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Abstract
Dahuang-Gancao decoction (DGD) is a classical formula, which is commonly used for
reliving constipation in Chinese clinic. The aim of this study was to investigate
the pharmacodynamic, pharmacokinetic and tissue distribution alternations of DGD in
normal and constipation mice. DGD exhibited stronger purgative effect in constipation
mice by the increased fecal excretion and reduced first defection time compared with
normal mice. The C max , AUC 0-t and MRT 0-t of rhein, aloe-emodin, rhein-8-
O - β -D-glucoside, sennoside A, and glycyrrhizic acid as main bio-active components
in DGD were markedly increased in constipation mice. The tissue distribution of the
analytes in constipation mice were higher than those in normal mice with rhein > rhein-8-
O - β -D-glucoside > aloe-emodin > glycyrrhizic acid > emodin in liver, and glycyrrhizic
acid > rhein-8- O - β -D-glucoside > liquitin > sennoside A > rhein > aloe-emodin
> emodin in colon. The kidney concentrations of the analytes showed a descending order
of rhein > rhein-8- O - β - D-glucoside > sennoside A > glycyrrhizic acid > aloe-emodin
> emodin, most of them were higher while rhein was lower in constipation mice than
normal mice. The higher exposure of the anthraquinones in plasma, liver and colon
may result in the stronger purgative effect in the constipation mice than normal mice.
Rhein is mainly excreted through the kidney, the decreased level of rhein in constipation
mice may explain the alleviated side effects. Accumulation of glycyrrhizic acid in
colon may related with the moderate property of licorice. These results provided the
experimental basis for understanding the therapeutic effects and metabolite profile
of DGD.
Author and article information
Journal
Title:
Chinese Journal of Natural Medicines
Abbreviated Title:
Chinese Journal of Natural Medicines