Exploration of phytochemicals and biological functions of Kadsura coccinea pericarpium based on LC-MS and network pharmacology analysis and experimental validation

The fructus of Kadsura coccinea known as 'Bu-Fu-Na' is an emerging internet-famous fruit. For deep processing of 'Bu-Fu-Na' related products, an approach combining LC-MS analysis, network pharmacological prediction, and experimental validation was adopted to explore phytochemicals and biological functions of K. coccinea peri-carpium (KCP) for the first time. In total, 9 lignans and 11 triterpenoids in KCP chloroform extract were iden-tified by HPLC-Q-TOF/MS, and these chemicals acted on their key targets through multiple signaling pathways to achieve various biofunctions according to the constructed compound-target-pathway-disease network. Further experimental validation indicated that the four high-content lanostane-type triterpenoid acids in KCP strongly decreased 4T1 breast cancer cell viability in vitro, and the KCP chloroform extract had a good safety profile in 4T1 tumor-bearing mice and achieved anti-tumor efficacy by modulating immunity and activating the MAPK signal pathway. The obtained results provided comprehensive phytochemical and bioactive information for developing high value-added products of'Bu-Fu-Na'.

Automated summary

An approach combining LC-MS analysis, network pharmacological prediction, and experimental validation was used to explore the phytochemicals and biological functions of Kadsura coccinea peri-carpium (KCP). It was found that KCP contains various lignans and triterpenoids, which act on key targets through multiple signaling pathways to achieve different biofunctions. Experimental validation showed that certain triterpenoid acids in KCP effectively decreased breast cancer cell viability and the KCP extract demonstrated anti-tumor efficacy in mice by modulating immunity and activating the MAPK signal pathway. These findings provide valuable information for developing high value-added products of Kadsura coccinea.