Rapid Characterization of the Constituents in Classic Chinese Medicine Formula Guyinjian Using Ultra-High-Performance Liquid Chromatography With Quadrupole Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry

Guyinjian (GYJ) is a classic traditional Chinese medicine formula for the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome, ovulation disorders, immuno-sterility, oligomenorrhea with kidney deficiency, and so forth. Due to the unclear chemical components of GYJ, the elucidation of the pharmacological mechanism, and the comprehensive development and utilization of GYJ in clinical is being restricted. In this study, ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography with quadrupole time-of-flight-tandem mass spectrometry combined with the Progenesis QI platform and using reference standards, online and self-built databases matching, fragmentation rules analysis of mass spectrometry peaks, a total of 235 compounds were preliminarily characterized, including 69 flavonoids, 65 terpenoids, 34 phenylpropanoids, 22 saccharides, sugar esters, and glycosides, 15 organic acids, and 30 others. These compounds may reflect the chemical properties of GYJ. The method established in this study can systematically, rapidly, and accurately resolve the chemical components in GYJ, which lays the foundation for further establishment of the pharmacodynamic substance basis and quality control.