylated flavonoids (isobavachin, neobavaisoflavone, etc.) from Psoralea corylifolia L., prenylated flavanols (icariside II) from Epimedium brevicornu Maxim., tanshinones (dihydrotanshinone, tanshinone II-A,) from Salvia miltiorrhiza Bge., and others (corylifol A, corylin) were identified as the most potent inhibitors of estrogen sulfation. Taken together, these findings provide insights into the understanding regioselectivity of estrogen sulfation and identify the effective components of XLGB responsible for the promotion of estrogen levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liangliang He
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Chanjuan Chen
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Shuyi Duan
- Department of Pharmacology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Yang Li
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Chuan Li
- State key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Xinsheng Yao
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Development Ministry of PR China, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Frank J Gonzalez
- Laboratory of Metabolism, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Zifei Qin
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; Department of Pharmacology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China.
| | - Zhihong Yao
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; State key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China; International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Development Ministry of PR China, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China.
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Qiu ZC, Tang XY, Wu QC, Tang ZL, Wong MS, Chen JX, Yao XS, Dai Y. A new strategy for discovering effective substances and mechanisms of traditional Chinese medicine based on standardized drug containing plasma and the absorbed ingredients composition, a case study of Xian-Ling-Gu-Bao capsules. J Ethnopharmacol 2021; 279:114396. [PMID: 34246738 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2021.114396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Revised: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE The overall therapeutic effect of traditional Chinese medicine formulae (TCMF) was achieved by the interactions of multiple components with multiple targets. However, current pharmacology research strategies have struggled to identify effective substance groups and encountered challenges in elucidating the underlying mechanisms of TCMF. AIM In this study, a comprehensive strategy was proposed and applied to elucidate the interactions of the multiple components that underlie the functions of the famous TCMF: Xian-Ling-Gu-Bao (XLGB) capsule on bone metabolism in vivo and to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of XLGB on bone cells, especially on osteoblasts. METHODS The efficacy of XLGB in the protection against bones loss in ovariectomized (OVX) rats was confirmed by Micro-CT analysis. The anti-osteoporosis mechanism involved in the systemic regulatory actions of XLGB was elucidated by transcriptome sequencing analysis on bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells isolated from OVX rats. Moreover, the components absorbed in XLGB-treated plasma were characterized by mass spectrometry analysis, and subsequently, a standardized preparation process of drug-containing plasma was established. The synergistic osteogenic effect of the multiple components in plasma was investigated by a combination and then knockout of components using pre-osteoblast MC3T3-E1 cells. In order to decipher the underlying mechanism of XLGB, the targets of the absorbed components on bone were predicted by target prediction and network pharmacology analysis, then several interactions were validated by biochemical and cell-based assay. RESULTS A total of 18 genes, including HDC, CXCL1/2, TNF, IL6 and Il1b, were newly found to be the major target genes regulated by XLGB. Interestingly, we found that a combination of the three absorbed components, i.e. MSP, rather than their single form at the same concentration, stimulated the formation of calcified nodules in MC3T3-E1 cells, suggesting a synergistic effect of these components. Besides, target prediction and experimental validation confirmed the binding affinity of corylin and icaritin for estrogen receptor α and β, the inhibitory activity of isobavachin and isobavachalcone on glycogen synthase kinase-3β, and the inhibitory activity of isobavachalcone on cathepsin K. The cell-based assay further confirmed the result of the biochemical assay. A network that integrated absorbed components of XLGB-targets-perturbation genes-pathways against osteoporosis was established. CONCLUSION Our current study provides a new systemic strategy for discovering active ingredient groups of TCM formulae and understanding their underlying mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zuo-Cheng Qiu
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Formula-Pattern of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Formula-Pattern Research Center, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Xi-Yang Tang
- College of Pharmacy and International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Development of Chinese Ministry of Education, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, PR China
| | - Qing-Chang Wu
- College of Pharmacy and International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Development of Chinese Ministry of Education, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, PR China
| | - Zi-Ling Tang
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Formula-Pattern of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Formula-Pattern Research Center, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Man-Sau Wong
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, PR China
| | - Jia-Xu Chen
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Formula-Pattern of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Formula-Pattern Research Center, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
| | - Xin-Sheng Yao
- College of Pharmacy and International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Development of Chinese Ministry of Education, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, PR China.
| | - Yi Dai
- College of Pharmacy and International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Development of Chinese Ministry of Education, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, PR China.
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Yao ZH, Qin ZF, Cheng H, Wu XM, Dai Y, Wang XL, Qin L, Ye WC, Yao XS. Simultaneous Quantification of Multiple Representative Components in the Xian-Ling-Gu-Bao Capsule by Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography Coupled with Quadrupole Time-of-Flight Tandem Mass Spectrometry. Molecules 2017; 22:E927. [PMID: 28574448 DOI: 10.3390/molecules22060927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2017] [Revised: 05/25/2017] [Accepted: 06/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Xian-Ling-Gu-Bao capsule (XLGB), a famous traditional Chinese medicine prescription, is extensively used for the treatment of osteoporosis in China. However, few studies on the holistic quality control of XLGB have been reported. In this study, a reliable method using 18 representative components in XLGB was successfully established and applied to evaluate 34 batches of XLGB samples by ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC/Q-TOF-MS). The choice of quantitative markers mostly followed four principles, i.e., absorbed components in plasma, bioactive compounds with in vitro anti-osteoporosis activity, those derived from multiple individual medicinal herbs in XLGB with multiple representative structure types, and quantitative chemical markers in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia. The results showed chemical consistency was good except for individual batches. Multivariate statistical analysis indicated that asperosaponin VI from Radix Dipsaci, epimedin C, magnoflorine, and icariin from Herba Epimedii as well as timosaponin BII from Rhizoma Anemarrhenae varied significantly in multiple samples, which hinted an assay for these four components should be completed during all of the manufacturing processes. Taken together, this study provided a feasible method for holistic quality control of XLGB by multiple chemical markers, which could play a vital role in guaranteeing the safety, effectiveness, and controllability of administering the capsules as a medication in clinics.
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Yao ZH, Qin ZF, He LL, Wang XL, Dai Y, Qin L, Gonzalez FJ, Ye WC, Yao XS. Identification, bioactivity evaluation and pharmacokinetics of multiple components in rat serum after oral administration of Xian-Ling-Gu-Bao capsule by ultra performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci 2017; 1041-1042:104-12. [PMID: 28033584 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2016.12.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2016] [Revised: 12/10/2016] [Accepted: 12/18/2016] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
The Xian-Ling-Gu-Bao capsule (XLGB) is a famous traditional Chinese medicine prescription (TCMP), which has proven effective in osteoporosis treatment. However, due to the lack of a dynamic XLGB profile, the in vivo pharmacokinetics of multiple bioactive components within this medicine remains unknown. In the present study, ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC/Q-TOF-MS) identified a total of eighteen prototypes (using reference standards) in rat serum after oral administration of XLGB. These prototypes were subsequently evaluated to ascertain their effects on the proliferation and alkaline phosphatase activity of UMR106 cells and the adipogenesis of 3T3-L1 cells. Furthermore, a rapid and sensitive UPLC/Q-TOF-MS method was developed and validated for simultaneous quantitative analysis of 11 prototypes in rat serum. Chromatographic separation was achieved using a Waters Acquity BEH C18 column (2.1×100mm, 1.7μm) and linear gradient elution employing a mobile phase consisting of water and acetonitrile (both containing 0.1% formic acid). All calibration curves showed excellent linearity (r2>0.99) within the sampling ranges considered. The assay was accurate, precise and reproducible, as demonstrated by the obtained intra- and inter-day precisions (less than 12.3%) and accuracies (between -12.7% and 11.0%), and the matrix effects, extraction recoveries and stabilities were all satisfactory. Moreover, pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated from the plasma concentration-time data. Compared to single-compound dosing, significantly enhanced responses were obtained when several analytes were administered simultaneously, indicating possible drug-drug interactions among the complex ingredients of TCMP. This work provides an experimental baseline regarding the clinical applications and medicinal effectiveness of XLGB in the treatment of osteoporosis.
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