Pharmacokinetic Properties of Baitouweng Decoction in Bama Miniature Pigs: Implications for Clinical Application in Humans

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) serves as a significant adjunct to chemical treatment for chronic diseases. For instance, the administration of Baitouweng decoction (BTWD) has proven effective in the treatment of ulcerative colitis. However, the limited understanding of its pharmacokinetics (PK) has impeded its widespread use. Chinese Bama miniature pigs possess anatomical and physiological similarities to the human body, making them a valuable model for investigating PK properties. Consequently, the identification of PK properties in Bama miniature pigs can provide valuable insights for guiding the clinical application of BTWD in humans. To facilitate this research, a rapid and sensitive UPLC-MS/MS method has been developed for the simultaneous quantification of eleven active ingredients of BTWD in plasma. Chromatographic separation was conducted using an Acquity UPLC HSS T3 C18 column and a gradient mobile phase comprising acetonitrile and water (containing 0.1% acetic acid). The methodology was validated in accordance with the FDA Bioanalytical Method Validation Guidance for Industry. The lower limit of quantitation fell within the range of 0.60–2.01 ng/mL. Pharmacokinetic studies indicated that coptisine chloride, berberine, columbamine, phellodendrine, and obacunone exhibited low Cmax, while fraxetin, esculin, fraxin, and pulchinenoside B4 were rapidly absorbed and eliminated from the plasma. These findings have implications for the development of effective components in BTWD and the adjustment of clinical dosage regimens.