OBJECTIVETo detect alkaloids in Ipecac by direct analysis in real time tandem mass spectrometry (DART-MS) without pre-treatment and chromatographic separation.

METHODUnder the optimum conditions, DART-MS characteristic spectra were collected for tablet of Ipecac powder, Ipecac stems and leaves by full scanning, and secondary spectra were adopted for identifying alkaloids. The multiple reaction monitoring mode was adopted to determine the mass spectrum peak intensity of determinands on the surface of determined samples, in order to calculate their average content in samples.

RESULTSpectra of tablet of Ipecac powder and Ipecac stems showed remarkable ionized ion peaks of emetine and cephaeline at m/z 481 and 467, while spectra of leaves showed ionized ion peaks of other alkaloids at m/z 479 and 465. Furthermore, the quantitative analysis was also demonstrated with good reproducibility and linear relationship.

CONCLUSIONThe mode can play a role in rapid determination of medicinal materials and prepared herbal medicines and real-time rapid quantitative analysis on intermediates and preparations.