ABSTRACT
Objective Based on UPLC-Q-Exactive orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry, qualitative analysis of Sophora flavescens seeds and its blood components were analyzed, and UHPLC-MS/MS quantitative analysis of six alkaloids in Sophora flavescens seeds were performed. Methods The separation was performed on the Waters HSS T3 column (100 mm × 2.1 mm, 1.7 μm), with mobile phase 0.1% formic acid acetonitrile (10 mmol/L ammonium acetate) solution (A) and 0.1% formic acid water (10 mmol/L ammonium acetate) solution (B) for gradient elution. Electrospray (ESI) fog ion source was used in mass spectrometry; Data were collected in positive ion mode for qualitative and quantitative analysis. Results A total of 34 chromatographic peaks were identified in the samples of Sophora flavescens seeds. Most of them were 26 alkaloids. A total of 18 alkaloids were identified in the plasma samples. The content of six alkaloids in Sophora flavescens seeds was up to 18.5%, and the content of oxymatrine was the highest. Conclusion The acute toxity of Sophora flavescens seeds may be due to the alkaloids entering into blood directly. This study provides a reference for the development and utilization of Sophora flavescens seeds.