Rapid chemical characterization and pharmacological mechanism of Feining Granules in the treatment of chronic bronchitis based on UHPLC–Q-exactive orbitrap mass spectrometer and network pharmacology

Background Senecio cannabifolius Less. is a perennial herb belonging to the Compositae family that has been used in traditional medicine as an antitussive and expectorant for treating chronic bronchitis and acute respiratory infections. Traditionally, Feining Granules are prepared from water extracts of the raw plant material. However, the chemical composition and pharmacological mechanisms of Feining Granules have not been thoroughly investigated. Methods A systematic strategy for the rapid detection and identification of the constituents of Feining Granules was developed using ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography–quadrupole-exactive orbitrap mass spectrometry (MS) with parallel reaction monitoring. Results Overall, 162 compounds, including flavonoids, alkaloids, organic acids, and others, were identified unambiguously and tentatively by comparing the retention times and MS fragmentation with reference standards and literature data. Ninety- nine of these were reported for the first time to the best of our knowledge. Network pharmacology suggests that Feining Granules can be used to treat chronic bronchitis as they contain active components associated with the ALB, VEGFA, and SRC target genes influenced by HIF-1, VEGF, and other signaling pathways. Conclusion These results provide information that can help understand the effective substances of S. cannabifolius Less. and improve quality control.