Identification of ginsenosides Rc, Rb2, Rb3 and related malonyl-ginsenosides in panax ginseng extracts by using RRLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS

Ginsenosides Rc, Rb₂ and Rb₃ were studied by using Rapid resolution liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole-time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (RRLC-Q-TOF MS/MS). The MS/MS fragmentation pathway has been studied of this group of isomers and characteristic fragment ions have been proposed, which are helpful for the differentiation of the isomers. Ginsenosides Rc, Rb₂, Rb₃ and related malonyl-ginsenosides were differentiated and identified in the extracts of ginseng by using RRLC-Q-TOF MS/MS, which were identified by comparing retention time of the standard compounds, the accurate mass, and the analysis of characteristic fragment ions.