Multi-component pharmacokinetics of Jinqi Jiangtang Capsule in mice

Jinqi Jiangtang Capsule (JQJTC) is one of the commonly used dosage forms of Jinqi Jiangtang formula, derived from the classic Qianjin Huanglian Pill, which is widely used in the treatment of diabetes mellitus. However, its pharmacokinetics is not still unclear. In this study, a stable and reliable method for the quantitative analysis of multiple components from JQJTC in mouse plasma and liver was established by ultra performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). Then, the concentration changes of 16 components from JQJTC in plasma and liver of type 2 diabetic mice were determined and the kinetics was analyzed. The results demonstrated that the established UPLC-MS/MS method met the requirements for the determination of biological samples. The alkaloids, organic acids, flavonoids, and saponins were absorbed into mouse blood after JQJTC was administered by gavage, and there were significant differences in the rates of absorption, transport into liver and elimination and exposure levels of 16 components in plasma and liver. And the exposure of alkaloids, calycosin-7-glucoside and its glycosides, formononetin, and cycloastragenol in the liver were significantly higher than that in the plasma. The results provided a basis for further research on the pharmacodynamic substances of JQJTC. The use of all experimental animals has been approved by the Ethics Committee of Laboratory Animal of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (No. PZSHUTCM2401310001).