Revealing the Formula Pattern of Congming Decoction by Ultra‐High‐Performance Liquid Chromatography Coupled With Quadrupole‐Orbitrap Mass Spectrometry From the Perspective of Chemical Constituents, In Vitro, and In Vivo Properties

The Congming decoction (CMD) is a classic traditional Chinese medicine formula, composed of Poria cocos (Schw.) Wolf, Polygalae Radix, and Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma. The material basis for the rationality of CMD's compatibility remains unclear in both in vitro and in vivo studies. The relationship between its components and therapeutic efficacy still presents a research gap. Therefore, this study aims to reveal the co-extraction dissolution patterns, metabolic regularity in vitro, and absorption and distribution characteristics in vivo of CMD, thereby exploring the scientific connotation of formulation. Utilizing ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole-orbitrap mass spectrometry technology, a total of 183 constituents were identified in CMD, with 72 recognized as differential compounds before and after combination, suggesting that co-boiling enhances the solubility of active ingredients. In vitro intestinal microbiota results indicated that combination reduced metabolism rates, allowing for greater absorption as the prototype. In vivo analysis identified 62 constituents within rat plasma and tissues; comparing content differences among groups found that the combinations regulate hepatic metabolism and enhance distribution of effective components, potentially serving as a significant material basis for treating Alzheimer's disease (AD). Furthermore, a targeted network pharmacology strategy was established to explore the mechanism of CMD in treating AD. This study clarified the chemical composition, metabolic patterns in vitro, and distribution rules in vivo regarding CMD, and also compared variations before and after composition. It provided new insights into the rationality of CMD's compatibility in the treatment of AD from multiple dimensions and levels.