GC-MS based metabolomic profiling of lung tissue couple with network pharmacology revealed the possible protection mechanism of Pudilan Xiaoyan Oral Liquid in LPS-induced lung injury of mice.

•GC–MS based metabolomics approach of lung tissue was firstly used to clarify the protective mechanism of PDL.•11 potential metabolites were identified, which were significantly regulated to recover by PDL treatment.•PDL exerted its protective effect of injured lung by regulating the key protein-metabolite network.•Aspartate and l-cysteine were the key metabolites and their correlated proteins, IL4I1 and ASPA, were speculated as the potential target of PDL.