A comprehensive strategy for the rapid identification and analysis of the differences in composition of raw and...

Diterpenoid alkaloids have been confirmed as both active and toxic ingredients of Aconiti Radix. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct in-depth characterization of diterpenoid alkaloids in Aconiti Radix to enhance its usage range and reduce the toxicity. In this study, we developed a characterization method for aconite alkaloids based on biosynthetic pathways, and proposed the potential binding sites according to the mass spectrometry patterns. In total, 357 alkaloids were characterized from Aconiti Radix, including 55 C₁₉-diester-diterpenoid alkaloids (C₁₉-DDAs), 82 monoester-diterpenoid alkaloids (C₁₉-MDAs), 63 C₁₉-alcoholamine-diterpenoid alkaloids (C₁₉-ADAs), 76 C₁₉-long-linked fatty acid diterpenoid alkaloids (C₁₉-LDAs), 11 C₂₀-napellines, 61 C₂₀-hetisines, and 9 other alkaloids. Moreover, metabolomics was used to investigate the diterpenoid alkaloids changes after steaming process, and found C₁₉-DDAs were decreasing, while C₁₉-MDFAs, C₁₉-ADAs, and C₁₉-LDAs were increasing. Also, we compared the alkaloids of different sizes of Aconiti Radix and found content of diterpenoid alkaloids increased along with the increased size of Aconiti Radix. The above research provides a basis for the rational utilization of Aconiti Radix.