LC Characterization of the Major Constituents in Zhi-Zi-Hou-Pu Decoction Using Various Detection Approaches

This study describes the development of various detection approaches to identify the major constituents in a classic formula Zhi-Zi-Hou-Pu decoction without use of reference standards. Three techniques such as LC with ultraviolet-visible detection, LC with fluorescence detection, and LC with photo-diode array detection-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry produced a considerable effect. The chromatographic and spectral information obtained as well as the recorded literature of the herbs were well utilized to identify the multiple ingredients of the formula to a great extent. The proposed techniques were then successfully applied to identify twelve compounds such as genipin-1-beta-gentiobioside, geniposide, eriocitrin, neoeriocitrin, isonaringin, naringin, hesperidin, neohesperidin, naringenin, hesperetin, honokiol, and magnolol in Zhi-Zi-Hou-Pu decoction.