RESUMEN
Objective To investigate the biotransformation of Tongmai formula (TMF) in incubated system of human intestinal flora (HIF). Methods The technique of ultra fast liquid chromatography with diode array detector and coupled with electrospray ionization ion trap time-of-flight multistage mass spectrometry (UFLC-DAD-ESI-IT-TOFMSn) was adopted to determine the products of TMF biotransformed by HIF. Results Totally 66 constituents were detected and identified according to the accurate mass measurements (< 5 ppm) and effective MSn fragment ions. Meanwhile, the potential biotransformational pathways of compounds in TMF transformed by HIF were firstly proposed. Desugarization, hydroxylation, and methylation were the major reactions in the biotransformation mechanism of TMF by HIF. Conclusion This study will be helpful to clarify the material basis of pharmacological activities from TMF in vivo.