Metabolomics analysis of Xanthoceras sorbifolia husks protection of rats against Alzheimer's disease using liquid chromatography mass spectrometry.

The promising effect of Xanthoceras sorbifolia Bunge husks against Alzheimer's disease has attracted more and more attention; however, its therapeutic mechanism has been unclear. A metabolomics study of the husks on rat serum and brain was carried out. Cognitive impairment of rats was induced by D-galactose and amyloid β, and the result was evaluated by Morris water maze test and brain histological analysis. The metabolite profiling was performed through ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Twelve potential biomarkers were identified in the rat serum and nineteen in the brain. All the biomarkers could be classified as amino acids, lipids, purines and bile acids. Both the husk extract and control drug, huperzine A, showed protective effect against the cognitive disorder induced by amyloid β, however, the husk extract exhibited significant effect on more targets, which included arachidonic acid, cholic acid, uric acid and citric acid etc., indicating the regulation of the husks of more pathways including neuroinflammation, energy metabolism and antioxidant ability. Triterpenoid saponins and polyphenols in the husks may contribute to the regulation of these pathways. This comprehensive study revealed the underlying therapeutic mechanism of the husks against Alzheimer's disease; some potential biomarkers for its clinical diagnosis were also provided.