Microwave plasma torch desorption ionization mass spectrometry for chemical constituents of Pinellia ternata (Thunb.) Ten. ex Breitenb.

Rationale: Pinellia ternata (Thunb.) Ten. ex Breitenb. is a perennial herb that has a long history of use in traditional Chinese therapy due to its diverse pharmacological activities including antiemetic, antitussive, and anti-tumor activities. Characterization and quality control of P. ternata will be challenging due to its highly complex and diverse chemical composition. Methods: In this study, we utilized microwave plasma torch desorption ionization mass spectrometry (MPT-MS) for the first time to investigate P. ternata for the purpose of direct in situ analysis of individual samples. Chemical analysis of P. ternata was performed without pretreatment, while accurately identifying classes of chemical constituents, including alkaloids, organic acids, phenolic compounds, and fatty acids. Meanwhile, tandem MPT-MS was used to verification Compounds got in MPT-MS. Results: Results yielded reproducible, and unique, and generated chemical fingerprints reflected the overall chemical composition of P. ternata. And 41 compounds was detected, including alkaloids, organic acids, phenolic compounds, and fatty acids. Conclusion: MPT-MS facilitates rapid and direct characterization and quality assessment of this medicinal herb promoting better safety and reliability for clinical uses.