To develop a HPIX-UV-MS method for identifying the constituents in theChinese drug Notoginseng (the root of Panax notoginseng). Methods A Phenomenex Luna C_(18) column(250 mm x 4.6 mm ID, 5 μm) was utilized. Water containing 0.005% formic acid (A) and acetonitrilecontaining 0.005% formic acid (B) were used as gradient eluents. UV spectra were recorded in range195 - 400 nm. Both positive and negative ion ESI modes were used. Results The constituents inNotoginseng were well separated and detected. Fourteen compounds were identified by comparing theirretention time and ESI-MS data with those obtained from the reference compounds. Forty-one compoundswere deduced by data analysis of MS and literature; among them, yesanchinosides-H and -E,chikusetsusaponin-L_5, malonyl-ginsenoside-R_(g_1), the isomers of notoginsenosides-J, -A, -R_1, -G,-R_2, and ginsenoside-Rh_3 were discovered in Notoginseng for the first time. Conclusion Thismethod gives high sensitivity and good separation, and is suitable for identifying the constituentsin Notoginseng. This result is helpful for further phytochemical research on Notoginseng. Based onthis result, further quality control can be studied.
