An analytical approach based on ESI-MS, LC-MS and PCA for the quali-quantitative analysis of cycloartane derivatives in Astragalus spp.

- Astragalus species are constituents of health foods and dietary supplements.
- Bioactive cycloartanes are the main compounds of Astragalus genus.
- ESI-MS and PCA analyses on eight commercial Astragalus spp. were carried out.
- Cycloartanes were analyzed by quali-quantitative LC-ESI-MSn and PCA.
- Metabolite similarities and differences among Astragalus spp. were highlighted.