Pharmacokinetic evaluation of 24 representative components of Ling‐Gui‐Zhu‐Gan decoction in acute myocardial infarction model rats via a validated ultrahigh‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry method

Rationale Ling‐Gui‐Zhu‐Gan decoction (LGZGD), one of the 100 herbal classic formulas, is clinically used to treat chronic heart failure with remarkable curative effect. However, LGZGD pharmacokinetic parameters in pathological model rats are poorly understood, in particular for special components. As physicochemical properties are specific to each representative component, no standard sample preparation is available for absolute quantification of representative components of LGZGD in rat plasma. Methods A specific, sensitive and high‐throughput ultrahigh‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC/MS/MS) method capturing 24 representative components was developed and applied to evaluate the pharmacokinetic parameters of LGZGD in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) rat plasma after intragastric administration (2.4, 4.8 and 9.6 g/kg). Precipitation and extraction were selected and optimized for plasma preparation, and isopropanol precipitation could offer higher recovery and broader coverage. Results It was expected that AMI could cause less absorption and slower elimination of most of active components of LGZGD. Most of newly reported special components absorbed quickly and eliminated slowly. The average elimination half‐life of the 24 representative components was 10.09 h, which is consistent with the dosage of LGZGD (twice daily). Conclusions The specificity, linearity, precision and accuracy, recovery, matrix effect and stability were validated according to Food and Drug Administration guidance. The validation results demonstrated that the method could be applied to evaluate the pharmacokinetic parameters of LGZGD in AMI rats. The pharmacokinetic parameters showed substantial improvement in quality research of LGZGD, thereby laying the groundwork for preclinical and clinical trials in chronic heart failure clinical efficacy.