Therapeutic substance basis of Bu-Ti-Hua-Tan-Tang for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A targeted protein extraction approach

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the third leading cause of death globally, and there are some limitations in the therapeutic effect of COPD triple therapy. Bu-Ti-Hua-Tan-Tang (BTHTT), a classic Traditional Chinese Medicine formula, has demonstrated significant clinical efficacy, yet its therapeutic substance basis and mechanisms remain unclear. This study employed a targeted protein extraction strategy to broadly screen for BTHTT components that migrate into the bloodstream, focusing on core protein targets associated with key pathological targets. We achieved intelligent identification of the therapeutic substance basis and mechanisms of BTHTT. Based on the significant therapeutic effects observed in the high-dose group, we identified key metabolic small molecules such as glutathione (oxidized form), phosphatidylcholine, and L-palmitoylcarnitine, and determined critical metabolic regulatory pathways of BTHTT, including phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan biosynthesis.