Exploring the Mechanism of Action and Potential Targets of Saorilao‐4 Decoction in the Treatment of Pulmonary Fibrosis in Rats by Metabolomics

ABSTRACT Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a chronic progressive disease marked by alveolar epithelial cell damage. Saorilao‐4 decoction (SRL), a traditional Mongolian prescription, has demonstrated therapeutic effects on PF, though its mechanism of action remains elusive. This study used a bleomycin‐induced fibrosis rat model to evaluate SRL's effects by measuring inflammatory factors, assessing fibrosis‐related indices, and performing histopathological lung examinations. Serum metabolite levels in the experimental groups were measured using high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. Data analysis involved principal component and partial least‐squares discriminant analyses, followed by functional enrichment analysis of differential metabolites. SRL significantly ameliorated alveolar interstitial injury, fibrosis, and metabolic disorders induced by bleomycin. Additionally, we identified 71 metabolic components related to PF progression, including sphingolipids and fatty acids. Administration of SRL affected 59 metabolic components involved in purine, cysteine and methionine, and arginine and proline metabolisms. Specifically, SRL regulated the levels of hexadecanoic acid, S‐adenosylmethionine, 3‐oxopalmitoyl coenzyme A, and dodecanoic acid metabolites, thereby improving the metabolic course of PF. In conclusion, this study offers insights into the potential mechanisms of SRL in treating PF from a metabolomics perspective. It provides valuable information for its clinical application.