ABSTRACT
AIM: To set up a rapid analysis and characterization method for coumarins in extract of Cnidium monnieri. METHODS: The sample was analyzed by ultra-performance liquid chromatography with a reversed phase C_(18) column using a binary eluent of acetonitrile and water(with 0.1% formic acid) under gradient conditions.The ~+ ions of coumarins in Cnidium monnieri extract were observed by positive ion electrospray time of flight mass spectrometry (ESI-TOF-MS) online detection,and the fragmentation behavior obtained by ESI-TOF-MS/MS,then coumarins was identified through accurate molecular weight and molecular formula and fragmentation information combined with literature review. RESULTS: All components could be separated rapidly within 10 min,and five coumarins-xanthotoxol,bergapten,xanthotoxin,imperatorin and osthol could be primary identified in Cnidium monnieri extract. CONCLUSION: This method is effective for identification of coumarins in extract of Cnidium monnieri.