Abstract:

Objective: To study the metabolism of steroidal saponins extracted from Anemarrhena asphodeloides in rat intestinal flora in vitro and to identify the major metabolite. Methods: Rat intestinal flora and steroidal saponins extractions were incubated in vitro, and LC/MS/MS method was used to examine metabolites of steroidal saponins. The urine samples and dungs of the rats were collected after the rats were given with steroidal saponins extract in dose of 15 mg·kg^-1 by gavage. The metabolites of the steroidal saponins were detected with LC/MS/MS, and the structure of the major metabolite M1 was identified. Meanwhile, the M1 obtained from synthesis was compared with the natural M1 both in vitro and in vivo. Results: In vitro, steroidal saponins extracted from A. asphodeloides were metabolized easily by rat intestinal flora, and the metabolic rate was very quickly, and the major metabolite was M1. The metabolite M1 increased gradually with the prolongation of incubation time, but the quantity of steroidal saponins extract were dropped quickly. Conclusion: Steroidal saponins extracted from A. asphodeloides are metabolized easily by rat intestinal flora.

Key words: steroidal saponins, intestinal flora, metabolism, LC/MS/MS