Tongxie Yaofang (TXYF) is a famous formula that has been used for treating gastrointestinal diseases in traditional Chinese medicine(TCM). Saposhnikoviae Radix is considered as a meridian guiding drug in TXYF and could enhance the effectiveness of prescription. However, the scientific evidence for this effect is still not clear. To reveal the interactions of Saposhnikoviae Radix with other herbs, we conducted this study on the pharmacokinetic profile and tissue distribution of active ingredients of TXYF in rats. The concentrations of four components in blood and tissues were determined by UPLC-MS/MS after oral administration with TXYF. The detection was carried out by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry in the multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode. The positive and negative ion switching technique was performed in the same analysis. The results revealed that Saposhnikoviae Radix could enhance Cmax, AUC0-t, and AUC0-∞ of paeoniflorin and hesperidin, and increase the distribution of atractylenolide-I, paeoniflorin and hesperidin in liver, spleen, brain and small intestine. Saposhnikoviae Radix increased the ratio of brain to blood concentrations of atractylenolide-I, paeoniflorin and hesperidin. Meanwhile, it reduced the ratio of lung to blood concentrations of atractylenolide-I and paeoniflorin. Saposhnikoviae Radix, and may enhance the effectiveness of prescriptions by promoting distribution of other herbs in brain.
Keywords: Saposhnikoviae Radix; Tongxie Yaofang; meridian guiding; pharmacokinetic; tissue distribution.
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