Identification of the active ingredients from Guangtongxiao decoction in rat bile based on ultra-performance liquid chromatography/Synapt G2 quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry

OBJECTIVE:To identify the active ingredients and metabolites in rat bile after Guangtongxiao decoction(GTX)had been administered via the rectal route.METHODS:Drug-containing bile samples were collected via a catheter in the bile duct and could be used 5 h after rectal administration.The main active components and their metabolites in rat bile following rectal administration of GTX were identified and analyzed using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry.RESULTS:Positive and negative modes were applied to analyze and identify the chemical ingredients in the bioactive fractions of GTX.Eight peaks were identified by comparison with the standard compounds:berberine hydrochloride,dehydrocorydaline,tetrahydropalmatine,corydaline,magnoflorine,magnolol,obacunone and albiflorin.Furthermore,60 metabolites were detected in rat bile based on mass-fragmentation behaviors,and 21 metabolites were reported for the first time.CONCLUSION:Our findings provide a solid basis for further pharmacologic and pharmacokinetic studies of GTX.