Objective: To identify prototype components and metabolites of Polygonum capitatum extract in rat urine after oral administration by UHPLC-Q-TOF/MS

and explore its direct acting substances and in vivo metabolic process. Method: The separation was performed on a RRHD Eclipse Plus C18 column with mobile phase of 1%formic acid aqueous solution-0.1%formic acid acetonitrile solution for gradient elution

flow rate was 0.3 mL · min-1

column temperature was set at 45℃.Using electrospray ionization (ESI) in negative ion mode with scanning range from m/z 50 to 1000.By comparing chromatograms difference between blank urine and urine of administration

prototype components and metabolites of P.capitatum extract were identified. Result: Three kinds of prototype constituents and 15 kinds of metabolites were identified in the urine.These direct acting substances were protocatechuic acid

quercetin and gallic acid

or their products of liver metabolism. Conclusion: This method is reliable and effective for identifying compounds in urine after oral administration of P.capitatum extract

and it can provide a reference for further study on pharmacodynamic material basis of this herb.