Rapid characterization of the constituents in Jingfang Granules by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry

Jingfang Granules (JFG) are a contemporary pharmaceutical preparation based on the ancient herbal remedy Jingfang Baidu San, optimized through modern refinement processes and cutting-edge production methods. Clinically, it serves as an effective treatment for viral infections like the common cold, seasonal flu, and upper respiratory ailments. Nevertheless, the incomplete understanding of JFG's chemical profile has hindered research into its therapeutic mechanisms and broader clinical implementation. In this study, Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QTOF-MS/MS) was employed for the analysis of constituents in JFG. Combined with the Progenesis QI platform, reference standards, online databases, and self-built databases, as well as the fragmentation rule analysis of mass spectrometry peaks, a total of 132 compounds were preliminarily characterized. These include 49 phenylpropanoids, 39 flavonoids, 12 terpenoids, 8 organic acids, 8 chromones, and 16 other compounds. These compounds may reflect the chemical properties of JFG. The methodology established in this study enables the systematic, rapid, and accurate profiling of the chemical constituents in JFG, thereby providing a solid foundation for enhancing quality standard control and elucidating the basis of pharmacologically active substances.