A strategy combining UPLC fingerprint, chemometrics and quantitative analysis of multi-components by single-marker to control the quality of Carpesium abrotanoides L.

Abstract

Carpesium abrotanoides L. (CA), a dried whole herb from the Asteraceae family, features prominent heat-clearing and detoxifying properties. However, a rigorous criterion for evaluating the quality of CA has yet to be established. Therefore, the aim of this study was to conduct quality control research on CA by combining ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) Fingerprint, chemometrics and quantitative analysis of multi-components by a single-marker (QAMS) method. Through the fingerprint analysis of 17 batches of CA, a total of 19 common peaks were identified by UPLC-QTOF-MS, and 10 components were confirmed via reference standards, including 5 phenolic acids, 4 sesquiterpenoids, and 1 flavonoid component. 12 differential components were screened out through chemometric analysis by hierarchical clustering analysis (HCA), principal component analysis (PCA), and orthogonal partial least squares method-discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA). Using isochlorogenic acid A as the internal standard, relative correction factors were established for chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, cynaroside, 11(13)-dehydroivaxillin, isochlorogenic acid C, 2,3,4,5-tetracaffeoyl-D-glucaric acid, 2-deoxy-4-epi-gaillardin, carabrone, and telekin, allowing for the quantification of 10 components. The QAMS and the external standard method (ESM) showed no substantial difference in their determination results, demonstrating the accuracy and reliability of the QAMS established with isochlorogenic acid A as the internal standard. The strategy combining fingerprint analysis, chemometrics, and QAMS proposed herein can control the quality of CA quickly and efficiently. This study lays a theoretical foundation for the quality control and clinical application of CA.