Combination of UPLC–Q‐TOF/MS and network pharmacology to reveal the mechanism of Chaihu‐jia‐Longgu‐Muli decoction for treating vertigo with anxiety disorder

Abstract Chaihu‐jia‐Longgu‐Muli decoction (CLMD) has been proven clinically effective in treating vertigo with anxiety disorder. However, the mechanism is not clear. This study aimed to explore the mechanism of CLMD in treating vertigo with anxiety disorder based on ultra‐performance liquid chromatography–quadrupole time‐of‐flight/mass spectrometry (UPLC–Q‐TOF/MS) and network pharmacology. UPLC–Q‐TOF/MS was performed to identify the compounds in blood and the targets of compounds of CLMD in vertigo and anxiety were searched using databases. A protein–protein interaction network was built to screen the core targets. The core targets were analyzed by Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses. In addition, the vertigo with anxiety rat model was used to verify the results. A total of 22 compounds were absorbed into the blood. Eighty‐one potential targets associated with CLMD for vertigo with anxiety disorder were identified through network pharmacological analysis. Subsequently, GO and KEGG analysis showed that CLMD treatment for vertigo with anxiety disorder is associated with neurotransmitter levels and other pertinent physiological processes. The results of the animal experiments showed that CLMD decreased the levels of serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine, alleviating the symptoms of vertigo and anxiety disorder in model rats. The study revealed CLMD could alleviate vertigo and anxiety symptoms through reducing the levels of neurotransmitters.