Integrating GC-MS, Network Pharmacology, and Efficacy Evaluation to Explore Quality Markers and the Compatible Regularity of Zhideke Granules

Introduction: Zhideke granules (ZDKG) are a widely used Traditional Chinese Medicine Formula (TCMF) in clinical practice for treating various diseases caused by wind-heat invading the lung. However, identifying quality markers (Q-markers) and elucidating their compatible regularity are challenging due to the complex composition of ZDKG, which involves multiple active ingredients acting on diverse targets. This study aimed to understand the compatible regularity of ZDKG and identify quality markers among its volatile components. Methods: The volatile components of ZDKG and compatibility prescriptions were analyzed by GC-MS, and then the Q-markers were screened by network pharmacology and molecular docking. Additionally, animal experiments were conducted to investigate the antitussive, antiinflammation and expectorant effects of ZDKG and compatibility prescriptions. Results: A total of 78 volatile components were identified from ZDKG and compatibility prescriptions. Based on the results of GC-MS and network pharmacology studies, farnesylacetone, diosphenol, tetradecanoic acid, (-)-menthol, p-menthan-3-one, piperitone, etc., can be determined as the Q-Markers for the volatile components of ZDKG. Animal experiments demonstrated that ZDKG had significant antitussive, anti-inflammation and expectorant effects, and the contribution of monarch medicines was the most prominent. Discussion: Each functional unit in ZDKG has different degrees of regulation in volatile component analysis and animal experiments, but its intervention effect is not as good as that of the whole prescription, which is due to the synergistic effect of the bioactive components of 10 traditional Chinese medicines in ZDKG. Conclusion: The Q-Markers of volatile components in ZDKG, such as farnesylacetone and diosphenol, may exert antitussive, anti-inflammation, and expectorant effects by mediating MAPK3, MAPK1, PIK3CA, AKT1 targets and regulating PI3K-Akt, MAPK signaling pathways. The compatibility of different functional units can increase the types of volatile components of ZDKG and enhance its efficacy. This study clearly revealed the Q-Markers for the volatile components and the compatible regularity of ZDKG.