Simultaneous LC-MS Profiling of Bioactive Ecdysteroids in Nutrient-Dense Plant Sources and Dietary Supplements

Phytoecdysteroids have garnered increasing interest due to their broad biological and pharmacological properties. The present study reports on the development and validation of a reliable liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry method for the detection and quantification of 20-hydroxyecdysone, turkesterone, and ponasterone. The optimized procedure improved ionization efficiency and chromatographic resolution through gradient elution using 0.1% formic acid in water and acetonitrile. Data acquisition in selective ion monitoring modes ensured high analytical precision, reproducibility, and sensitivity. The method demonstrated excellent linearity, accuracy, repeatability, and low detection limits, making it suitable for routine phytochemical and quality control applications. Application of the method to extracts from nutrient-rich superfoods, including kaniwa, spinach, quinoa, and asparagus, confirmed these plants as natural sources of phytoecdysteroids. Additionally, thirteen commercially available dietary supplements labeled as containing extracts of Rhaponticum carthamoides, Cyanotis arachnoidea, Ajuga turkestanica, or ecdysteroids were analyzed. Several products standardized to 80-95% ecdysterone contained substantially lower amounts than declared, with measured 20-hydroxyecdysone levels ranging from below the limit of detection to approximately 50 mg per capsule, whereas some non-standardized products exhibited moderate to high levels, reaching up to approximately 105 mg per capsule. Variability in turkesterone content was also observed among products marketed as standardized extracts. The method provides a simple, reliable, and accessible approach for the quantitative analysis of major phytoecdysteroids in complex plant matrices and dietary supplements. Its implementation may support phytochemical research, routine quality control, and anti-doping monitoring of ecdysteroid-containing products.