Characterization of Metabolites of α-mangostin in Bio-samples from SD Rats by UHPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap MS.

Background α-mangostin, a typical xanthone, often exists in Garcinia mangostana L. (Clusiaceae). α-mangostin was found to have a wide range of pharmacological properties. However, its specific metabolic route in vivo remains unclear, while these metabolites may accumulate to exert pharmacological effects, too. Objective This study aimed to clarify the metabolic pathways of α-mangostin after oral administration to the rats. Methods Here, an UHPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap MS was used for the detection of potential metabolites formed in vivo. A new strategy for the identification of unknown metabolites based on typical fragmentation routes was implemented. Results A total of 42 metabolites were detected, and their structures were tentatively identified in this study. The results showed that major in vivo metabolic pathways of α-mangostin in rats included methylation, demethylation, methoxylation, hydrogenation, dehydrogenation, hydroxylation, dehydroxylation, glucuronidation, and sulfation. Conclusions This study is significant to expand our knowledge of the in vivo metabolism of α-mangostin and to understand the mechanism of action of α-mangostin in rats in vivo.