Quality Evaluation of Standard Decoction of Viticis Negundo Folium Based on Multi-Dimensional Quality Characterization Technology
This study establishes a multi-dimensional quality evaluation system for the standard decoction of Viticis Negundo Folium (VNF) by integrating characteristic chromatogram, network pharmacology, and quantitative analysis to identify quality markers (Q-Markers) for bronchitis treatment. UPLC analysis using a Cortecs C18 column (100 mm × 2.1 mm, 2.7 μm) with acetonitrile-0.1% phosphoric acid gradient elution (0–9 min, 3%–16% A; 9–21 min, 16%–20% A; 21–22 min, 20%–65% A; 22–23 min, 65% A; 23–29 min, 65%–95% A) at 270 nm, 35 °C, 0.3 mL/min, and 2 μL injection volume resolved nine characteristic peaks, with four identified as p-hydroxybenzoic acid, isoorientin, isovitexin, and apigenin-7-O-β-D-glucuronide (AG). Network pharmacology predicted key targets (MMP2, RELA, HDAC1, SERPINE1) and pathways (cellular senescence, AGE-RAGE, PI3K-Akt, EB virus infection) linked to bronchitis. Quantitative analysis of 15 batches revealed average contents in standard decoction of 18.98, 9.13, 4.72, and 1.64 mg/g for the four compounds, respectively, with transfer rates from decoction pieces of 118.83%, 24.61%, 54.75%, and 19.81%. The method is accurate, reliable, and demonstrates uniform and stable quantity transfer, providing a basis for quality control and mechanistic elucidation of VNF standard decoction.