Analysis of the Aconitine Alkaloids in Chuanwu by Electrospray Ionization ／ Tandem Mass Spectrometry

An electrospray ionization / tandem mass spectrometric (ESUMS/MS) method was developed for the simultaneous identification and analysis of three aconitine alkaloids [mesacontine (MA), hypaconitine (HA), and aconitine (A)] as intact molecules at low nanogram level in Chinese traditional medicine Chuanwu decoction as well as in human whole blood extract without chromatographic separation.