A rapid method for simultaneous determination of triterpenoid saponins in Pulsatilla turczaninovii using microwave-assisted extraction and high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

► It is the first report on optimizing extraction methods of saponins in Pulsatilla. ► Operational conditions of MAE were optimized using a central composite design. ► An HPLC-ESI-MS/MS method was developed to assess the quality of Pulsatilla turczaninovii. ► Saponins were separated and identified in P. turczaninovii for the first time. ► Electrospray ionization source was operated in positive-negative mode in a single run.