Qualitative and quantitative analysis of the constituents in Danmu preparations by UPLC-PDA-TOF-MS.

An ultra performance liquid chromatography coupled with photodiode array detector and time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-PDA-TOF-MS) method was developed for the quality assessment of Danmu preparations, a commonly used traditional Chinese medicine. Thirty-three compounds from Danmu preparations were simultaneously detected; among them, 14 compounds were unequivocally identified based on their retention behaviors, UV spectrum, MS and MS(n) data by comparing with reference substances, and the others were tentatively characterized by literatures. Twelve of 33 compounds were simultaneously determined by UPLC-PDA, and the validation of the quantitative method, including recoveries, linearity, sensitivity, precision and repeatability was carried out and the results demonstrated to be satisfied the requirements of quantitative analysis. The results suggested that the established method would be a powerful and reliable analytical tool for quality control of Danmu preparations and the characterization of multi-constituent in complex chemical system.