Drug-polysaccharide/herb interactions and compatibility rationality of Sijunzi decoction based on comprehensive pharmacokinetic screening for multi-components in rats with spleen deficiency syndrome

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Sijunzi decoction (SJZD) is composed of four herbs, namely Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma (RG, Panax ginseng C.A.Mey.), Atractylodes Macrocephalae Rhizoma (AM, Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz.), Poria (Poria cocos (Schw.) Wolf), and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma Praeparata Cum Melle (GRP, derived from Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch., Glycyrrhiza inflata Bat. or Glycyrrhiza glabra L.) based on the compatibility theory of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), which is a classical formula for the treatment of spleen deficiency syndrome (SDS) in TCM. The polysaccharides and non-polysaccharides (NPSs) composition represented by flavonoids, saponins and terpenoids are the important pharmacodynamic material basis of SJZD.

Aim of the study

The aim of this study was to investigate the pharmacokinetic characteristics of SJZD in normal rats and SDS rats, and explore the potential interactions between NPSs and polysaccharides in SJZD, as well as the compatibility rationality of SJZD.

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2. Materials and methods

2.1. Materials, reagents, and chemicals

………… Liquiritin apioside, liquiritin, isoliquiritin apioside, isoliquiritin, ononin, liquiritigenin, isoliquiritigenin, ginsenoside Rb1 (Rb1), ginsenoside Rc (Rc), formononetin, ginsenoside Rb2 (Rb2),glycyrrhizic acid, ginsenoside Rd (Rd), atractylenolide III, astragaloside, and digoxin, all with purity over 98% (Fig. S1), were purchased from Chengdu DeSiTe Biological Technology Co., Ltd. (Chengdu,China).……

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