An active marker-based strategy for Anti-inflammatory Enhancement of Qiangli Pipa Syrup

Ethnopharmacological relevance: Qiangli Pipa Syrup (PPS) is a well-established classical traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula, historically utilized in clinical practice for treating respiratory ailments, particularly cough, phlegm, and various forms of inflammation of the lung and throat. While its traditional efficacy is well-recognized, the current quality control paradigms, which primarily focus on chemical marker consistency (Q-markers), often fail to guarantee consistent therapeutic efficacy in modern clinical settings. Therefore, a novel approach is urgently needed to link the established traditional use with reliable efficacy in the context of modern quality standards.

Aim of the study: In the present study, we have proposed a novel concept of "active markers" (A-markers), which is defined as endogenous metabolites that are associated with pharmacodynamic efficacies of TCM.

Material and methods: By integrating cellular metabolomics and pharmacodynamic analysis, systematically screen and validate these A-markers.

Results: we have revealed two endogenous metabolites (leucine and phenylalanine) could act as candidate A markers to enhance the anti-inflammatory ability of Qiangli Pipa Syrup (PPS) in vitro and in vivo.

Conclusion: The present results indicate that the activity metabolites are not only biomarkers but also can be regarded as functional effectors to exhibit enhanced effects with exogenous Q-markers. Furthermore, the feasible A-marker framework offers a conceptual and methodological strategy to bridge the gap between chemical consistency and efficacy consistency in TCM, and providing a new avenue for TCM Pharmacodynamic Potentiation and quality control.