Studies on Quality Markers of Kaihoujian Spray for Anti-Inflammation Based on Gray Correlation Analysis Strategy

Kaihoujian spray (KHJ) was originated from the classical prescription of Miao medicine, which was commonly used for acute and chronic pharyngitis. The prescription was composed of Sophorae Tonkinensis Radix, Ardisiae Radix, Cicadae Periostracum, and menthol. However, in previous literature, only clinical studies have been reported. The Quality Marker (Q-Markers) of KHJ on anti-inflammation has not been clearly elucidated. In this study, a gray correlation analysis strategy combined with network pharmacology analysis was established for the investigation of Q-Markers in KHJ. A total of 52 components were identified or tentatively characterized in KHJ, including alkaloids, saponins, bergenin, flavonoids, amino acids, and their derivatives. Furthermore, regularity of recipe composition and gray correlation analysis revealed that the correlation degree of all peaks was greater than 0.5. The ranking of correlation degree was peak 1 > 6>9 > 8>7 > 10>4 > 5>11 > 3>2. Among them, peaks 2, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, and 11 were identified as anagyrine, matrine, sophocarpine, norbergenin, bengenin, 11-O-galloylbergenin, and trifolirhizin. The network pharmacology analysis revealed that EGFR, MMP9, MMP3, MMP1, and PTGS2 were the main targets of KHJ. Bergenin, matrine, sophocarpine, calycosin, and trifolirhizin were the main anti-inflammatory active ingredient in KHJ. These results proposed that bergenin, sophocarpidine, sophocarpine, and trifolirhizin could be the Q-Markers of KHJ on anti-inflammation. The process of discovering the Q-Markers would provide a promising method of quality control on KHJ.