The profiling and identification of the absorbed constituents and metabolites of Naoshuantong capsule in mice biofluids and brain by ultra- fast liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole-time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry.

Naoshuantong capsule (NSTC) is an oral traditional Chinese medicine formula used widely in the clinic for ischemic stroke. The absorbed ingredients and metabolites of NSTC have never been reported before. In this study, a method incorporating rapid resolution liquid chromatography with quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF/MS) was used to identify absorbed ingredients and metabolites after oral administration of NSTC. A total of 15 constituents were detected and identified as prototypes of NSTC. 109 metabolites related to catechin, gallic acid, paeoniflorin, chlorogenic acid, protocatechuate, typhaneoside, β-elemene, calycosin were identified in serum, urine and brain. 19 metabolites of typhaneoside, 3 metabolites of β-elemene, 12 metabolites of calycosin were reported for the first time. This is the first time to explore the absorption and metabolism of NSTC. The work will provide helpful information for further research of the mechanism and application of NSTC.