Quantitative analysis of fifteen saponins in the roots and leaves of Panax notoginseng under different cultivation models using UPLC–Q-Orbitrap HRMS

Panax notoginseng (Burkill) F.H. Chen is a member of the Araliaceae family and is renowned for its health-promoting properties. In this study, a sensitive and reliable analytical method was established for the quantification of 15 saponins in P. notoginseng . This method exhibited excellent linearity (R 2 = 0.9970–0.9998) and low limits of detection (0.12–6.31 μg/L) and quantification (0.54–21.03 μg/L). It was subsequently applied to compare samples from conventional farmland and ecological under-forest cultivation systems. The concentrations of Rb1, Rb3, Rc, and Rd in the leaves, as well as PPD-type saponins in the roots of under-forest plants, were significantly higher than those in farmland-grown counterparts, showing increases of up to 113.04% and 35.19%, respectively. Rb1 was identified as a characteristic saponin in the leaves of under-forest P. notoginseng , while Rb1 and Rh2 were characteristic in the main roots. These results provide a scientific basis for promoting ecological under-forest cultivation practices and offer a robust analytical approach for quality evaluation of P. notoginseng . • A sensitive method was established to quantify saponins in P. notoginseng. • Rb1, Rb3, Rc, and Rd in the leaves, and PPD-type saponins in the roots of forest-grown plants, were higher than those in farmland-grown ones. • Rb1 was identified as a characteristic saponin in the leaves of forest-grown P. notoginseng. • Rb1 and Rh2 were characteristic in the main roots.