Comprehensive quality evaluation of Lysimachia christinae Hance via fingerprint, spectrum–effect relationship, and quantitative analyses of multiple components by single marker

Abstract Background Lysimachia christinae Hance (LCH) is a traditional medicine used to treat gallstone disease and cholecystitis. Despite its known anti‐inflammatory and choleretic effects, its quality has not been extensively evaluated. Objective In this study, we aimed to establish a reliable quality evaluation method for LCH via fingerprint, spectrum–effect relationship, and quantitative analyses of multicomponents by a single marker (QAMS). Methods First, the fingerprints and anti‐inflammatory and choleretic activities of 14 LCH batches were determined. Then, the gray relation analysis method was used to analyze the peak areas of the fingerprint profile and pharmacodynamic data. Subsequently, the characteristic peaks were tentatively identified using high‐performance liquid chromatography‐quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry. Finally, rutin was selected as the internal reference material, and QAMS was used to analyze the LCH components. Results Pharmacodynamic experiments confirmed that LCH exerted anti‐inflammatory and choleretic effects. Moreover, 15 flavonoids related to the anti‐inflammatory and choleretic effects of LCH were identified. Notably, relative error percentage between the QAMS and external standard method was less than 5%. Conclusion This study successfully established a comprehensive evaluation method for the qualitative and quantitative analyses of LCH.