Fast quantification of flavonoids in Filipendulae ulmaria flos by HPLC/ESI-MS using a nonporous stationary phase

A sensitive and rapid method for the quantification of flavonoids in Filipendulae ulmariae flos (Filipendula ulmaria L.) was developed using HPLC with diode array detection coupled to electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS). Separation was achieved on a 1.5-mu m nonporous C-18 phase by gradient elution with acetonitrile and 0.03 M acetic acid. Quantification was performed by internal standardization with acacetin. To enhance selectivity, ESI-MS detection was optimized in the negative mode and selected ion monitoring (SIM mode).