Integrated study on anti-inflammatory and anti-atopic dermatitis efficacy of Saposhnikoviae Radix: UPLC-MS/GC-MS metabolomics and in vitro/in vivo experimental models.

Abstract

Saposhnikoviae Radix is commonly used in clinical practice to treat conditions such as the common cold, rheumatism, and pruritus caused by wind rash. However, the pharmacological mechanisms of its active constituents underlying the anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects remain unclear. This study aimed to characterize the chemical constituent groups, including the alcohol supernatant, chromone-rich fraction, polysaccharides, and volatile oils of Saposhnikoviae Radix, using UPLC-MS and GC-MS, and investigate their anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects in vitro and in vivo. Phytochemical analysis identified a total of 66, 32, and 113 major compounds in the alcohol supernatant, chromone-rich fraction, and volatile oil, respectively. Key chromones from Saposhnikoviae Radix, such as prim-O-hexosylcimifugin and 5-O-methylvisammioside, were characterized. The chromone-rich fraction and alcohol supernatant encompassed chromones, amino acids, organic acids, and coumarins, with key constituents including cimifugin and 3'-O-angeloylhamaudol identified. The volatile oil fraction comprised hydrocarbons, terpenes, aldehydes, ketones, and esters. A TNF-α/IFN-γ-induced HaCaT cell model was established. The results demonstrated that all constituent groups significantly reduced the concentrations of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, TARC, and MDC in a dose-dependent manner, while improving cell morphology. A murine model of atopic dermatitis (AD) was induced in BALB/C mice using 2,4-Dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB). The findings revealed that the alcohol supernatant and polysaccharides from Saposhnikoviae Radix reduced mast cell infiltration, decreased serum IgE levels, and lowered IL-4 levels in the skin tissue of AD mice. These findings elucidated the potential mechanism of Saposhnikoviae Radix in treating AD and provided a theoretical and experimental basis for the material foundation of its therapeutic effects.