ABSTRACT
Objective: To confirm the hepatotoxic Q-marker of Euodiae Fructus decoction. Methods: The hepatotoxicity of target compounds was studied by hepatotoxicity index and flow cytometry. The targets and target organs were predicted by network pharmacology. The qualitative absorption analysis of 3-O-trans-caffeoylgluconic acid (1), 4-O-trans-caffeoylgluconic acid (2), 2-O-trans-caffeoylgluconic acid (3) was performed by LC-MS. Through the systematic study of Q-marker properties, the confirmation study of hepatotoxicity Q-marker in Euodiae Fructus decoction was performed. Results: Compounds 1, 2, and 3 inhibited the growth of L02 cells in G0/G1 phase and had direct toxicity to L02 cells, which led to hepatotoxicity. The target organ may be the liver by the network pharmacology analysis. After drug administration, compounds 1, 2, and 3 could be absorbed into the blood by prototype. Compounds 1, 2, and 3 had properties of structural confirmation, toxicity confirmation, measurability, and transmissibility. Conclusion: Compounds 1, 2, and 3 could be confirmed as hepatotoxic Q-marker of Euodiae Fructus decoction.