Studies on the Incompatibility between Bulbus fritillariae and Radix aconiti praeparata Based on the P-gp

Bulbus fritillariae and Radix aconiti praeparata are an incompatible herbal pair in the traditional Chinese medicine theory “eighteen incompatible medicaments,” and they should not be used simultaneously in clinical treatment for safety. This study aimed to investigate the incompatibility mechanism between Bulbus fritillariae and Radix aconiti praeparata based on their interaction with P-glycoprotein (P-gp). The interaction between Bulbus fritillariae and Radix aconiti praeparata during in vitro decocting as well as in vivo absorption was investigated by determining the dry extract yield and by rat single-pass intestinal perfusion (SPIP) model. Inhibition of different species of Bulbus fritillariae on P-gp function was examined using the SPIP model. The mRNA and protein expression of P-gp was determined by PCR and western blotting. The active ingredients of Bulbus fritillariae were predicted and screened for inhibiting P-gp activity by Schrodinger's molecular docking and MDR1-MDCK cell transport study, respectively. Mediation of monoester alkaloids in Radix aconiti praeparata by P-gp was predicted and examined using Schrodinger's molecular docking and SPIP experiment, respectively. In the results, when Radix aconiti praeparata was combined with Bulbus fritillariae, the toxic ingredient benzoylmesaconine in Radix aconiti praeparata displayed higher intestinal permeability, whereas the toxic ingredients showed no significant difference during the in vitro decoction process. Bulbus fritillariae thunbergii inhibited both the P-gp function and expression; in contrast, Bulbus fritillariae cirrhosae inhibited the function only. Alkaloids including peimine, peimisine, and imperialine were the active ingredients for inhibiting P-gp activity. Benzoylmesaconine in Radix aconiti praeparata was the substrate of P-gp.