ABSTRACT
Objective: To establish a method for the content identification of chemical constituents in Qiling Wenshen Xiaonang Formula by using UPLC-ESI-IT-TOF/MS, which can infer the potential active ingredients in the formula, combining with literature. Methods: The chromatography separation was performed on a Waters ACQUITY UPLC BEH C18 column (100 mm × 2.1 mm, 1.7 μm) with acetonitrile-0.1% formic acid in water by gradient elution. Electrospray ionization (ESI) source was applied and operated in both positive and negative ion mode. Results: A total of 36 chemical constituents were identified by ESI/MS through comparison on chemical standards and literature data, including 19 flavonoids, 11 phenolic acids, four triterpenoid saponins, one sesquiterpene glycoside, and one alkaloid. Conclusion: This study introduces a comprehensive analysis method for chemical ingredients in Qiling Wenshen Xiaonang Formula, and lays a foundation for the further analysis on the substance basis research. The results provide a significant guidance for the substance basis research and quality control of compound Chinese materia medica.