To characterize the material basis of Jiangqi Pingxiao Formula (JQPXF), this study employed feature-based molecular networking (FBMN), identifying a total of 237 chemical components. Based on FBMN, we further compared the chemical profiles of clinical Pediatric Jiangqi Pingxiao Mixture (HJ) and water decoction mixture (JJ) via non-targeted HRMS. The results revealed distinct chemical signatures in iridoids and terpenoids for the mixture, while the decoction showed preferential extraction of glycosides. Notably, in vivo exposure studies demonstrated that 24 components exhibited high pulmonary distribution, suggesting their potential as the direct material basis. Concurrently, 48 components showed delayed exposure in colonic contents, suggesting a potential effect for modulating gut microbiota against asthma through lung-gut axis. Further mechanistic analysis revealed a total of 11 core targets. Beyond classical anti-inflammatory pathways (e. g., TNF signaling), the formula may intervene in oxidative stress and airway remodeling through multiple mechanisms, including the inhibition of programmed cell death, modulation of 14-3-3 protein signaling, and regulation of lipid metabolism and fluid shear stress. This study comprehensively elucidates the "multi-component and multi-pathway" characteristics of JQPXF, providing a scientific foundation for its clinical application and formulation optimization (All animal experiments in this study were approved by the Animal Experimental Ethics Committee of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Ethics No.: 202210A028).
| 科 Family | 属数 Number of genus | 种数 Number of species | 占总种数比例 Percentage of total species (%) | 属 Genus | 种数 Number of species | 占总种数比例 Percentage of total species (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 鹅膏菌科Amanitaceae | 2 | 11 | 5.26 | 鹅膏菌属 Amanita | 10 | 4.78 |
| 小菇科 Mycenaceae | 2 | 12 | 5.74 | 丝盖伞属 Inocybe | 5 | 2.39 |
| 多孔菌科 Polyporaceae | 8 | 14 | 6.70 | 蜡蘑属 Laccaria | 5 | 2.39 |
| 红菇科 Russulaceae | 3 | 23 | 11.00 | 小皮伞属 Marasmius | 6 | 2.87 |
| 小菇属 Mycena | 11 | 5.26 | ||||
| 光柄菇属 Pluteus | 5 | 2.39 | ||||
| 红菇属 Russula | 17 | 8.13 | ||||
| 栓菌属 Trametes | 5 | 2.39 |