Screening of anti-inflammatory active components in Sabia schumanniana Diels by affinity ultrafiltration and UHPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap mass spectrometry.

ABSTRACT

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Sabia schumanniana Diels is a traditional botanical used to treat lumbago and arthralgia. However, there has been limited research on the pharmacological effects of its chemical components. AIM OF THE STUDY This study aimed to rapidly screen for anti-inflammatory compounds in Sabia schumanniana Diels. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An affinity ultrafiltration method based on UHPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap MS was established to rapidly screen and identify cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) receptor ligands. The reliability of this method was verified by molecular docking analysis and experiments with RAW264.7 cells. RESULTS: Seventeen ligands were identified from Sabia schumanniana Diels using affinity ultrafiltration. Molecular docking results indicated that these ligands specifically docked with COX-2. Among them, N-nornuciferine exhibited notable anti-inflammatory activity. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of affinity ultrafiltration and UHPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap MS is an effective and precise method for screening anti-inflammatory compounds. This study provides a foundation for further research on Sabia schumanniana Diels and offers guidance for its potential clinical applications.