Characterizing Traditional Chinese Medicine Using UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS

News
Article

Researchers from Chengde Medical University in Chengde, China used ultra-high performance liquid chromatography tandem quadrupole-time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS) to characterize Ping Wei powder (PWP), a type of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Their findings were published in the Journal of Chromatography Open (1).

Chengdu, China On the Jin River | Image Credit: © SeanPavonePhoto - stock.adobe.com

Chengdu, China On the Jin River | Image Credit: © SeanPavonePhoto - stock.adobe.com

TCM is known for having various benefits, including low toxicity, effective therapeutic effects, and strong drug resistance. These medicines contain rich natural bioactive medicinal substances such as phenols and carbohydrates, with multiple components, targets, pathways, and synergistic effects. These types of medicines have been used for thousands of years to address various ailments. Previous studies in separation science have focused on other traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs).For example, a January study highlighted various liquid-phase microextraction (LPME) techniques, novel green solvents, and applications in analyzing active ingredients within complex TCM samples (2). While more research is needed, using chromatographic techniques on TCMs can help broaden scientists’ understandings.

PWP, which was the focus of this study, has been said to hold the effects of drying dampness, invigorating the spleen, and harmonizing the stomach. In modern pharmacological research, PWP has been used to treat digestive system diseases, such as chronic colitis, liver anemia, and anemia. There are multiple herbs in the PWP formula, which can dry dampness, strengthen the spleen, and influence vital organs, such as the heart and lungs (3). Recently, PWP’s popularity has expanded due to its extremely high medicine value for the spleen and stomach. While PWP has been used for some time, its systematic chemical characteristics have not been properly reported. This hinders interpretation of its therapeutic mechanisms and quality control.

In this study, the scientists developed an ultra-high performance liquid chromatography tandem quadrupole-time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS)-based method for systematically and chemically characterizing PWP. This was meant to detect a wide range of chemical substances in PWP, with the obtained spectral data then being imported into PeakView 1.2 software for data processing. Afterwards, the chemical substances in PWP were identified and compared with reference standards, literature, and the built-in database of SCIEX OS 2.2 software. Finally, the chemical profile of PWP was acquired, with 329 chemical components in PWP identified. These components included flavonoids, terpenoids, organic acids, alkaloids, phenylpropanoids. Notably, 48 components were from Atractylodis Rhizoma, 37 were from Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex, 72 were from Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium, 80 were from Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, 32 were from Ginger, 60 were from Ziziphus jujuba.

With UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS, a scientifically efficient and credible method for obtaining the comprehensive chemical profile of PWP was created. According to the scientists’ knowledge, this study was the first systematic study on the chemical information of compound PPW, providing a basis for clarifying its material base and quality control. The researchers also believe their method can also provide references for the chemical composition detection of many TCM formulas, and they intend to continue their research. “We hope to further contribute to the modernization of TCM and the improvement of its international status,” the scientists wrote (1).

References

(1) Zhu, T.; Li, N.; Zhao, C.; Liu, J.; et al. Comprehensive Characterization and Identification of Chemical Constituents of Pingwei Powder by Ultra High Performance Liquid Chromatography Tandem Quadrupole-Time-of-Flight Tandem Mass Spectrometry. J. Chromatogra. Open 2025, 7, 100203. DOI: 10.1016/j.jcoa.2025.100203

(2) Acevedo, A. New Research Methods for Analyzing Traditional Chinese Medicine Revealed. LCGC International 2025. https://www.chromatographyonline.com/view/new-research-methods-for-analyzing-traditional-chinese-medicine-revealed (accessed 2025-4-23)

(3) Ping Wei Pian (Stomach Dampclear). ActiveHerb 2025. https://www.activeherb.com/pingwei/?srsltid=AfmBOoouveiCmpsJVMmvk4RA4jTP6j6phwA7Z4EPSosZO5H63DB77XPY (accessed 2025-4-23)

Related Content