Chemical Profiling of an Indian Herbal Formula Using Liquid Chromatography Coupled with Electro Spray Ionization Mass Spectrometry

Amruthotharam kashayam is an important Ayurvedic formulation prepared using specified plant parts of Tinospora cordifolia, Terminalia chebula, and Zingiber officinale. The current study developed a rapid liquid chromatographic method coupled with electro spray ionization mass spectrometry for the identification of major phytoconstituents present in the formulation. Reverse phase high-pressure liquid chromatogram was developed as chemical fingerprint. The mass spectrum along with the MS/MS fragmentation on collision-induced dissociation led to the structural identification of separated compounds. Phenolic acids such as quinic acid, protocatechuic acid, gallic acid, and chebulic acid were identified in the formulation along with some flavonoids.