Rapid and Simultaneous Quantification of Six Aristolochic Acids and Two Lignans in Asari Radix et Rhizoma Using Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography-Triple Quadrupole Tandem Mass Spectrometry

Abstract

Asari Radix et Rhizoma (AR) is a widely-used Chinese herbal medicine containing multiple active lignans and rare nephrotoxic components-aristolochic acids derivatives (AAs). However, the current quality control method carried out by Chinese Pharmacopoeia has defects in trace AAs detection and insufficient marker ingredients, which is unable to comprehensively evaluate the efficacy and safety of AR. To improve the quality control method of AR, a rapid, sensitive, and reliable chromatographic analytic method based on ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QqQ-MS) was established for the simultaneous analysis of multiple AAs and lignans in AR samples. Positive electrospray ionization mode with multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) was applied for the detection of the eight analytes. The method showed available linearity (R2 ≥ 0.991), the limit of quantification (2–5 ng/mL), precision (RSD <8.12%), and accuracy (89.78–112.16%). A total of 6 AAs and 2 lignans were quantified for their content in 15 AR samples. The content of AA-IVa, AA-VIIa, and aristololactam I (AL-I) was much higher than the AA-I controlled by pharmacopoeia. Considering the potential toxicity of AAs, AA-IVa, AA-VIIa, and AL-I should also be controlled in AR. A considerable amount of active sesamin was detected in AR, suggesting that it could be added as a quality marker for the quality control of AR. The newly developed analytical method could be applied for the fast evaluation of toxic AA’s content and quality during quality control of AR or preparations containing AR.

Comprehensive HRMS Screening and Risk Assessments of Aristolochic Acid Analogues in Asari Radix et Rhizoma and Related Commercial Health Products

“…AA I, AA IVa, and AL I were detected in the majority of the prescriptions, with AA I found in 70% of the samples at concentrations ranging from 0.01 to 52.45 μg/g. Liu et al 26 established a UPLC-triple quadrupole-MS (UPLC-TQMS) method to simultaneously analyze six AAAs (AA I, AA II, AA III, AA IVa, AA VIIa, and AL I) in Asari Radix et Rhizoma, with AA VIIa, AA I, AA IVa, and AL I detected at 4.86, 0.64, 9.28, and 12.06 μg/g, respectively. Current research on AAAs in A. heterotropoides, both qualitatively and quantitatively, has not yet achieved an adequate level of depth and comprehensiveness.…”