OBJECTIVE To identify Bupleurum chinense pieces and its counterfeits based on the characteristic chromatogram and UPLC-Q-TOF/MS technology.

METHODS Thin layer chromatography was used to identify Bupleurum chinense and its counterfeits collected from different origins and different producing areas. Then, the chemical constituents of Bupleurum chinense and its counterfeits were compared according to the established HPLC characteristic chromatogram, and the representative differential markers of Bupleurum chinense counterfeits were further identified by UPLC-Q-TOF/MS technology.

RESULTS Thin layer chromatography showed that different original Bupleurum chinense pieces had saikosaponin A and saikosaponin D, which could be distinguished according to the intensity and position of fluorescent spots. There were 14 and 16 common peaks in the specific chromatogram of Bupleurum chinense and its vinegar-processed products respectively, and 6 components were identified. The chemical components of Bupleurum chinense pieces from different producing areas were similar, and the established method could better reflect the characteristics of Bupleurum chinense. Further comparison of the specific chromatogram of Bupleurum chinense and its counterfeits showed that the composition of B. marginatum Wall. was close to that of the authentic Bupleurum chinense., B. bicaule Helm and B. longiradiatum Turcz. had their own characteristic peaks with high response values. The content of saponins in B. marginatum var. stenophyllum was significantly higher. A total of 69 Bupleurum compounds were identified by UPLC-Q-TOF/MS mainly triterpenoid saponins, followed by flavonoids, a few chromones, phenylpropanoids and alkynes. The results of cluster analysis showed that the interspecific differences of Bupleurum chinense were obvious, and different Bupleurum counterfeits had representative differential markers.

CONCLUSION The established characteristic chromatogram and UPLC-Q-TOF/MS method can be used for the chemical identification of Bupleurum chinense and its counterfeits, which provide a basis for the comprehensive and rational development and utilization of Bupleurum resources.