Screening for Anti-Inflammation Quality Markers of Lianhua Qingwen Capsule Based on Network Pharmacology, UPLC, and Biological Activity

Abstract

Influenza is a common respiratory infectious disease. In China, Lianhua Qingwen capsule (LHQWC), a drug with significant clinical efficacy and few side effects, is commonly used to treat influenza. However, the composition of LHQWC is complicated, and currently used quality control methods cannot ensure its consistency. In this study, combined with its clinical efficacy, the targets of LHQWC were screened using network pharmacology. Then, anti-inflammation quality markers of LHQWC were screened and judged by combined chemical with biological evaluation. Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) was identified as one of the main targets of the anti-inflammatory activity of LHQWC. The rate of inhibition of COX-2 by different batches of LHQWC was determined. Furthermore, seven components of LHQWC were identified. The potential quality markers were screened by spectral-effect relationship. As a result, chlorogenic acid, isochlorogenic acid B, and isochlorogenic acid C were identified and confirmed as anti-inflammatory quality markers of LHQWC. We hope that these findings provide a scientific basis for the accurate quality control of LHQWC and serve as a reference for the quality control of other drugs.

Dynamic changes in marker components during the stir-frying of Pharbitidis Semen, and network analysis of its potential effects on nephritis

“…The protective effect of 3-CQA against renal injury may be attributed to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities ( Feng et al, 2016 ). 3-CQA, 3,4-DiCQA, and 4,5-DiCQA, identified as anti-inflammatory quality markers using network analysis, were subjected to ultra-high performance liquid chromatography and biological activity verification ( Zhou Y. F. et al, 2021 ). With an increase in 5-CQA concentration, the inhibition rate of the inflammatory factor IL-6 increased correspondingly ( Gao et al, 2020 ).…”

Intestinal microbiota analysis and network pharmacology reveal the mechanism by which Lianhua Qingwen capsule improves the immune function of mice infected with influenza A virus

“…The LHQW capsule, a traditional Chinese medicine compound, has 13 traditional Chinese medicines and many action targets, such as Akt1, P53, Cox-2, and TLR4 (Xia et al, 2020;Su et al, 2022), and has unique advantages in the treatment of influenza virus infection. Formula composition: forsythia suspensa 225 g, honeysuckle 255 g, isatis root 255 g, bitter almond 85 g, menthol 7.5 g, houttuynia cordata 255 g, rhubarb 51 g, patchouli 85 g, Male Fern Rhizome 255 g, Rhodiolae Herba 85 g, Ephedra equisetifolia 85 g, licorice 85 g, gypsum 255 g. Studies have confirmed that the main active ingredients of LHQW are chlorogenic acid, ursolic acid, rutin, luteolin, and quercetin, which exhibit antibacterial activities (Niu et al, 2021;Yang et al, 2021;Zhou et al, 2021).…”

“…Lianhua Qingwen capsule (LHQW), a traditional Chinese medicine compound, has complex components and various effects (Liang et al, 2020;Huang et al, 2021;Zhou et al, 2021). The LHQW was first used clinically in 2003.…”

“Three medicines and three formulas” in COVID-19: From bench to bedside

“…According to the results of network pharmacology and molecular docking, LHQW may improve lung injury, lung fibrogenesis and virus infection in patients with COVID-19 via regulating the levels of serine/threonine protein kinase 1 (Akt1), which is closely related to active ingredients such as β-carotene, kaempferol, luteolin, naringenin, quercetin, and wogonin [71] . The results of network pharmacology studies revealed that chlorogenic acid, isochlorogenic acid B, and isochlorogenic acid C are anti-inflammatory Q-markers in LHQW [72] . LHQW can be used to treat COVID-19 by targeting ACE2 and 3CL pro , achieving immunoregulation via targeting the immune responses to SARS-CoV-2, providing anti-inflammation activity by targeting cytokines, and thus demonstrating anti-viral potency against SARS-CoV-2 [73] .…”