Abstract
YANG XIN is a traditional Chinese medicine formulation used for nervous fatigue and
consists of a proprietary blend of concentrated extracts from 18 plant ingredients.
The 18 constituent plant ingredients, YANG XIN capsules, and formulations 2014–005_1 A
and 1B were extracted by consecutive 24-hour macerations with dichloromethane followed
by methanol. Metabolite separation was carried out through LC-MS in 40 minutes. Data
acquisitions for qualitative and quantitative analyses of the samples were collected
under (±) ESI modes and (+) APCI mode using full spectrum scan analysis.
A total of 18 analytical markers were identified by LC-MS for YANG XIN formulations
based on accurate mass measurements, molecular formula, double bond equivalent, MFG
score, and error (ppm) of the measurement. Aditionally, a comparison of the data with
previously reported results for the compounds, followed by identity confirmation with
standard compounds, was performed. Seventeen analytical markers representing 17 plant
ingredients in the different YANG XIN formulations were quantified for the first time.
The YANG XIN capsules and the 2014–005_1B formulation were similar to each other and
different from the 2014–005_1 A formulation based on the fact that both YANG XIN capsules
and the 2014–005_1B formulation contain the same analytical markers. This method provides
good linearity (r2 > 0.9945), intraday precision (R. S. D. < 3.9 %), interday precision (R. S. D. < 5.6 %),
accuracy (99.2–101 %), recovery (145.7 %), limit of detection (0.0011–0.0732 µg/mL),
and limit of quantitation (0.0038–0.2441 µg/mL).
Key words
LC-MS - YANG XIN - traditional Chinese medicine formulations - chemical fingerprinting
and profiling - quantitative analysis
