Differential metabolite analysis of the pharmacodynamic differences between different ratios of Dahuang (Radix Et Rhizoma Rhei Palmati)-Taoren (Semen Persicae) herb pair

doi:10.19852/j.cnki.jtcm.20240423.006

Abstract

Abstract:

OBJECTIVE: To explore the material basis of the difference of efficacy of Dahuang (Radix Et Rhizoma Rhei Palmati)-Taoren (Semen Persicae) (DT) drugs with different proportions.

METHODS: Samples of different ratios of Dahuang (Radix et Rhizoma Rhei Palnati, DH) to Taoren (Semen Persicae, TR) (Group A 1:1, B 2:3, C 3:2) were analyzed based on gas chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry untargeted metabolomics technique.

RESULTS: A total of 240 primary metabolites were detected. Forty-one differential metabolites involved nine differential metabolic pathways, of which four were closely related to the efficacy of DT in the treatment of heat and blood stasis syndrome. These pathways included the biosynthesis of amino acid (phenylalanine tyrosine and tryptophan), flavonoids, unsaturated fatty acids, and the glycolysis/glycogenesis pathway.

CONCLUSION: There are significant differences in the efficacy of different ratios of DT drugs, and their optimal ratio for the treatment of heat and blood stasis syndrome should be 1:1.

Key words: metabolomics, metabolic networks and pathways, differential metabolites, Dahuang (Radix Et Rhizoma Rhei Palmati), Taoren (Semen Persicae), kernel drug pairs

WANG Xiang, HUANG Jianping, WANG Yupeng, WANG Qilong, JING Yajiang, ZHANG Gang, PENG Liang, GAO Jing, WANG Hongyan, YAN Yonggang. Differential metabolite analysis of the pharmacodynamic differences between different ratios of Dahuang (Radix Et Rhizoma Rhei Palmati)-Taoren (Semen Persicae) herb pair[J]. Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 2024, 44(3): 515-523.

Figures/Tables 4

Figure 1 PCA plots were compared between groups A: PCA analysis of groups A and B; B: PCA analysis of groups B and C; C: PCA analysis of groups A and C. DH and TR were ground and weighed proportionally in three groups: group A = 25 g: 25 g, B = 20 g: 30 g and C = 30 g: 20 g. Then each group of samples was separately decocted with water and the filtrate was concentrated to 1 g/mL to obtain. PCA: principal component analysis; DH: Dahuang (Radix et Rhizoma Rhei Palnati); TR: Taoren (Semen Persicae). The PC value represents the proportion of principal components.

Table 1 Differential metabolites

Number	Metabolite name	Number	Metabolite name
Com_14	2,3-dihydroxypyridine	Com_55	2-deoxy-D-glucose 2
Com_17	(2R,3S)-2-hydroxy-3-isopropylbutanedioic acid	Com_89	Asparagine 1
Com_52	Raffinose	Com_91	Asparagine 4
Com_118	Oleic acid	Com_92	Malonamide 3
Com_178	Melezitose	Com_98	Glutamic acid
Com_38	Glucose-1-phosphate	Com_113	Galactinol 1
Com_46	Palatinitol 1	Com_120	Glycine 2
Com_49	Salicin	Com_135	Quinic acid
Com_53	4,2',4'-trihydroxychalcone	Com_138	Naringin
Com_110	Putrescine 2	Com_140	Aminomalonic acid
Com_132	Gentiobiose 1	Com_146	L-dithiothreitol
Com_151	Prunin degr Prod 2	Com_152	3-cyanoalanine
Com_158	Melibiose 1	Com_157	Orotic acid
Com_199	Epigallocatechin	Com_160	Tryptophan 1
Com_201	Levoglucosan	Com_163	Benzyl alcohol
Com_206	(+/-)-Taxifolin	Com_187	Sucrose-6-phosphate
Com_216	Chlorogenic acid 1	Com_203	Serine 1
Com_219	Noradrenaline	Com_205	Aspartic acid 1
Com_6	Allose 1	Com_215	4-Acetamidobutyric acid 2
Com_12	Toluenesulfonic acid	Com_229	Leucrose 2
Com_18	Diglycerol 1

Figure 2 Clustering heat map of total differential metabolites

Figure 3 Correlation analysis of different metabolites in each group A: correlation analysis of different metabolites in group A and B; B: correlation analysis of different metabolites in group B and C; C: correlation analysis of different metabolites in group A and C. DH and TR were ground and weighed proportionally in three groups: group A = 25 g: 25 g, B = 20 g: 30 g and C = 30 g: 20 g. Then each group of samples was separately decocted with water and the filtrate was concentrated to 1 g/mL to obtain. DH: Dahuang (Radix et Rhizoma Rhei Palnati); TR: Taoren (Semen Persicae). The complete positive correlation is red, and the complete negative correlation is blue. The part without color indicates P > 0.05.

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