This study employed the methods of serum chemistry, in vivo drug distribution analysis, and network pharmacology to investigate the potential therapeutic effects of Bufei Pills on respiratory disorders and decipher the underlying mechanisms. For the in vivo distribution study, rats were administrated with Bufei Pills, and the absorbed components were analyzed by HPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS. The results showed that 56 components were present in the rat serum, including neocyclomorusin, asterinin A, neoisostegane, goimisin R, and frehmaglutoside H. These components were absorbed orally into the blood and distributed in various organs such as the heart, liver, spleen, lung, kidney, and pancreas as well as in the cerebrospinal fluid. The network pharmacological analysis identified 81 core targets such as ALB, IL6, AKT1, TNF, EGFR, ESR1, JUN, and HSP90AA1. These targets were involved in signaling pathways such as PI3K-AKT, MAPK, VEGFA, and AGE-RAGE. These findings suggested that Bufei Pills might be effective in treating respiratory disorders such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD), pulmonary fibrosis, and pneumonia as well as COPD complications such as diabetes and depression by regulating inflammation, oxidative stress, metabolism, and immune function via the targets. In addition, Bufei Pills play a role in alleviating the shortness of breath, fatigue, and bodily pain during the recovery stage of COVID-19. Further research and development are needed to fully evaluate the potential of Bufei Pills.
Keywords: Bufei Pills; HPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS; absorbed components; network pharmacology; recovery stage of COVID-19; treatment potential for respiratory disorders.