Integrated mass spectrometry approach to profile proanthocyanidins occurring in food supplements: Analysis of Potentilla erecta L. rhizomes

Their presence has been rationalised on the basis of mass spectrometric profiles. Direct flow injection/electrospray ionisation (ESI)/ion trap (IT) mass spectrometry was used to investigate the hydroalcoholic extract of P. erecta. To achieve deeper structural information and to focus the analysis on PAs with high polimerisation degree (DP), matrix assisted laser desorption ionisation (MALDI)-time of flight (TOF)-mass spectrometry, was used. Finally, liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS2) analyses were executed by using a diol stationary phase to detect PAs from DP1 to DP10. Results suggested that all of them were B-type procyanidins with 4→8 linkages.