Work

Comprehensive ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography ﬁngerprint profiling and network pharmacology analysis for the quality assessment of Lygodium japonicum (Thunb.) Sw.

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Objective To evaluate the quality of Lygodii Spora by comparing its components before (WH) and after boiling (SH) using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) and chemometric analysis. Additionally, network pharmacology was employed to investigate the possible mechanisms of action of Lygodii Spora in the urinary calculi (UC) treatment. Methods A fingerprinting method was established to identify components through UHPLC-tandem mass spectrometry. Chemometric techniques were used to compare the Lygodii Spora extraction methods. Furthermore, various network pharmacological approaches were used to identify and analyze the potential targets of the identified components in relation to UC. Results The WH and SH extracts were distributed into two distinct clusters. Significant differences in the levels of protocatechuic aldehyde, caffeic acid, and p-coumaric acid were observed between SH and WH. Network pharmacology analysis revealed that the primary targets of Lygodii Spora in the UC treatment were serum albumin and epidermal growth factor receptors, with potential active components including protocatechuic acid and caffeic acid. Conclusion This study comprehensively examined the therapeutic components of Lygodii Spora before and after boiling, shedding light on its potential mechanisms of action in UC treatment. These findings offer valuable insights into the development and utilization of Lygodii Spora resources.

Source: Journal of Traditional Chinese Medical Sciences

DOI: 10.1016/j.jtcms.2025.04.001