Methods for analysis of triterpenoid saponins

Abstract

Analytical techniques are very important for promoting the development of the research field of triterpenoid saponin. Although the traditional thin-layer chromatography and spectrophotometry lack sensitivity, resolution, and specificity, they are still widely used due to their high-throughput capacity, simplicity, and rapidity. The development of high-performance liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry, especially high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with hybrid mass spectrometry, has made it easy to comprehensively probe the triterpenoid saponins in matrix, as well as rapidly identify and simultaneously determine minor and multiple triterpenoid saponins from one sample. The type, sequence, and absolute configuration of monosaccharide in saccharide chain and structural type of some triterpenoid sapogenins can be determined. Here, we review analytical methods available for qualitative and quantitative analysis of triterpenoid saponins.