UPLC-QTOF/MS Analysis of Alkaloids in Traditional ProcessedCoptis chinensisFranch.

Abstract

The processing technology employed in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is significant and distinct. Meanwhile, the processedCoptis chinensisFranch. are significant in clinic based on clinical practice and literature. The current study used ultraperformance liquid chromatography method (UPLC) coupled with quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry (qTOF/MS) and Marklynx software to analyze the chemical profiles of crude and processedC. chinensisFranch. 13 compounds in these samples are identified, including 3 compounds that are detected inC. chinensisFranch. for the first time. Moreover, the results of the experiment show significant chemical differences between crude and processedC. chinensisFranch. with principal component analysis (PCA). The obvious separation in PCA confirms the traditional processing theory in TCM.