Determination of higenamine in multi-matrix by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry combined with derivatization technology

Higenamine (HG), a cardioactive component of some foods and medicines, has been listed in the doping category by the International Olympic Committee, which may lead to misuse by athletes. We report the development of a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS) method for determination of HG in various matrix samples (biological samples, different forms of Chinese patent medicine, Chinese herbal medicine) based on acylation derivatization of HG by heptafluorobutyric anhydride. Under optimal conditions, the linearity of HG in the range of 5–200 ng mL−1 was acceptable (R2 > 0.999), and the limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantitation (LOQ) for HG was 1.52 ng mL−1 and 5 ng mL−1, respectively. Low, medium, and high concentrations (25, 100 and 160 ng mL−1) of HG were added to plasma, urine, oral liquid, capsule, watered bolus, honeyed bolus and Chinese herbal medicine samples, with recovery ranging from 82.70 to 109.80%, intra-day and inter-day precisions were both less than 3.39%. The results indicated that the method had sufficient sensitivity for analysis of biological samples, and Chinese patent and herbal medicine.