Simultaneous Component Analysis of Akebia quinata Seeds (Lardizabalaceae) by Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography–Tandem Mass Spectrometry for Quality and Cytotoxicity Assessment

<i>Akebia quinata</i> seeds (AQSs) are used as an analgesic, antiphlogistic, and diuretic in traditional herbal medicine. We developed an ultra-performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) simultaneous component analysis method to analyze eight compounds (chlorogenic acid, isochlorogenic acid A, isochlorogenic acid C, hederacolchiside F, hederacoside C, dipsacoside B, akebia saponin D, and α-hederin) as markers for the quality assessment of AQSs. The separation of the eight analytes was performed in an Acquity UPLC BEH C₁₈ reversed-phase analytical column. The method was validated with respect to linearity (coefficient of determination ≥ 0.994), recovery (90.32-108.18%; relative standard deviation (RSD) < 10.0%), and precision (RSD < 10%). The analysis of the AQSs confirmed that the eight components were found in concentrations of 0.42-9.07 mg/g. The cytotoxicity of the AQS extract and the eight compounds against human cancer cell lines, including MDA-MB-231 (breast), A549 (lung), HCT 116 (colon), AsPC-1 (pancreas), and A2780 (ovarian), was also assessed, with cisplatin used as a positive control. In addition, dipsacoside B showed high cytotoxicity in all cell lines. This assay will help to enhance efficacy and clinical research as well as provide a validated quality assessment of AQS extract and related traditional herbal medicines.