A Metabolomics‐Based Strategy for the Mechanism Exploration of Traditional Chinese Medicine: Descurainia sophia Seeds Extract and Fractions as a Case Study

Abstract

A UPLC-QTOF-MS based metabolomics research was conducted to explore potential biomarkers which would increase our understanding of the model and to assess the integral efficacy of Descurainia sophia seeds extract (DS-A). Additionally, DS-A was split into five fractions in descending order of polarity, which were utilized to illustrate the mechanism together. The 26 identified biomarkers were mainly related to disturbances in phenylalanine, tyrosine, tryptophan, purine, arginine, and proline metabolism. Furthermore, heat map, hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA), and correlation network diagram of biomarkers perturbed by modeling were all conducted. The results of heat map and HCA suggested that fat oil fraction could reverse the abnormal metabolism in the model to some extent; meanwhile the metabolic inhibitory effect produced by the other four fractions helped to relieve cardiac load and compensate the insufficient energy supplement induced by the existing heart and lung injury in model rats. Briefly, the split fractions interfered with the model from different aspects and ultimately constituted the overall effects of extract. In conclusion, the metabolomics method, combined with split fractions of extract, is a powerful approach for illustrating pathologic changes of Chinese medicine syndrome and action mechanisms of traditional Chinese medicine.

Hepatoprotective effect of Descurainia sophia seed extract against paracetamol-induced oxidative stress and hepatic damage in mice

“…Ning Zhou et al investigated the effect of D. sophia to find a new approach for the mechanism action of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). They showed that the metabolomics method combined with split fractions of extract is a powerful approach to identify the pathologic changes of Chinese medicine syndrome and action mechanisms of TCM (8). In another study, the isolation and structural elucidation of a new sulphur glycoside (descurainoside) from D. sophia was shown.…”

“…Mice were received D. sophia seed extract twice a day every 12 hours for 7 days. The doses and the duration of treatment of paracetamol and D. sophia seed extract were selected based on previous reports (8,17,18). After 7 days of treatment, all groups except control group received paracetamol on day 8 and 24 hours after the paracetamol administration, mice were anesthetized using ether.…”

“…The flowers and leaves are used as astringent and obviator of vitamin C deficiency (14). A few studies have completed on medical efficacy and mechanism actions of this plant (8,15). Paracetamol poisoning is still a major problem in some countries which accompanies side effects especially in high doses.…”

Morphological Identification of Lepidii Seu Descurainiae Semen and Adulterant Seeds Using Microscopic Analysis

“…Studies have shown that this herbal medicine has anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antipyretic, anticancer, and antioxidant properties. It is also used to treat functional constipation [9][10][11][12]. However, a number of misuse issues have emerged due to the inaccurate identification of seeds of other plant species as Lepidii seu Descurainiae Semen [2,13,14].…”

Effect of Aqueous Extract from Descurainia sophia (L.) Webb ex Prantl on Ventricular Remodeling in Chronic Heart Failure Rats

“…The seeds of DS have been used to promote urination, relieve cough and asthma, and enhance cardiac function for a long time [ 6 ]. Previous basic research had shown that this medicine has the effect of improving cardiac function [ 7 ], but its mechanism is unclear. This study was to explore the cardiac protective effect of DS and its underlying mechanisms by using a rat chronic heart failure model induced by suprarenal abdominal aortic coarctation surgery.…”