Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis of the active components in serum of rats treated with Zuogui Pill

ObjectiveTo investigate the active components Zuogui Pill, a typical recipe for nourishing kidney essence in the traditional Chinese medicine.MethodsAdult male Sprague Dawley rats were treated with the traditional Chinese herbal medicine Zuogui Pill and the active components found in the serum of the animals were analyzed by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. FTIR spectra of serum samples of treated and untreated rats were analyzed and the A2960/A2931 and A1540/A1080 ratios were calculated.ResultsA2960/A2931 ratios of the serum samples collected following the administration of Zuogui Pill were significantly higher than those of the normal serum samples. FTIR data were then fitted using a Gaussian equation for wave numbers in the range of 1140–1000 cm−1. ARNA/ADNA ratios in the serum of rats treated with Zuogui Pill were higher than those found in normal rat serum.ConclusionFTIR spectroscopy could be used as an analytical tool to detect the active components in serum of animals treated with Zuogui Pill.