Utility of UPLC-ESI-TOF/MS for Rapid Analysis of the Constituents in Scutellariae Radix

Objective:A method using ultra performance liquid chromatography–electrospray ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry(UPLC-ESI-TOF/MS) was developed to analyze the constituents in Scutellariae Radix.Methods:The full-scan UPLC-TOF/MS chromatogram and the chromatogram produced using in-source collision-induced dissociation were acquired,respectively.Through calculating accuracy mass and isotopic fit value of the molecular ion cluster,molecular formula was confirmed,and further the matched compound was researched in the established database composed of the known constituents in Scutellariae Radix.Finally,the peaks were identified or characterized structurally by elucidating the mass spectrum produced using in-source collision-induced dissociation.Results:As a result,31 compounds in Scutellariae Radix were detected,all of which were assigned to the flavonoids.Conclusion:It is concluded that this method is rapid,sensitive and accuracy,and can be used for analysis of the constituents in Scutellariae Radix.This study also provides a method to the analysis of other traditional Chinese medicines.