Analysis of chemical components in herbal formula Qi Bai Granule by UPLC-ESI-Q-TOF-MS

Abstract

Qi Bai Granule (QBG), a traditional Chinese medicine formula for the treatment of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, is composed of seven herbs. It is necessary to learn its chemical composition for quality control. In this study, a method for rapid separation and structural identification of the constituents in QBG was established by UPLC-ESI-Q-TOF-MS in negative and positive ion mode. As a result, 112 compounds, such as triterpenoids, flavonoids and monoterpenes were detected. Based on the retention times, accurate masses, fragment ions, related literatures, and/or authentic standards, 107 compounds were unambiguously identified or tentatively characterized. Additionally, 20% monarch, 50% minister, 5% assistant and 24% guide drugs of 112 compounds were detected, which on the whole was consistent with the compatibility of QBG. The results would provide a scientific basis for the quality control, quantitative analysis and further study in vivo or vitro of QBG.

Graphical abstract

Keywords:

• Qi Bai granule
• UPLC-Q-TOF-MS
• chemical constituents
• identification

Disclosure statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.