Rapid analysis on flavonoids in Gegen Zhiju Soft Capsule by UPLC/Q-TOF-MS / 中草药

ABSTRACT

Objective: To identify the flavonoids in Gegen Zhiju Soft Capsule (a soft capsule prepared with Puerariae Radix and Hoveniae Dulcis Fructus seu Semen and so on) using ultra performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC/Q-TOF-MS). Methods: The analysis was performed on Agilent Poroshell 120 SB-C18 column (100 mm ×2.1 mm, 2.7 μm) gradient elution with a mobile phase of 0.1% formic acid aqueous solution and acetonitrile. The flow rate was at 0.4 mL/min. TOFMS was applied for qualitative analysis, and the data were collected by the negative ion mode using ESI ion source. The parameters of ion source were as follows drying gas temperature, 300 ℃; drying gas flow rate, 10 L/min; nebulizer gas pressure, 276 kPa, sheath gas temperature, 350 ℃; sheath gas flow rate, 11 L/min; capillary voltage, 3 500 V; fragmentor voltage, 175 V. Results: Twenty flavonoid compounds were identified by TOF-MS and literature data. Relative molecular weight was concentrated within 250-650.Conclusion: The rapid separation with UPLC and Q-TOF-MS determination of the precise molecular weight information could effectively analyze and identify the flavonoid compounds in Gegen Zhiju Soft Capsule. The method is accurate, rapid, and sensitive, and could provide a reliable and effective technique for the quality control.