A high-performance chemical isotope labeling liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry workflow was applied to cerebrospinal fluid metabolomics in a rat model of ischemic brain injury treated with Gastrodia elata and Uncaria rhynchophylla water extract. This methodology allowed for successful profiling of the cerebrospinal fluid metabolome, despite the small sample volume, particularly thanks to adapting the technique for use in small animal models.

After 7 days of treatment with the water extract, improvements in the model's neurological deficit score were noted, coupled with a reduction in infarct volume. Crucially, the brain's histological structure remained intact. Over 1957 metabolites were quantified, signifying that the technique allows for robust and in-depth profiling.

Subsequent to the treatment, changes were detected in metabolites associated with oxidative stress, inflammatory responses, and excitotoxicity, suggesting that the water extract potentially works by altering these metabolites. The study therefore has expanded our understanding of how traditional Chinese medicine can be employed to affect the central nervous system.