A strategy for characterization of triterpene saponins in Caulophyllum robustum hairy roots by liquid chromatography with electrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry

- An efficient strategy was developed to identify Caulophyllum saponins by LC-qTOF.
- Seven sapogenins were rapidly differentiated and identified by diagnosed ions.
- Three unusual sapogenins featured with 11-oxo-12-en group were discovered.
- Acetylpentose was discovered in Caulophyllum saponins.
- Glc6 ← Glc4 ← Rha4 ← Glc6 ← Glc4 ← Rha was identified as an α-sugar chain.