Distribution of the triterpenoid saponins and chemotaxonomy of the genus Clematis L. by high-performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry

Selected species of the genus Clematis (Ranunculaceae) have been screened for occurrence of triterpenoid saponins by qualitative HPLC-MSn analysis of root and rhizome materials from 18 Clematis samples as well as the whole plant materials of Clematis puberula var. ganpiniana and Clematis terniflora. The HPLC-MSn analysis allowing the detection of 17 oleanolic acid or hederagenin saponins was carried out in the negative selected ion monitoring (SIM) mode. Triterpenoid saponin profiles of these taxa were used for phylogenetic studies, and results are presented as a dendrogram. Huzhangoside B could be unambiguously identified in all analyzed Clematis taxa, as well as in the investigated Ranunculus taxa. The distribution and chemotaxonomic importance of the triterpenoid saponin profile within this genus are discussed.

Research highlightsThe HPLC-MSn analysis allowed the detection of 17 oleanolic acid or hederagenin saponins. Huzhangoside B could be unambiguously identified in all analyzed Clematis taxa. Samples 1 to 10 mainly clustered into three groups based on the 17 peaks.