ABSTRACT
Objective: A novel ultra-performance liquid chromatography tandem quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS) was applied to establish a method to recognize and classify the main chemical constituents of Shuangshen Pingfei Granules accurately and rapidly. Methods: ACQUITY UPLC® BEH C18 chromatographic column (100 mm × 2.1 mm, 1.7 μm) was employed to UPLC analysis with the mobile phase consisting of acetonitrile-0.1% formic acid aqueous solution. ESI ion source was used to ensure the data collected in positive and negative ion mode. The chemical components of Shuangshen Pingfei Granules were identified by comparing with the retention time and the mass data of the reference substance, and consulting literature reports and mass spectrometry database. Results: A total of 63 chemical components were identified, including 24 terpenoids, seven phenolic acids, six tanshinones, 14 flavonoids and 12 other classes. Conclusion: The qualitative method established in this study could be used to rapidly and accurately identify the main chemical constituents of Shuangshen Pingfei Granules, and lay a foundation for the further analysis of effective ingredients in vivo, pharmacodynamic material basis and quality control research.