Simultaneous Determination of Six Compounds in Hedera helix L. Using UPLC-ESI–MS/MS

Abstract: We previously reported a method for simultaneously determining flavonoids and saponins from ivy leaf extract using HPLC–DAD. Due to the absence of a chromophore in two triterpene saponins, α-hederin and hederacoside C, the previous method was conducted at a non-specific wavelength of 210 nm. Thus, in this study, we focused on a rapid and sensitive analysis method for determining two important triterpene saponins from ivy leaf extract using UPLC–ESI–MS/MS. The developed method was validated in terms of linearity (R² > 0.9997), precision (RSD < 2.95%), and accuracy (98.91–101.92%), and showed increased sensitivity with improved limit of detection when compared to the previous data. In addition, the analytical conditions of UPLC–ESI–MS/MS provided better sensitivity with a shorter analysis time when compared to the HPLC–DAD method. Using this established method, the content of the six compounds was measured in medicinal syrups containing ivy leaf extract and the feasibility of this new method was demonstrated for the use in the quality control of ivy leaf extract products. Graphical abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.].