“UHPLC‐Q‐TOF/MS‐chemometrics‐network pharmacology” integrated strategy to discover quality markers of raw and stir‐fried Fructus Tribuli and process optimization of stir‐fried Fructus Tribuli

Abstract Introduction Fructus Tribuli, the dried ripe fruit of Tribulus terrestris L., has various beneficial effects, including liver‐calming and depression‐relieving effects. Raw Fructus Tribuli (RFT) and stir‐fried Fructus Tribuli (SFT) are included in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia 2020 edition (Ch. P 2020). However, owing to the lack of specific regulations on SFT‐processing parameters in Ch. P 2020, it is difficult to ensure the quality of commercially available SFT. Objective The present study aimed to screen the quality markers (Q‐markers) of RFT and SFT and optimize the processing technology of SFT based on the identified Q‐markers. Methods First, the ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC‐Q‐TOF/MS) technology as well as multiple statistical analysis along with network pharmacology was used to comprehensively identify the Q‐markers of RFT and SFT. Then, based on single‐factor experiments, the Box–Behnken design (BBD) response surface methodology (RSM) was used to optimize the processing technology of SFT and perform process validation. Results A total of 63 components were identified in RFT and SFT extracts. Terrestrosin D and Terrestrosin K were initially considered the Q‐markers of RFT and SFT, respectively. The optimum processing technology conditions were 208°C, 14 min, and 60 r·min −1 . Three batches of process validation were performed, and the mean composite score was 56.87, with a relative standard deviation (RSD) value of 1.13%. Conclusion The content of steroidal saponin components in RFT was significantly different before and after stir‐frying. Terrestrosin D and Terrestrosin K were validated as the Q‐markers of RFT and SFT, respectively. The identification of Q‐markers for RFT and SFT offered a clear index for optimizing the SFT‐processing technology and provided a basis for the quality control of RFT and SFT decoction pieces.