Biotransformation of extract by rat intestinal microflora: identification and quantification of metabolites using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

BACKGROUND

In general, after is administered orally, intestinal microbes play a crucial role in its degradation and metabolization process. Studies on the metabolism of by microflora are important for obtaining a better understanding of their biological effects.

METHODS

biotransformation of extract by rat intestinal microflora was investigated at 37°C for 24 h, and the simultaneous determination of the metabolites and metabolic profile of saponins by rat intestinal microflora was achieved using LC-MS/MS.

RESULTS

A total of seven ginsenosides were detected in the extract, including ginsenosides Rg1, Re, Rf, Rb1, Rc, Rb2, and Rd. In the transformed samples, considerable amounts of deglycosylated metabolite compound K and Rh1 were detected. In addition, minimal amounts of deglycosylated metabolites (ginsenosides Rg2, F1, F2, Rg3, and protopanaxatriol-type ginsenosides) and untransformed ginsenosides Re, Rg1, and Rd were detected at 24 h. The results indicated that the primary metabolites are compound K and Rh1, and the protopanaxadiol-type ginsenosides were more easily metabolized than protopanaxatriol-type ginsenosides.

CONCLUSION

This is the first report of the identification and quantification of the metabolism and metabolic profile of extract in rat intestinal microflora using LC-MS/MS. The current study provided new insights for studying the metabolism and active metabolites of .