Rapid Profiling of the Marker Components in Artemisia annua L. and their Metabolites in Rats Using an Improved Liquid Chromatography-tandem Highresolution Mass Spectrometry-based Technology

Abstract

Background: As parasite resistance to the main artemisinin drugs has emerged in Southern Asia, the traditional herb Artemisia annua L. (AAL), from which artemisinin (QHS) is isolated, was found to overcome resistance to QHS. However, the component and metabolite profiles of AAL remain unclear. Objectives: In this study, component profiling of marker compounds in AAL (amorphane sesquiterpene lactones and flavonoids) was performed, and their subsequent metabolism was investigated in rats. Methods: For efficient component classification and structural characterization, an improved liquid chromatography tandem high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS)-based analytical strategy was applied, i.e., background subtraction (BS) followed by ring-double-bond (RDB) filter in tandem with repeated BS processing. Structures of detected components/metabolites were characterized based on integrated information, including their HRMSn patterns, RDB values, the established component/metabolite network, the biosynthesis pathways of AAL, and/or NMR data. Results: A total of 38 amorphane sesquiterpene lactones and 35 flavonoids were found in AAL as prototype compounds, among which 26 components were previously undescribed. Major compounds were identified by comparing with reference standards. Among 73 AAL prototypes administered, 38 were absorbed in the circulation as the prototype. Moreover, 20 metabolites of amorphane sesquiterpene lactones and 10 metabolites of flavonoids were detected in rats. The major metabolic pathways included oxidation, methylation, glucuronidation, and sulfation. Conclusion: The component and metabolite network were established for marker components in AAL, which will be valuable to understand the synergistic antimalarial potency of QHS in A. annua L. The analytical strategy can also be applied to other herbal medicines.