Investigation of the potential curative effects of Gui-Zhi-Jia-Ge-Gen decoction on wind-cold type of common cold using multidimensional analysis

Gui-Zhi-Jia-Ge-Gen decoction (GJGD) is a classical Chinese medicine prescription that has been widely used in clinical practice for centuries. In recent times, TCM has received considerable attention for its potential efficacy in treating a wind-cold type of common cold. However, the effect of the Gui-Zhi-Jia-Ge-Gen decoction on the wind-cold type of common cold is still not fully understood, which presents challenges for both quality control, research and development. Furthermore, the identification of potential pharmacodynamic ingredients (PPIs) is important for developing quality control procedures for industrial and large-scale production. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential curative effect of Gui-Zhi-Jia-Ge-Gen decoction on wind-type of common cold using multidimensional qualitative analysis that combined water-decoction spectrums, in vivo plasma spectrums, and molecular docking to identify key constituents of GJGD. Water-based GJGDs were formulated according to the clinical usage documented in ancient medical texts. Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time of flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS) was combined with computer-aided modeling screening to identify GJGD PPIs in rats following oral administration. Molecular docking experiments were carried out to predict the binding affinity of the PPIs to tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β). Finally, the active ingredients of GJGD were further validated through pharmacodynamic experiments by assessing their efficacy in treating a wind-cold type of common cold in rats. A total of 61 compounds were identified in the GJGD, 8 of which were detected in rat blood samples, providing stronger evidence for PPIs. Molecular docking also confirmed that these 8 compounds had a better affinity for TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β. In animal studies, various doses of the GJGD groups and the positive control groups caused significant elevations (P