Multichemical Analytical Strategy for Screening Key Differential Compound between Raw and Processed Viticis fructus

Area of Science:

• Pharmacognosy
• Analytical Chemistry
• Natural Product Chemistry

Background:

• Viticis fructus (VF), derived from Vitex species, is used raw and processed.
• Understanding processing-induced chemical changes in VF is crucial for its application and quality control.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify key differential compounds between raw and processed Viticis fructus.
• To establish a reliable analytical strategy for distinguishing between raw and processed VF.

Main Methods:

• High-performance liquid chromatography tandem diode array detector (HPLC-DAD) and ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS) were used for chemical fingerprinting.
• Chemometrics analysis was employed to screen differential compounds.
• Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QQQ-MS/MS) was developed for targeted validation of specific compounds.

Main Results:

• Chemical fingerprints of raw and processed VF were successfully constructed.
• Twenty-nine differential compounds were initially identified between raw and processed VF.
• Specific compounds like caffeic acid, succinic acid, and casticin were validated as important markers for distinguishing VF forms.

Conclusions:

• Processing significantly alters the chemical composition of Viticis fructus.
• The developed analytical strategy provides a valuable reference for the quality evaluation and rational clinical application of VF.
• This research clarifies the impact of processing on VF ingredients.