Global Profiling and Structural Characterization of Metabolites of Ononin Using HPLC-ESI-IT-TOF-MS<sup><i>n</i></sup> After Oral Administration to Rats
Hongfu Li, Teng Li, Ping Yang, Yong Wang, Xue-Jian Tang, Lijia Liu, Feng Xu, Ming‐Ying Shang, Guang‐Xue Liu, Yao‐Li Li, Xuan Wang, Jun Yin, Shao‐Qing Cai
Abstract
after oral administration to rats. Metabolites (106), including 94 new metabolites, were characterized, which contained 17 phase I, 23 hydroxylated and methylated, 54 sulfated, 10 glucuronidated, and 2 sulfated and glucuronidated metabolites. Six hydroxylated metabolites of formononetin (aglycone of ononin) were simultaneously detected for the first time. Twenty-three hydroxylated and methylated metabolites were the new metabolites of ononin, and the number of hydroxylation and methylation was 1-3 and 1-2. Twenty metabolites have ononin-related bioactivities, and many metabolites have the same bioactivities. Their probable mechanisms of action may be additive and/or synergistic effects, especially because of the addition of the blood concentrations of these compounds. The results provide a foundation for a better understanding of the "effective forms" of ononin.