A new method combining ultra-high performance liquid chromatography and high-resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q/Orbitrap HRMS) was developed to quickly analyze the chemical components of a traditional Chinese medicine called Qinggu San.
Using specific equipment and conditions, mass spectrum data was collected and analyzed using the Global Natural Products Social Molecular Network (GNPS) platform and visualized with Cytoscape software.
The study identified 105 chemical components in the Qinggu San reference sample, including various classes like iridoid glycosides and flavonoids, with two components flagged as potential new compounds, supporting future pharmacological studies and quality control in traditional medicine.