Background: Isorhapontigenin (trans–3,5,4′-trihydroxy–3′–methoxystilbene, ISO), a dietary resveratrol (trans–3,5,4′–trihydroxystilbene) derivative, possesses various health-promoting activities. To further evaluate its medicinal potentials, the pharmacokinetic and metabolomic profiles of ISO were examined in Sprague-Dawley rats.

Methods: The plasma pharmacokinetics and metabolomics were monitored by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) and gas chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (GC–MS/MS), respectively.

Results: Upon intravenous injection (90 μmol/kg), ISO exhibited a fairly rapid clearance (CL) and short mean residence time (MRT). After a single oral administration (100 μmol/kg), ISO was rapidly absorbed and showed a long residence in the systemic circulation. Dose escalation to 200 μmol/kg resulted in higher dose-normalized maximal plasma concentrations (Cmax/Dose), dose-normalized plasma exposures (AUC/Dose), and oral bioavailability (F). One-week repeated daily dosing of ISO did not alter its major oral pharmacokinetic parameters. Pharmacokinetic comparisons clearly indicated that ISO displayed pharmacokinetic profiles superior to resveratrol as its Cmax/Dose, AUC/Dose, and F were approximately two to three folds greater than resveratrol. Metabolomic investigation revealed that 1-week ISO administration significantly reduced plasma concentrations of arachidonic acid, cholesterol, fructose, allantoin, and cadaverine but increased tryptamine levels, indicating its impact on metabolic pathways related to health-promoting effects.

Conclusion: ISO displayed favorable pharmacokinetic profiles and may be a promising nutraceutical in view of its health-promoting properties.