Characterization of protostane triterpenoids in Alisma orientalis by ultra‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry

A reliable and sensitive ultra‐performance liquid chromatography/quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (UPLC/Q‐TOF‐MS) method has been optimized and established for analysis of protostane triterpenoids in a commonly used traditional Chinese herbal medicine Alisma orientalis (Sam.) Juzep. The separation of crude extract of A. orientalis was achieved on a Waters ACQUITY HSS T3 column (100 mm × 2.1 mm, 1.8 µm) eluting with 0.1% (v/v) formic acid/acetonitrile. A total of 20 protostane triterpenoids including 19 known compounds and a new one were well separated within 7 min. The collision‐induced dissociation (CID) tandem mass spectrometric (MS/MS) fragmentation patterns of protostane triterpenoids was firstly reported in this study. The hydrogen rearrangement at the C‐23‐OH leads to dissociation of the bond between C‐23 and C‐24 in the protostane triterpenoid skeleton during the CID process. This dissociation was the characteristic CID fragmentation pathway of this class of triterpenoids, and was useful for further differentiation of some positional isomers which contain an acetyl unit on the C‐23 or C‐24 position. The identities of isolated compounds were identified by comparing their retention times and CID fragmentation behaviors with those of reference standards or tentatively assigned by matching the empirical molecular formulae with those reported in the literature. It is concluded that this newly established UPLC/Q‐TOF‐MS method is a powerful approach for structural elucidation of protostane triterpenoids isolated from A. orientalis. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Simultaneous determination of six index constituents and comparative analysis of four ethnomedicines from genus Gentiana using a UPLC‐UV‐MS method

Many species from genus Gentiana (Gentianaceae) have a long history of applications as folk medicines in the world. A simple rapid UPLC‐UV‐MS/MS method has been developed and validated for the simultaneous determination of six index constituents (gentiopicroside, swertiamarin, loganic acid, sweroside, mangiferin and ferulic acid) from the four ethnomedicines (G. rigescens Franch. ex Hemsl., G. rhodantha Franch. ex Hemsl., G. scabra Bunge and G. farreri Balf. f.). The UPLC analysis was performed on Shim‐Pack XR‐ODS III (150 × 2.0 mm, 2.2 µm). The mobile phase was consisted of acetonitrile–0.1% formic acid water using gradient elution. The wavelength 242 nm was chose for the four iridoids as well as mangiferin and 320 nm was set for ferulic acid. Mass spectrometry was applied for identification and quantification for analytes with low concentration. All the regression equations revealed a good linear relationship (R² > 0.9993). Accuracy and precision were all within the required limits. The chromatogram fingerprints analysis combined with principal component analysis showed the similarity values of the four species were <0.788 while the similarity values of G. scabra Bunge and G. rigescens Franch. ex Hemsl. were >0.993, which provided reasonable foundation for utilization and clinical application of the four ethnomedicines. This developed method appears to be a useful tool for quality control of the four ethnomedicines. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Identification of bio‐active metabolites of gentiopicroside by UPLC/Q‐TOF MS and NMR

Gentiopicroside (GPS), the main bioactive component in Gentiana scabra Bge., has attracted our attention owing to its high bioactivity, especially the treatment of hepatobiliary disorders. The aglycone form of GPS, a typical secoiridoid glycoside, is considered to be more readily absorbed than its parent drug. This study aimed to identify and characterize the metabolites after GPS incubated with β‐glucosidase in buffer solution at 37°C. Samples of biotransformed solution were collected and analyzed by ultraperformance liquid chromatography (UPLC)/quadrupole–time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (Q‐TOF MS). A total of four metabolites were detected: two were isolated and elucidated by preparative‐HPLC and NMR techniques, and one of those four is reported for the first time. The mass spectral fragmentation pattern and accurate masses of metabolites were established on the basis of UPLC/Q‐TOF MS analysis. Structure elucidation of metabolites was achieved by comparing their fragmentation pattern with that of the parent drug. A fairly possible metabolic pathway of GPS by β‐glucosidase was proposed. The hepatoprotective activities of metabolites M1 and M2 were investigated and the results showed that their hepatoprotective activities were higher than that of parent drug. Our results provided a meaningful basis for discovering lead compounds from biotransformation related to G. scabra Bge. in traditional Chinese medicine. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Rapid separation and identification of major constituents in Pseudolarix kaempferi by ultra‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray and quadrupole time‐of‐flight tandem mass spectrometry

A rapid and reliable method based on ultra‐performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) coupled with photodiode‐array detection (PDA) and electrospray ionization quadrupole time‐of‐flight tandem mass spectrometry (ESI‐Q‐TOF‐MS/MS) has been developed for separation and identification of major constituents in extracts of root bark of Pseudolarix kaempferi Gordon (PKG). Identification of the constituents was carried out by interpretation of their retention times, UV absorption spectra, MS and MS/MS spectra, as well as the data provided by authentic standards and literatures. A total of 20 components were separated in only 8.0 min on a small particle size C₁₈ column (1.7 µm). These components included nine diterpene acids, seven glycosides and four triterpenoids, among which pseudolaric acid C‐O‐β‐D‐glucopyranoside and pseudolaric acid C₂‐O‐β‐D‐glucopyranoside were separated and identified for the first time in this study. Furthermore, the fragmentation patterns of the three types of compounds were elucidated for the first time. This established UPLC‐PDA/Q‐TOF‐MS/MS method is reliable and effective for the separation and identification of the 20 compounds and will be useful for quality control of the crude materials of Pseudolarix kaempferi Gordon and their related preparations. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Electrochemical Determination of the Antioxidant Activity in Echinacea Purpurea Roots Using Square Wave Voltammetry

A simple and rapid electrochemical method was established to quantify the total polyphenol (TP) content and assess their antioxidant activity (AA) in roots of three Echinacea purpurea (E. purpurea ) species using square wave voltammetry (SWV). Individual polyphenol components were identified, and then quantified by ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometery (UPLC‐MS). Two major polyphenols, chicoric (ChA) and caftaric (CFT) acids, were identified by mass spectroscopy in the extract of E. purpurea samples. The Accuracy of the proposed SWV electrochemical method for TP content and AA analysis was validated by the highly sensitive UPLC‐MS technique and standard ABTS method, respectively. A high correlation was noticed between the results, indicating the high sensitivity and reliability of the proposed SWV method for polyphenols analysis and AA evaluation in natural herbal samples.     

Validated UPLC‐MS/MS method for quantification of seven compounds in rat plasma and tissues: Application to pharmacokinetic and tissue distribution studies in rats after oral administration of extract of Eclipta prostrata L.

A rapid, sensitive and specific ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC‐MS/MS) method was developed to investigate the pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution of Eclipta prostrata extract. Rats were orally administrated the 70% ethanol extract of E. prostrata, and their plasma as well as various organs were collected. The concentrations of seven main compounds, ecliptasaponin IV, ecliptasaponin A, apigenin, 3′‐hydroxybiochanin A, luteolin, luteolin‐7‐O‐glucoside and wedelolactone, were quantified by UPLC‐MS/MS through multiple reactions monitoring method. The precisions (RSD) of the analytes were all <15.00%. The extraction recoveries ranged from 74.65 to 107.45% with RSD ≤ 15.36%. The matrix effects ranged from 78.00 to 118.06% with RSD ≤ 15.04%. To conclude, the present pharmacokinetic and tissue distribution studies provided useful information for the clinical usage of Eclipta prostrata L.     

A quantitative determination of fluorochloridone in rat plasma by UPLC‐MS/MS method: application to a pharmacokinetic study

A precise, high‐throughput and sensitive ultra‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC‐MS/MS) method has been developed for the determination of fluorochloridone (FLC) in rat plasma. The extraction of analytes from plasma samples was carried out by protein precipitation procedure using acetonitrile prior to UPLC‐MS/MS analysis. Verapamil was proved as a proper internal standard (IS) among many candidates. The chromatographic separation based on UPLC was well optimized. Multiple reaction monitoring in positive electrospray ionization was used with the optimized MS transitions at: m/z 312.0 → 292.0 for FLC and m/z 456.4 → 165.2 for IS. This method was well validated with good linear response (r² > 0.998) observed over the investigated range of 3–3000 ng/mL and with satisfactory stability. This method was also characterized with adequate intra‐ and inter‐day precision and accuracy (within 12%) in the quality control samples, and with high selectivity and less matrix effect observed. Total running time was only 1.5 min. This method has been successfully applied to a pilot FLC pharmacokinetic study after oral administration. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Rapid screening and identification of lycodine‐type alkaloids in Lycopodiaceae and Huperziaceae plants by ultra‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry

Lycodine‐type alkaloids have gained significant interest owing to their unique skeletal characteristics and acetylcholinesterase activity. This study established a rapid and reliable method using ultra‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization quadrupole time‐of‐flight tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC‐ESI‐Q/TOF‐MS/MS) for comprehensive characterization of lycodine‐type alkaloids for the first time. The lycodine‐type alkaloids were detected successfully from Lycopodiastrum casuarinoides, Huperzia serrata and Phlegmarirus carinatus in seven plants of the Lycopodiaceae and Huperziaceae families, based on the established characteristic MS fragmentation of five known alkaloids. Furthermore, a total of 13 lycodine‐type alkaloids were identified, of which three pairs of isomers were structurally characterized and differentiated. This study further improves mass analysis of lycodine‐type alkaloids and demonstrates the superiority of UPLC with a high‐resolution mass spectrometer for the rapid and sensitive structural elucidation of other trace active compounds. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A UPLC‐TOF/MS‐based metabolomics study of rattan stems of Schisandra chinensis effects on Alzheimer's disease rats model

A UPLC‐TOF/MS‐based metabolomics method was established to explore the therapeutic mechanisms of rattan stems of S. chinensis (SCS) in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Experimental AD model was induced by intra‐hippocampal Aβ_1–42 injection in rats. Cognitive function and oxidative stress condition in brain of AD rats were assessed using Morris water maze tests and antioxidant assays [malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px)], respectively. UPLC‐TOF/MS combined with multivariate statistical analysis were conducted to study the changes in metabolic networks in serum of rats. The results indicated that the AD model was established successfully and the inducement of Aβ_1–42 caused a decline in spatial learning and memory of rats. The injection of Aβ_1–42 in rat brains significantly elevated the level of MDA, and reduced SOD and GSH‐Px activities. In addition, SCS showed significant anti‐AD effects on model rats. A total of 30 metabolites were finally identified as potential biomarkers of AD and 14 of them had a significant recovery compared with the AD model after SCS administration. Changes in AD metabolite profiling were restored to different levels through the regulation of 13 pathways. This is first report on the use of the UPLC‐TOF/MS‐based serum metabolomics method to investigate therapeutic effects of SCS on AD, and enrich potential biomarkers and metabolic networks of AD.     

Investigation of chemical diversity in different parts and origins of ethnomedicine Gentiana rigescens Franch using targeted metabolite profiling and multivariate statistical analysis

Gentiana rigescens, an ethnomedicine, is widely cultivated in Yunnan province of China. Although a wide range of metabolites including iridoid glycosides, flavonoids and triterpenoids have been reported in this ethnomedicine, the data on accumulation and distribution of metabolites in certain parts are limited. In this study, targeted metabolic fingerprinting of iridoid glycosides based on liquid chromatography–ultraviolet detection–tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐UV‐MS/MS) was developed to investigate the metabolic similarities and differences in different parts and origins. Thirty‐one compounds, including iridoid glycosides and flavonoids, were detected from targeted metabolite profiling and plausibly assigned to the different parts of G. rigescens. Multivariate statistical analysis was designed to reveal close chemical similarities between all the selected samples and to identify key metabolites characteristic of the standard. The results suggested that accumulation and distribution of metabolites in aerial and underground parts were different. Moreover, root samples tended to be grouped on the basis of the geographical closeness of region. Five metabolites can be considered as potential markers for the classification of underground parts from different regions. These results provided chemical information on the potential pharmaceutical value for further research, making G. rigescens ideal for the rational usage of different parts and exploitation of the source. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Preparative isolation of ganoderic acid S,ganoderic acid T and ganoderol B from Ganoderma lucidum mycelia by high‐speed counter‐current chromatography

Ganoderic acid S, ganoderic acid T and ganoderal B are the main bioactive triterpenes of Ganoderma lucidum. In this study, mycelia of G. lucidum were obtained by two‐stage fermentation and then extracted by ethanol and petroleum ether sequentially to obtain crude triterpenes. The crude sample was further purified by recycling high‐speed counter‐current chromatography with n‐hexane–ethyl acetate–methanol–water (7:12:11:5, v/v/v/v) as the optimized two‐phase solvent system. A 16.4 mg aliquot of ganoderol B with a purity of 90.4% was separated from 300 mg of the crude sample in a single run. After employing the recycling elution mode of HSCCC with n‐hexane–ethyl acetate–methanol–water (6:10:8:4.5, v/v/v/v) for five cycles, 25.7 mg ganoderic acid T and 3.7 mg ganoderic acid S with purities of 97.8 and 83.0%, respectively, were obtained. The purities of three compounds were determined by high‐performance liquid chromatography and their chemical structures were identified by NMR and MS data.     

Determination of GL‐V9, a derivative of wogonin,in rat plasma by UPLC–MS/MS and its application to a pharmacokinetic study after oral and pulmonary administration

GL‐V9, a derivative of wogonin, shows much more potent anticancer properties than wogonin. In this study, a selective, sensitive and rapid ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC–MS/MS) method was developed and validated for the determination of GL‐V9 in rat plasma. Plasma samples were processed using methanol to precipitate protein. Chromatographic separation of analytes was achieved on a C₁₈ column using gradient elution within 4.5 min. The mobile phase consisted of acetonitrile and water including 0.1% (v/v) formic acid and 5 mm ammonium acetate. GL‐V9 and caffeine (internal standard) were monitored by positive electrospray triple quadrupole mass spectrometer and quantified using multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode with the transitions of m/z 410.20 → 126.10 (GL‐V9) and 195.10 → 138.00 (IS: caffeine), respectively. Good linearity was obtained over the range of 2–1000 ng/mL (R² > 0.99) and the extraction recovery was 101.91 ± 11.34%. The intra‐ and inter‐day precision variations were small (RSD 1.35–6.96%) and the relative error (RE) of accuracy was ?7.35–6.27%. The established and validated UPLC–MS/MS method was successfully applied to study the pharmacokinetic behavior of GL‐V9 after administration through different delivery routes. The results demonstrated that pulmonary delivery exhibited a greater advantage in terms of improving bioavailability compared with oral administration.     

Relationship between the UPLC‐Q‐TOF‐MS fingerprinted constituents from Daphne genkwa and their anti‐inflammatory,anti‐oxidant activities

Daphne genkwa Sieb.et Zucc. is a well‐known medicinal plant. This study was designed to apply the ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography system to establish a quality control method for D. genkwa. Data revealed that there were 15 common peaks in 10 batches of D. genkwa Sieb. Et Zucc. (Thymelaeaceae) from different provinces of China. On this basis, the fingerprint chromatogram was established to provide references for quality control. Afterwards, the chemical constitutions of these common peaks were analyzed using the UPLC‐Q‐TOF‐MS system and nine of them were identified. In addition, LPS‐stimulated RAW264.7 murine macrophages and DPPH assay were used to study the anti‐inflammatory and anti‐oxidation effects of D. genkwa . Then the fingerprint–efficacy relationships between UPLC fingerprints and pharmacodynamic data were studied with canonical correlation analysis. Analysis results indicated that the anti‐inflammatory and anti‐oxidation effects differed among the 10 D. genkwa samples owing to their inherent differences of chemical compositions. Taken together, this research established a fingerprint–efficacy relationship model of D. genkwa plant by combining the UPLC analytic technique and pharmacological research, which provided references for the detection of the principal components of traditional Chinese medicine on bioactivity.     

Ultrasound/microwave‐assisted extraction and comparative analysis of bioactive/toxic indole alkaloids in different medicinal parts of Gelsemium elegans Benth by ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography with MS/MS

Indole alkaloids are the main bioactive/toxic components in Gelsemium elegans Benth. To determine the distribution and contents of indole alkaloids in its different medicinal parts, a novel and rapid method using ultra‐high performance LC (UPLC) with MS/MS has been established and validated with an optimized ultrasound/microwave‐assisted extraction method. Four constituents, namely, humantenidine, humantenmine, gelsemine, and koumine, were simultaneously determined in 6 min. Chromatographic separation was achieved on an ultra‐high performance LC BEH C₁₈ column with a gradient mobile phase consisting of methanol and water (containing 0.1% formic acid both in methanol and water) at a flow rate of 0.3 mL/min. The detection was performed on a triple quadrupole electrospray MS/MS by positive ion multiple‐reaction monitoring mode. All the analytes showed good linearity (r ≥ 0.9934) within a concentration range from 0.1–25 μg/mL with a LOQ of 25–50 ng/mL. The overall intra‐ and intervariations of four components were <4.7% with an accuracy of 97.3–101.3%. The analysis results showed that there were remarkable differences in the distribution and contents of four chemical markers in the roots, stems, and leaves of G. elegans Benth. The findings can provide necessary and meaningful information for the rational utilization of its resources.     

Qualitative and quantitative determination of Atractylodes rhizome using ultra‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with linear ion trap–Orbitrap mass spectrometry with data‐dependent processing

A quick and effective workflow based on ultra‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with electron spray ionization and LTQ‐Orbitrap mass spectrometry (UPLC‐LTQ‐Orbitrap MS) was established for compositional analysis and screening of the characteristic compounds of three species of Atractylodes rhizome for quality evaluation. This technique was employed to determine the seven main components in Atractylodes rhizome samples. Ultimately, 78 constituents were identified; of these, seven characteristic compounds were selected for species discrimination, comprising atractylodin (63), atractylenolide I (43), atractylenolide II (49), atractylenolide III (53), atractylon (69), methyl‐atractylenolide II (54) and (4E,6E,12E)‐tetradecadecatriene‐8,10‐diyne‐1,3‐diacetate (59). The seven main compounds, including six characteristic compounds, were simultaneously determined in 29 batches of Atractylodes rhizome samples. Thus, the method validation showed acceptable results. Quantitative analysis showed significantly different contents of the seven main components among the three species of Atractylodes rhizome, which indicates possible distinctions in the pharmacological effects. This established method can simultaneously provide qualitative and quantitative results for compositional characterization of Atractylodes rhizomes and for quality control.     

Therapeutic monitoring of amphotericin B in Saudi ICU patients using UPLC MS/MS assay

Amphotericin B (AmB) is the first‐line agent for the treatment of life‐threatening invasive fungal infections. The aim of this study was to monitor AmB in critically ill Saudi patients in ICU after i.v. administration of 0.68 ± 0.1 mg/kg/day Fungizone®. A selective, sensitive and precise UPLC MS/MS method was developed to measure AmB concentrations in these patients. Seven ICU patients with creatinine clearance (ClCr) >40 mL/min were included. AmB levels were analyzed using a Waters Aquity UPLC MS/MS system, a BEH Shield RP₁₈ column and detection via electrospray ionization source with positive ionization mode. The precision and accuracy of the developed UPLC method in the concentration range of 200–4000 ng/mL show no significant difference among inter‐ and‐intra‐day analysis (p > 0.05). Linearity was observed over the investigated range with correlation coefficient, r > 0.995 (n = 6/day). The pharmacokinetics of AmB in these patients, at steady state, showed a high terminal half‐life of 124.6 ± 73.4 h, with a highest concentration of 513.9 ± 281.1 ng/mL, a lowest concentration 316.4 ± 129.0 ng/mL and a mean clearance 91.1 ± 39.2 mL/h/kg. The pharmacokinetics of AmB in critically ill Saudi patients in ICU was studied using a fully validated assay. A weak correlation (r = ?0.22) of AmB Cl with ClCr was obtained, which suggests the need for further investigation in a larger population. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Mass spectrometric profiling of Bacillus cereus strains and quantitation of the emetic toxin cereulide by means of stable isotope dilution analysis and HEp-2 bioassay

A fast and robust high-throughput ultra-performance liquid chromatography/time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC–TOF MS) profiling method was developed and successfully applied to discriminate a total of 78 Bacillus cereus strains into no/low, medium and high producers of the emetic toxin cereulide. The data obtained by UPLC–TOF MS profiling were confirmed by absolute quantitation of cereulide in selected samples by means of high-performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC–MS/MS) and stable isotope dilution assay (SIDA). Interestingly, the B. cereus strains isolated from four vomit samples and five faeces samples from patients showing symptoms of intoxication were among the group of medium or high producers. Comparison of HEp-2 bioassay data with those determined by means of mass spectrometry showed differences, most likely because the HEp-2 bioassay is based on the toxic action of cereulide towards mitochondria of eukaryotic cells rather than on a direct measurement of the toxin. In conclusion, the UPLC–electrospray ionization (ESI)–TOF MS and the HPLC–ESI–MS/MS–SIDA analyses seem to be promising tools for the robust high-throughput analysis of cereulide in B. cereus cultures, foods and other biological samples.

Serum pharmacochemistry combined with multiple data processing approach to screen the bioactive components and their metabolites in Mutan Cortex by ultra‐performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry

Root cortex of Paeonia suffruticosa Andrews (Paeoniaceae), known as Moutan Cortex (MC), is known to have anti‐allergic and anti‐inflammatory properties. However, the constituents absorbed into blood after oral administration of MC remain unknown. A sensitive and rapid method by ultra‐high‐pressure liquid chromatography–electrospray ionization–quadrupole‐time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (UPLC‐ESI‐Q‐TOF‐MS) technology and the MetaboLynx^TM software combined with multiple data processing approach (Mdpa) was established to investigate the absorbed constituents in rats after oral administration of MC, providing unique high‐throughput capabilities for drug metabolism study. A hyphenated electrospray ionization and quadrupole‐time‐of‐flight analyzer was used for the determination of accurate mass of the fragment ion in negative mode, with excellent MS mass accuracy and enhanced data acquisition. This rapid automated analysis method was successfully applied for screening and identification of the constituents absorbed and metabolized studies of MC after oral administration to rats. A total of 46 peaks were obtained from MC, 41 of which were tentatively characterized. In the VIP‐plot of orthogonal partial least‐squares discriminant analysis, 23 interesting ions in serum samples were extracted, and 16 parent components and seven metabolites were detected in vivo. The integrative serum pharmacochemistry technique, UPLC‐ESI‐Q‐TOF‐MS, and Mdpa method were successfully applied for rapid discovery of multiple components from MC. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Quantitative determination and evaluation of Paris polyphylla var. yunnanensis with different harvesting times using UPLC‐UV‐MS and FT‐IR spectroscopy in combination with partial least squares discriminant analysis

A rapid method was developed and validated by ultra‐performance liquid chromatography–triple quadrupole mass spectroscopy with ultraviolet detection (UPLC‐UV‐MS) for simultaneous determination of paris saponin I, paris saponin II, paris saponin VI and paris saponin VII. Partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS‐DA) based on UPLC and Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) spectroscopy was employed to evaluate Paris polyphylla var. yunnanensis (PPY) at different harvesting times. Quantitative determination implied that the various contents of bioactive compounds with different harvesting times may lead to different pharmacological effects; the average content of total saponins for PPY harvested at 8 years was higher than that from other samples. The PLS‐DA of FT‐IR spectra had a better performance than that of UPLC for discrimination of PPY from different harvesting times.     

Comparison of sterols and fatty acids in two species of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Ganoderma</Emphasis>

Background  

Two species of Ganoderma, G. sinense and G. lucidum, are used as Lingzhi in China. Howerver, the content of triterpenoids and polysaccharides, main actives compounds, are significant different, though the extracts of both G. lucidum and G. sinense have antitumoral proliferation effect. It is suspected that other compounds contribute to their antitumoral activity. Sterols and fatty acids have obvious bioactivity. Therefore, determination and comparison of sterols and fatty acids is helpful to elucidate the active components of Lingzhi.