Planta Med 2010; 76 - P005
DOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1264303

Authentication of the traditional Tibetan medicinal plant Lygodium japonicum using MALDI-TOF spectrometry

H Xue 1, Q Wang 2
  • 1Bruker Daltonics Incorporation, Beijing Deputy Office, Evenbright International Trust Mansion, Suite 3102, 11 Zhong Guan Cun South Avenue, 100081 Beijing, China
  • 2Yunnan University, Department of Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan, 650091 Kunming, China

Botanical supplements for health enhancement are being increasing used all over the world [1]. The integrity of herbal supplements is of great importance because adulteration or contamination of a botanical product can have a direct effect on the efficacy or even safety of the product by introducing unknown phytochemicals [2]. Matrix associated laser desorption ionization time of flight (MALDI TOF) MS has been shown to be a rapid and sensitive method for characterization of organisms [3]. Here we provide an innovative, based on MALDI TOF mass spectrometry method for the quick molecular identification of Lygodium japonicum. This species is a perennial fern belonging to the family Lygodiaceae that has a long history of widespread use in traditional Tibetan folk medicine. Highly specific mass spectrometric profiles from 8 different Lygodium species were obtained. Signals generated from proteins with molecular weights of about 11 kDa have been selected as specific biomarkers for unambiguous discrimination. Several biomarkers for Lygodium japonicum (m/z 11522.47, 1129.65, 11676.32) were defined. Structural characterization by mass spectrometry of these proteins generating biomarker signals allowed us to identify them as Lygodium japonicum.

Acknowledgements: This research was supported by the Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC 30770153).

References: 1. Zhao, Z et al.(2006) Planta Med 72:865–874.

2. Lum, MR et al. (2005) Planta Med 71:841–846.

3. Alispahic, M et al (2010)J Medical Microbiology 59: 295–301.