Development of a Non-Target Screening and Quantitative Analysis Strategy Based on UPLC-Q-TOF/MS and UPLC-QQQ/MS to Improve the Quality Control of Wuling Capsule

Abstract

Herbal medicine has been widely valued because of its remarkable efficacy and minimal side effects. The quantitative analysis of herbal medicines is essential to ensure their safety and efficacy. The simultaneous detection of multiple quality markers (Q-markers) has emerged as an important approach and trend in herbal medicine quality control. In recent years, non-targeted screening has become an effective strategy for the discovery and identification of unknown compounds. This study developed a non-targeted screening and quantitative analysis strategy to discover, identify and quantify the multiple components that truly represent the efficacy of Wuling capsule. Within this strategy, 18 types of flavonoids were tentatively discovered and identified from Wuling capsule by analyzing mass cleavage pathways, the precise molecular weights of compounds, and comparing the data with a database. Ten types of flavonoids were determined after the comparison of the standards. Additionally, following the evaluation of the regression equation, linear range, limit of detection (LOD), limit of quantitation (LOQ), precision, repeatability, and recovery of the proposed quantitative method, six flavonoids were quantified. This method successfully screened, identified, and quantified the potential active components in Wuling capsule, providing insights for improving the quality control standards in other herbal medicines.