Jiemei Liang,Hua Zhu,Qiyuan Yang,Zhouwei Li,Xiang Meng,Lanlan Fan,Li Li
Taxillus chinensis (DC) Danser ( T. chinensis ) is broadly used in traditional Chinese medicine. Although pharmacological research shows that the ethyl acetate extract of T. chinensis (JEA) has beneficial effects in treating hyperuricemic nephropathy (HN), the active components and potential mechanisms for these effects remain unclear. This study aims to predict the effective components and mechanism of JEA for HN. Firstly, we adopted UHPLC-Q-Exactive HFXMS technology to analyze the chemical profile of JEA and the absorbed prototype ingredients in rat plasma. In addition, network pharmacology methods were utilized by us to elaborate on the active compounds, signaling pathways, and potential mechanisms of JEA in treating HN. Finally, a UPLC method was established to screen potential chemicals that can effectively inhibit the activity of xanthine oxidase (XOD). A total of 92 components were systematically characterized in JEA. Of those, 46 compounds were identified in the plasma of rats administered with JEA extract. Through network pharmacology, 10 potential active components, 10 crucial target genes, and 20 pathways were predicted to be involved in the JEA-mediated treatment of HN. The molecular docking results indicated that oxyresveratrol, isorhammeiol, and robinetwere exhibited strong binding affinities for GAPDH, PPARG, and ALB. The analysis of the XOD inhibition experiment suggested that dihydromyricetin and oxyresveratrol exhibited potent inhibitory effects on XOD, with IC 50 values of 0.48 and 0.68 mg·mL −1 . This study preliminarily identified the potential effective components of JEA and revealed its underlying molecular mechanisms of action in preventing HN, which will improve our further studies on JEA to treat HN.
Zhouwei Li,Hongfei Wei,Jiahui Wu,Qiyuan Yang,Jiemei Liang,Xiaoxun Wang,Li Li
Background/Objectives: This study aims to establish a systematic phytochemical characterization and quality evaluation method to systematically evaluate the influence of multiple factors on the chemical composition ofTaxillus chinensis, thereby providing a scientific basis for its development, utilization, and quality control standards. Methods: To ensure a targeted and representative metabolic screening, six representative batches covering the major geographical origins and host plants were selected for initial metabolomic profiling. An integrated analytical approach combining UPLC-MS/MS-based widely targeted metabolomics, HPLC fingerprinting, and multi-component quantitative analysis with multivariate statistical analysis was employed. Results: Significant quality variations were identified across the samples. Metabolomics results indicated that while chemical component types were qualitatively consistent across growth conditions, their contents varied significantly. Unique differential metabolites clustered according to specific geographical origins or host plants. KEGG pathway analysis revealed that geographical origin primarily regulated phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, whereas host differences mainly influenced flavonoid and monoterpenoid biosynthesis. Furthermore, HPLC fingerprinting of 20 batches demonstrated similarities greater than 0.9, with 15 common peaks determined. Based on their high relative abundance, differential significance across samples, and documented pharmacological relevance to the herb’s traditional efficacy, six bioactive components—gallic acid, catechin, epicatechin, hyperoside, isoquercitrin, and quercitrin—were identified and quantified. Notably, samples originating from Wuzhou exhibited the highest total content of these components. Consistent with PCA and HCA results, gallic acid, hyperoside, isoquercitrin, and quercitrin were identified as potential markers driving quality differences. Conclusions: This integrated approach allows for a systematic analytical screening ofTaxillus chinensis, clarifying chemical variations caused by environmental and biological factors, and supporting the standardization and comprehensive utilization of this medicinal plant.