ABSTRACT
Objective To study how and why the lipo-alkaloids changed in decocting the flowers of Aconitum kusnezoffii (FAK). [WT5HZ]Methods The alkaloids in ethanol extract of FAK, FAK decoction, and the residues of decocted FAK were analyzed and compared by electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (ESI-MSn). Results No lipo-alkaloids were detected in FAK decoction, however, triester-lipo-alkaloids become the dominant components in the residues of FAK decoction. Conclusion Besides hydrolysis reactions, ester-exchange reactions happen for diester-aconitines and triester-aconitines in the decocting of FAK. It is the first time to report that C_8-acetyl is displaced by long chain fatty acyl for triester-aconitines in the ester-exchange reactions.