Characterization of metabolites of sagittatoside B in rats using UPLC-QTOF-MS spectrometry

Sagittatoside B is one of the principal diglucosides in Herba Epimedii. In this work, an ultra-performance liquid chromatography/quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC/Q-TOF-MS) was applied to the rapid analysis of sagittatoside B metabolites in rats after oral administration. A total number of 17 metabolites were detected or tentatively identified from rat plasma, bile, urine and feces. The major metabolic pathways of sagittatoside B in rats were hydrolysis, hydrogenation, hydroxylation, dehydrogenation, demethylation, decarbonylation and conjugation with glucuronic acid and different sugars. This work revealed the metabolism of sagittatoside B in vivo, and reported the characteristic metabolic reactions of sagittatoside B for the first time. This provided the basis for the further research and development of sagittatoside B, and also provided reference for the metabolism of active flavonoid compounds.

Automated summary

In this study, an ultra-performance liquid chromatography/quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC/Q-TOF-MS) was used to analyze the metabolites of Sagittatoside B in rats. A total of 17 metabolites were detected or tentatively identified from rat plasma, bile, urine, and feces. The major metabolic pathways of Sagittatoside B in rats involved hydrolysis, hydrogenation, hydroxylation, dehydrogenation, demethylation, decarbonylation, and conjugation with glucuronic acid and different sugars. This research provides valuable insights into the metabolism of Sagittatoside B and serves as a reference for the metabolism of active flavonoid compounds.