Qualitative and quantitative determination of ten iridoids and secoiridoids in Gentiana straminea Maxim. by LC-UV-ESI-MS.

A simple and accurate HPLC-UV/MS method was developed for the simultaneous determination of ten iridoids and secoiridoids in the roots of Gentiana straminea Maxim. Separations were performed on a Kromasil-C18 column by gradient elution using methanol and water containing phosphoric acid. Analytes were identified by HPLC coupled with ESI-MS experiments. The chromatographic method was validated for selectivity, linearity, precision, limit of detection, limit of quantification, accuracy, and stability. The developed assay could be considered as a suitable quality control method for G. straminea and other "Qinjiao" herbs.