Anti-Osteoarthritis Effects of Duhuo Jisheng Decoction: Integrated Network Pharmacology and Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography Quadrupole Time-of-Flight Tandem Mass Spectrometry Analysis

Objective: Duhuo Jisheng decoction (DHJSD) is a classic prescription used to treat osteoarthritis in traditional Chinese medicine with a long history of clinical use and remarkable effects. This study aimed to explore the material basis and mechanism of DHJSD and provide a basis for subsequent research. Materials and Methods: A rat model of osteoarthritis with liver and kidney deficiencies was established to investigate the efficacy of DHJSD. The main active ingredients and blood components of DHJSD were identified using ultra-performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry analysis. Possible pathways and targets were explored through network pharmacology analysis. Differential metabolites in rat serum samples were explored to identify the metabolic pathways that play a therapeutic role. Results: DHJSD had a positive effect on osteoarthritis. In addition, 171 chemical constituents, 15 prototype components, and 17 metabolites were identified. Possible fragmentation pathways of the main chemical components were also analyzed. Network pharmacology analysis indicated that DHJSD primarily treats osteoarthritis through the PI3K/Akt signaling, mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling, and HIF-1 signaling pathways. Metabonomics results identified 31 potential biomarkers, including valine, leucine, and isoleucine biosynthesis and degradation, glycerophospholipid metabolism, and linoleic acid metabolism, from the serum-related to the therapeutic effect of DHJSD. Conclusions: The efficacy of DHJSD in treating osteoarthritis of the liver and kidney was confirmed, providing novel insights for further investigating the anti-osteoarthritic active components of DHJSD and its metabolic mechanism.