Application of MS-MS for the rapid, comparative analysis of saponin mixtures as exemplified by the deacylated and partially deacylated triterpenoid saponins of Bellis annua.

While most species of the Bellis genus are characterized by saponins in concentrations of ca.4% dry weight, Bellis annua only contains ca.0.3% saponins. Hence positive-ion electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, including MS-MS analysis, has been used extensively for the rapid identification of the saponins of B. annua obtained after mild alkaline hydrolysis. The saponin composition is similar to that of other Bellis species and, in addition, glycosides of the rare bellisonic acid, which has recently been found in B. bernardii, have been identified.