Identification of adulterants in a Chinese herbal medicine by LC–HRMS and LC–MS–SPE/NMR and comparative in vivo study with standards in a hypertensive rat model

Based on anecdotal evidence of anti-hypertensive effect of Gold Nine Soft Capsules, an in vivo study of this complex Chinese “herbal-based” medicine was initiated. Dosage of the content of Gold Nine capsules in spontaneous hypertensive rats showed a remarkably good effect. This led to further investigation of the components of the preparation and eventual identification of three known anti-hypertensive drugs; amlodipine, indapamide and valsartan, which were not declared on the label. Compounds were rapidly identified using LC–HRMS and LC–MS–SPE/NMR, quantified by HPLC, and the in vivo activity of a combination of commercially purchased standards was shown to be equivalent to that of the capsule content. Adulteration of herbal remedies and dietary supplements with synthetic drugs is an increasing problem that may lead to serious adverse effects. LC–MS–SPE/NMR as a method for the rapid identification of such adulterants is highlighted in this case study.