Comprehensive Characterization of the Chemical Constituents, Absorbed Prototypes, and Metabolic Profiles of <i>Acanthopanax senticosus</i> Extract Based on Ultrahigh‐Performance Liquid Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry

Acanthopanax senticosus (AS) is a well-known traditional herbal medicine in China that can invigorate the spleen, tonify the qi and kidney, tranquilize the mind, and possess diverse bioactive functions. However, comprehensive and simultaneous analysis of the main active constituents from AS and in vivo metabolites remains underexplored, which severely impedes its further clinical application. In this study, AB-8 macroporous resin column chromatography was used to enrich the AS extract. Furthermore, ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography with quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS) and UPLC-Q-Orbitrap MS techniques were utilized to identify and characterize the chemical constituents and in vivo metabolites of AS extract, respectively. As a result, a total of 60 components were characterized in the AS extract, including 33 phenylpropanoids, 13 lignans, 4 coumarins, and 10 other substances. Additionally, a total of 29 prototype components and 226 metabolites were detected. Specifically, 91 metabolites were discovered in plasma, 19 in brain tissue, 111 in urine, and 76 in feces. The metabolic reactions included Phase I reactions (demethylation, deglucose, oxidation, and hydration) and Phase II reactions (methylation, sulfate esterification, glucuronidation, glucose conjugation, glycine conjugation, and acetylation). In conclusion, our findings provided basic data and a method for further investigations into the relationship between the chemical composition and pharmacological effects of AS. These results are valuable for revealing the material basis, illustrating the mechanism of medical action, and guiding the clinical applications of AS.