Simultaneous identification and quantification of the common compounds of Viscum coloratum and its corresponding host plants by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography with quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry and triple quadrupole mass spectrometry

Abstract Viscum coloratum is a perennial evergreen, semi-parasitic plant. It is generally used for treating cardiovascular diseases, cancer, hepatitis and hemorrhage. In this study, reliable methods were developed for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of the common constituents in Viscum coloratum and its corresponding host. In the rapid qualitative analysis, a method of ultra-high performance liquid chromatography and quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry was established for identification of the same compounds. Based on the retention times, accurate mass measurement and previous literatures, 23 components were clearly identified by comparison with reference substances. In the quantitative analysis, a method for Viscum coloratum and its corresponding host was developed by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography with triple quadrupole mass spectrometry. 13 common compounds of viscum coloratum and host plants from 19 batches were analyzed with a good linearity ( r 2  ≥ 0.9991), intra-day precision (RSD ≤ 3.24%), inter-day precision (RSD ≤ 3.31%), repeatability (RSD ≤ 2.43%), stability (RSD ≤ 2.63%), and recovery (98.2–102.4%). The overall limits of quantification were less than 5.0 ng/mL. The results indicated that these effective and comprehensive methods can be applicable to simultaneous qualitative and quantitative analysis of these common compounds presented in Viscum coloratum and corresponding host plants.