A Rapid Extraction and Analysis Method for the Simultaneous Determination of 26 Bioflavonoids in Portulaca Oleracea L.

Portulaca oleracea L. ( P . oleracea , purslane) is an edible plant that is widely distributed around the world, and flavonoids are its main bioactive constituents. Therefore, the detection of flavonoids is very important for a better understanding of its pharmacological actions and to monitor the product quality control of P . oleracea . Objective To develop a rapid method to extract and determine 26 bioflavonoids in P . oleracea , based on microwave extraction (MWE) and triple quadrupole‐linear ion trap mass spectrometry. Methods The optimal conditions of MWE for the extraction of flavonoids from P . oleracea involved the use of methanol as the extraction solvent, a microwave power of 300 W, an extraction time of 450 s, and a solvent‐to‐solid ratio of 30 mL/g. The samples were analysed using an ultra‐performance liquid chromatograph coupled with a triple quadrupole‐linear ion trap mass spectrometer (UPLC–MS/MS) system. Results The calibration curves of all 26 analytes showed good linearity ( r ≥ 0.999) and the intra‐ and interday precisions and repeatability were all within required limits. The mean recoveries measured at three concentrations were higher than 94.2%, with RSDs lower than 2.94% for the targets. Conclusion The established MWE/UPLC–MS/MS method is a rapid and effective method for quality evaluation of P . oleracea from different production regions and different harvest periods. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.