The mechanism of action of Botrychium (Thunb.) Sw. for prevention of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis based on H-NMR-based metabolomics

Objectives: This study aimed to reveal the anti-fibrotic effects of Botrychium ternatum (Thunb.) Sw. (BT) against idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and to preliminarily analyze its potential mechanism on bleomycin-induced IPF rats. Methods: The inhibition of fibrosis progression in vivo was assessed by histopathology combined with biochemical indicators. In addition, the metabolic regulatory mechanism was investigated using H-nuclear magnetic resonance-based metabolomics combined with multivariate statistical analysis. Key findings: Firstly, biochemical analysis revealed that BT notably suppressed the expression of hydroxyproline and transforming growth factor-β1 in the pulmonary tissue. Secondly, Masson’s trichrome staining and hematoxylin and eosin showed that BT substantially improved the structure of the damaged lung and significantly inhibited the proliferation of collagen fibers and the deposition of extracellular matrix. Finally, serum metabolomic analysis suggested that BT may exert anti-fibrotic effects by synergistically regulating tyrosine metabolism; phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan biosynthesis; and synthesis and degradation of ketone bodies. Conclusions: Our study not only clarifies the potential anti-fibrotic mechanism of BT against IPF at the metabolic level but also provides a theoretical basis for developing BT as an effective anti-fibrotic agent.