ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the phytochemical profile of Qingre Huashi decoction (, QHD) and evaluate the mechanisms rationalizing the use of QHD against ()-associated gastritis. METHODS: QHD is composed of 11 herbs, which was prepared by a fixed Pharmacy and concentrated into clear paste. High-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-QTOF/MS) was used to detect the phytochemical profile of QHD. The toxicity of QHD against and human gastric epithelial cells was evaluated by the toxicology test and cell counting kit-8 assay. The adhesion model was constructed by incubating and gastric mucosal epithelial cells for 2 h. The urease assay was used to examine the anti-adhesion effects of QHD, and gene expression of adhesins was evaluated by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The antioxidant activity was assessed by DCFH-DA labeling. To evaluate the anti-inflammatory effect, the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the culture supernatant were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: HPLC-QTOF/MS profiling indicated the presence of primary compounds 1-20 in QHD. Drug concentration was determined as 1, 2, and 5 mg/mL by the toxic concentration of QHD against and human gastric epithelial cells. QHD prevented adhesion to the human gastric epithelial cells and reduced levels of reactive oxygen species. QHD also reduced the level of interleukin-8 and other pro-inflammatory cytokines that were upregulated by infection. CONCLUSION: QHD could inhibit adhesion, and exert antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects .
