[Analysis of coumarins in Fructus Cnidii by HPLC-ESI-MS].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze coumarins in Fructus Cnidii by HPLC-ESI-MS. METHODS: Coumarins in Fructus Cnidii were subjected to HPLC, using Shim-pack CLC-ODS column, methanol-water (70:30) as mobile phase, and 254 nm as DAD wavelength. A quadrupole mass spectrometer was applied to verify the LC elute, operated in the positive ion mode. RESULTS: Three coumarins were determined and the possible structures of seven coumarins were deduced based on the chromatography and MS data. CONCLUSION: The application of this method could be available for the rapid identification of constituents from traditional Chinese medicines.