ABSTRACT
Objective Ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF-MS)and network pharmacology technology combined with pharmacodynamic experiments were used to analyze the quality markers(Q-markers)in Saorilao Qingfei Zhike Capsules.Methods Using UPLC-Q-TOF-MS technology,the chemical components in different polar extracts of Saorilao Qingfei Zhike Capsules was analyzed.Potential pharmacological components were screened by using antitussive and expectorant models.The"components-targets-diseases"network was constructed and potential Q-markers were screened by network pharmacology technology.Then we conducted pharmacodynamic validation to confirm the Q-markers,which have antitussive and expectorant effects in Saorilao Qingfei Zhike Capsules.Results A total of 120 compounds were obtained from the Saorilao Qingfei Zhike Capsules through qualitative analysis.Among the extracts of different polarity,44 compounds were derived from petroleum ether extract,85 compounds were derived from ethyl acetate extract,79 compounds were derived from n-butanol extract,and 71 compounds were derived from water extract.The results of pharmacological experiments showed that among extracts of different polarity,petroleum ether extract had the best antitussive effect,while n-butanol extract had the best expectorant effect.Three core components for eliminating phlegm and relieving cough were screened through network pharmacology techniques:farcalinol,farcalinediol,and rubimaillin.Pharmacodynamic studies verified that all core components mentioned above have certain antitussive and expectorant effects.Conclusion Based on the above research,farcalinol,farcalindiol,and rubimaillin can be used as Q-markers for the antitussive and expectorant effects of Saorilao Qingfei Zhike Capsules.This paper provides reference for the quality standard of Saorilao Qingfei Zhike Capsules.