OBJECTIVE  To establish the fingerprint profiles of aqueous Succus bambusae extract from different species of the same genus, explore the anti-inflammatory activity-spectrum relationship, and screen for key components with anti-pharyngitis properties.

METHODS  HPLC was employed to establish the fingerprint profiles of 15 batches of aqueous Succus bambusae extract from different species of the same genus. An lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation model in RAW 264.7 cells was used, with NO inhibition rate as an indicator. Spectrum-effect relationships were constructed using grey correlation analysis and partial least squares regression. Using component knockout technology to knock out p-coumaric acid and establishing an acute pharyngitis rat model, the anti-pharyngitis efficacy of p-coumaric acid was evaluated based on the levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α in serum.

RESULTS  The fingerprint profiles of aqueous Succus bambusae extract revealed 15 common peaks, with p-coumaric acid and (+)-liriodendrin-9’-O-glucoside identified by comparison with reference standard, the components of aqueous Succus bambusae extract from different genera exhibit significant differences, with coumaric acid serving as a crucial indicator for differentiation. Spectral-activity relationship analysis indicated that chromatographic peaks 7, 8, and 9(coumaric acid), as well as peak 10(+)-lyoniresinol 9’-O-glucoside, might be critical contributors to the anti-inflammatory activity of aqueous Succus bambusae extract. It was verified that p-coumaric acid could significantly reduce the levels of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α in serum of rats with acute pharyngitis, and was an important anti-pharyngitis component.

CONCLUSION  The established fingerprint profile can be used to evaluate the quality of aqueous Succus bambusae extract. The spectrum-effect relationship study preliminarily elucidate the anti-inflammatory active substances of aqueous Succus bambusae extract, and component knockout experiments identified p-coumaric acid as one of the key components for its anti-pharyngitis effect, providing a reference for quality control and clinical application of aqueous Succus bambusae extract.