Pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution of N-3- methoxybenzyl-palmitamide in rat: A macamide derived from Lepidium meyenii

Purpose: To study the pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution of N-3-methoxybenzyl-palmitamide (MPM) derived from Lepidium meyenii (Maca) Methods: MPM and N-benzylpalmitamide (BPM, as the internal standard, IS) were prepared by one-pot synthesis method and characterized. For the analysis of MPM in rat plasma and tissue samples, a rapid ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) method was developed and validated by optimizing sample preparation conditions and UPLC conditions. Finally, the pharmacokinetics and biodistribution of MPM after oral administration in rats were studied. Results: The lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) and limit of detection (LOD) of the UPLC-MS/MS method were 1.2 and 5.0 ng/mL, respectively. Good linear relationship of calibration curve (r > 0.9951) was achieved over the range of 5-5000 ng/mL. In pharmacokinetics, plasma concentration- time stomach, followed by lung. The absorption and eliminate rate of MPM were slow in rats. In fact, MPM displayed a lung targeting property. Conclusion: The developed UPLC-MS/MS method is suitable for plasma and tissue distribution studies of MPM in rats. The present study can provide guidance for the further development and utilization of Maca tuber.