Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 12, 2026
07:50
2D-HPLC-MS Technology Combined with Molecular Network for the Identification of Components in Tibetan Medicine Aconitum pendulum
Published on: December 8, 2023
Comprehensive Saponin Profiling and Comparison of Ten Panax Species Using a Universal Offline Two-Dimensional LC-MS
Hua Qu1,2, Yesong Zhang1, Jing Wang2
1Shanghai Academy of International Standardization for Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 1200 Cailun Road, Shanghai 201203, China.
Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry
|May 11, 2026
Summary
This study presents the first comprehensive chemical analysis of ten Panax species, identifying over 4000 compounds. Distinct saponin profiles were revealed, offering a valuable resource for Panax research and authentication.
Area of Science:
- Phytochemistry
- Pharmacognosy
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Panax species are globally recognized for their tonic properties and extensive use in traditional medicine, health foods, and herbal products.
- Despite their importance, a comprehensive genus-wide chemical profile of Panax species is lacking.
- Understanding the chemical diversity within the Panax genus is crucial for quality control and therapeutic development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct the first comparative chemical analysis of ten Panax species found in China.
- To establish a robust analytical method for comprehensive saponin profiling across multiple Panax species.
- To identify and characterize the chemical constituents, particularly saponins, within these species.
Main Methods:
- Development and application of an offline two-dimensional liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (2D-LC-MS) approach for analyzing ten Panax species.
- Utilizing UNIFI-based automated annotation combined with manual validation for compound identification.
- Achieving high orthogonality (A0 values of 0.65-0.78) in the 2D-LC-MS method for effective separation.
Main Results:
- Identification of 4080 compounds across ten Panax species, with 397-1016 compounds per species, forming the largest saponin dataset to date.
- Discovery of distinct chemotypic patterns, with five species dominated by PPD-type, two by PPT-type, and three by OA-type saponins.
- Observation that saponins with two or three glycosyl groups were predominant, and approximately 20% of compounds exhibited acylation. Panax vietnamensis showed the most diverse glycosylation and acylation.
Conclusions:
- This comprehensive chemical profiling provides a foundational dataset for Panax species research.
- The identified distinct saponin profiles can aid in species authentication and quality control of Panax-derived products.
- The study highlights the significant chemical diversity within the Panax genus, particularly in saponin structures, paving the way for further pharmacological investigations.
