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.