A sensitive and efficient method for simultaneous trace detection and identification of triterpene acids and its application to pharmacokinetic study

► A sensitive method for trace detection of triterpene acids in plasma was developed. ► Micro-sampling (20 μL) can meet the requirement for biological sample analysis. ► The novel application of multivariate method helps to improve sensitivity. ► The new use of LORC for the derivatization reaction ensures the trace detections. ► More efficient and convenient alternative method for pharmacokinetic study.