[Revealing dampness-drying and phlegm-resolving mechanism and processing principle of steamed Citri Sarcodactylis Fructus from Guangdong based on network pharmacology and metabolomics].

This study aims to evaluate the therapeutic effect of the decoction of steamed Citri Sarcodactylis Fructus from Guangdong(SCSF) on allergic asthma in rats and explore the dampness-drying and phlegm-resolving mechanism, as well as the processing principle. A rat model of allergic asthma was established by ovalbumin(OVA) sensitization and challenge. Pathological changes in the lung tissue(HE staining), serum OVA-specific IgE(OVA sIgE) levels(ELISA), mRNA levels of related factors(RT-PCR), and whole blood viscosity were observed after SCSF intervention. Network pharmacology prediction and untargeted metabolomics analysis were integrated to elucidate SCSF's mechanism and differences before and after processing. The results showed that the SCSF decoction significantly ameliorated pathological lung injury, reduced serum OVA sIgE levels, regulated mRNA levels of related factors, and corrected hemorheological abnormalities in asthmatic rats. Its dryness property was significantly lower than that of crude Citri Sarcodactylis Fructus(CSF). Mechanism studies revealed that CSF and SCSF may exert effects by downregulating key metabolites such as phosphatidylcholine(glycerophospholipid metabolism), arachidonic acid(arachidonic acid metabolism), and sphingosine(sphingolipid metabolism). SCSF demonstrated enhanced efficacy by downregulating uric acid(purine metabolism). CSF exhibited stronger dryness likely via modulating TCA cycle energy metabolism. SCSF has a significant therapeutic effect on allergic asthma involving multi-metabolic pathway regulation. Steaming reduces the dryness property of CSF while synergistically enhancing its dampness-drying and phlegm-resolving effects by modulating uric acid metabolism.