High resolution UPLC-MS/MS method for simultaneous separation and determination of six flavonoids from semen cuscutae extract in rat plasma: application to comparative pharmacokinetic studies in normal and kidney-deficient rats

Semen Cuscutae, which mainly consisted of flavonoids, is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine and used for nourishing the liver and kidneys. The aim of this study was to develop a sensitive and selective UPLC-MS/MS method for simultaneous separation and determination of six main active renoprotective components of Hyperoside, Astragalin, Isoquercitrin, Quercitrin, Quercetin, and Kaempferol from Semen Cuscutae in rat plasma, and to reveal the pharmacokinetic differences between normal and kidney deficient rats. The validated method has been successfully applied to comparing pharmacokinetic profiles of the six analytes in rat plasma. The results indicated that there was significant difference in pharmacokinetic parameters of the six analytes between two groups, while absorptions in kidney deficient group were significantly lower than those in normal group. This study would be helpful for evaluating the Semen Cuscutae as renoprotective drug candidates for pre-clinical and clinical research.