UHPLC‐Q‐Orbitrap HRMS Combined with Network Pharmacology to Explore the Mechanism of Chuanhuang Qingre Capsule in the Treatment of Acute Pharyngitis

Abstract

Chuanhuang Qingre capsule (CHQR) is composed of Andrographis paniculata and solidago virgaurea, mainly used for treating acute respiratory infection, acute tonsillitis and acute pharyngitis. However, the mechanism of CHQR in treating pharyngitis is still unclear. In this study, UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS technology was used to identify the chemical constituents in CHQR. Network pharmacology combined with a molecular docking approach was used to screen for possible mechanisms to predict CHQR for treating acute pharyngitis. Finally, a rat model of acute pharyngitis was used to confirm the mechanism of CHQR in treating acute pharyngitis.The results showed that UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS identified 68 compounds. Network analysis showed that TP53, AKT1, TNF, IL6 and EGFR were the key targets. The results of molecular docking showed reasonable binding force. The experimental results showed that CHQR could reduce inflammatory cell infiltration and improve pharyngitis symptoms in rats with acute pharyngitis. Elisa results showed that the levels of PGE2, IL-1β, TNF-α and IL-6 in serum decreased. It is suggested that CHQR can prevent and treat acute pharyngitis, mainly by inhibiting the TNF pathway and reducing of inflammatory cytokines levels, which can provide scientific references for clinical research.