Simultaneous quantification of 53 flavonoids, iridoid glycosides, phenolic acids, free amino acids and nucleosides in Zhi-zi-chi decoction using UFLC/QTRAP-MS

To evaluate the flavonoids, iridoid glycosides, phenolic acids, free amino acids and nucleosides contents in Zhi-zi-chi decoction (ZZCD), a sensitive and rapid method was developed using UFLC/QTRAP-MS for the simultaneous quantification. The results showed that all known ingredients were determined in ZZCD and the method was suitable for the simultaneous determination of 53 target components in ZZCD. Of which three isoflavones, nine free amino acids and eight iridoid glycosides were the main constituents. This study simultaneously determined 53 target components of 5 major categories in ZZCD for the first time and made up the blank on the target components contents of ZZCD, and promoted the construction of the ZZCD fingerprint at the same time, which have great significance for the comprehensive guarantee of the clinical therapeutic effect of ZZCD. The present study also offered an experimental foundation for more in-depth research on the pharmacochemistry analysis of ZZCD and effective fractions selection. The determined iridoid glycosides have been reported to possess antidepressant effects, which also provides a material basis for the subsequent research on the anti-depressant effects of ZZCD.