HPLC Fingerprint and LC-TOF-MS Analysis on Extract from Roots of Gentiana macrophylla

ObjectiveEstablishing a fingerprint method to identify the characteristic chemicals in the roots of Gentiana macrophylla and evaluate their quality.MethodsRP-HPLC was developed for fingerprint analysis and determination of four ingredients in G. macrophylla roots from different sources. LC-ESI-TOF-MS was employed to identify the chromatographic peaks of the fingerprint.ResultsFive common peaks were identified by comparing their retention time with reference secoiridoid glucosides. Eight major peaks in chromatographic fingerprint were analyzed by on-line LC-ESI-TOF-MS. Four secoiridoid glucosides were identified based on their MS data.ConclusionThe method is specific and could be served for the quality identification and comprehensive evaluation of G. macrophylla.