An integrated approach to uncover anti-tumor active materials of Curcumae Rhizoma-Sparganii Rhizoma based on spectrum-effect relationship, molecular docking, and ADME evaluation

Ethnopharmacological relevance: Curcumae Rhizoma-Sparganii Rhizoma (CR-SR), an ancient and classical herbal couple, has been extensively used for tumor treatment in clinic of traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs). Aim of the study: The study aimed to uncover the anti-tumor active materials of CR-SR water decoction (CR:SR = 1:1) via an integrated approach of spectrum-effect relationship, molecular docking, and ADME evaluation. Materials and methods: The anti-tumor activities toward A549, HepG2, Hela, BGC-823, and MCF-7 cells of the different polar elution fractions (DPEFs) of CR, SR, and CR-SR were determined by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. Likewise, the DPEFs' combinations of CR and SR were also tested. The chemical fingerprints of these fractions were profiled by HPLC. Meanwhile, HPLC-ESI-Q-TOF-MS/MS was applied for the identification of chemical components. The main effect-related compounds were screened out by spectrum-effect relationship and molecular docking method. The oral bioavailability and druggability of these active components were subsequently evaluated. Finally, five monomeric compounds were validated experimentally using HepG2 cells. Results: The 80% ethanol elution fraction of CR, SR, and CR-SR showed strong anti-tumor effects toward five cells. Also, the combinations with the 80% ethanol elution fraction of CR and SR showed stronger tumor inhibition effects among the DPEFs' combinations of CR and SR. By spectrum-effect relationship, HPLC-MS, and molecular docking analysis, 24 main effect-related compounds seemed to have potential anti-tumor effects. ADME evaluation showed rutin performed low oral bioavailability and druggability. Therefore, we suppose that 23 compounds (including 4 unknown compounds) are the primary anti-tumor active components of CR-SR water decoction. Among them, zederone, curcumol, chlorogenic acid, calycosin, and curcumenol were validated successfully with good tumor inhibition effects. Conclusions: In summary, this study demonstrated that the multi-components of CR-SR contribute to its antitumor effects. It established a rapid and useful strategy to explore the active material basis of traditional Chinese herbal couples with a multi-technology integrated approach in practice, including chromatography, mass spectrometry, machine algorithm models, online databases, and in vitro cell experiments.

Automated summary

The study aimed to uncover the anti-tumor active materials of Curcumae Rhizoma-Sparganii Rhizoma water decoction via spectrum-effect relationship, molecular docking, and ADME evaluation. The results showed that the combination of Curcumae Rhizoma and Sparganii Rhizoma in 80% ethanol elution fraction had strong anti-tumor effects. Twenty-four compounds were identified to have potential anti-tumor effects, with five compounds validated experimentally to have good tumor inhibition effects. This study provided a rapid and useful strategy to explore the active material basis of traditional Chinese herbal couples using a multi-technology integrated approach.