Qualitative and quantitative analysis of saponins in the flower bud of Panax ginseng (Ginseng Flos) by UFLC‐Triple TOF‐MS/MS and UFLC‐QTRAP‐MS/MS

Abstract Introduction Ginseng Flos (GF), the flower bud of Panax ginseng, is a worthy functional food with medicinal potential. A few studies have focused on the comprehensive and systematic analysis of its major bioactive constituents. Objective The aims are to develop the methods of ultra‐fast liquid chromatography coupled with triple quadrupole‐time of flight tandem mass spectrometry (UFLC‐Triple TOF‐MS/MS) and ultra‐fast liquid chromatography coupled with triple quadrupole‐linear ion trap tandem mass spectrometry (UFLC‐QTRAP‐MS/MS) for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of the saponins in GF. Methodology UFLC‐Triple TOF‐MS/MS and UFLC‐QTRAP‐MS/MS were established for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of the saponins in GF, separately. Results Fifty‐one saponins were identified in GF using UFLC‐Triple TOF‐MS/MS method; among them, 21 saponins were characterized by comparing with standards. Furthermore, 12 ginsenosides (ginsenoside Re, Rg1, Rf, 20(S)‐Rg2, 20(R)‐Rg2, Rb1, Rc, Ro, Rb2, F1, Rd, and F2) were synchronously determined by UFLC‐QTRAP‐MS/MS method after the extraction with 70% methanol. This UFLC‐QTRAP‐MS/MS method showed good linearity (r >0.9991), the interday and intraday precision, repeatability and stability were all satisfied, the average recoveries of standard addition for the compounds were between 94.01% and 105.16%, and the relative standard deviations were less than 5%. Conclusion The results are available for the comprehensive quality control and assessment of GF and its relative products.