Objective To analyze and predict the quality markers (Q-Markers) of Mujingye (Viticis Negundo Folium, VNF) standard decoction based on characteristic chromatogram, network pharmacology, and quantitative analysis, and to construct a multi-dimensional quality evaluation system for VNF standard decoction. Methods UPLC was used to establish the characteristic chromatogram of VNF standard decoction. The chromatographic conditions were as follows: Cortecs C₁₈ column (100 mm×2.1 mm, 2.7 μm); the mobile phase consisted of acetonitrile (A) and 0.1% phosphoric acid (B), using gradient elution (0—9 min, 3%—16% A; 9—21 min, 16%—20% A; 21—22 min, 20%—65% A; 22—23 min, 65% A; 23—29 min, 65%—95% A); the detection wavelength was 270 nm; the column temperature was 35 ℃; the flow rate was 0.3 mL/min; and the injection volume was 2 μL. Network pharmacology was employed to obtain the key targets and key pathways of candidate Q-Markers, and the “candidate Q-Marker-key target-key pathway” network was constructed. Quantitative analysis was performed on the candidate Q-Markers of VNF to clarify the rules of quantity transfer of candidate Q-Markers from decoction pieces to standard decoction. Results The characteristic chromatogram of VNF standard decoction was established, and nine characteristic peaks were marked. Among them, four chromatographic peaks (peaks 1, 3, 5, and 8) were identified by reference substances as p-hydroxybenzoic acid, isoorientin, isovitexin, and apigenin-7-O-β-D-glucuronide (AG). Network pharmacology analysis revealed that p-hydroxybenzoic acid, isoorientin, isovitexin, and AG in VNF standard decoction could act on key targets such as matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2), v-Rel avian reticuloendotheliosis virus oncogene homolog A(RELA), and histone deacetylase 1 (HDAC1), and regulate key pathways including cellular senescence, advanced glycation end products-receptor for advanced glycation end products (AGE-RAGE) signaling pathway, and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-protein kinase B (PI3K-Akt) signaling pathway to exert therapeutic effects against bronchitis. Quantitative analysis of these four components showed that their average contents in 15 batches of VNF standard decoction were 18.98, 9.13, 4.72, 1.64 mg/g, respectively, while their average contents in the decoction pieces were 4.98, 11.44, 2.38, 2.60 mg/g, respectively. The average transfer rates from decoction pieces to standard decoction were 118.83%, 24.61%, 54.75%, 19.81%, respectively. p-Hydroxybenzoic acid, isoorientin, isovitexin, and AG were preliminarily identified as the Q-Markers of VNF for treating bronchitis. Conclusion The established quality evaluation method is accurate and reliable, with uniform and stable quantity transfer. Combined with the Q-Markers screened by network pharmacology, it can provide a basis for the quality control of VNF standard decoction and support for the subsequent elucidation of the mechanism of action of its pharmacodynamic material basis.

Viticis Negundo Folium  /  standard decoction  /  characteristic chromatogram  /  network pharmacology  /  multi-dimensional quality characterization technology  /  quantity transfer  /  p-hydroxybenzoic acid  /  isoorientin  /  isovitexin  /  apigenin-7-O-β-D-glucuronide  /  Q-Marker