Pre-column Derivative HPLC and LC–Orbitrap-MS Analysis of Monosaccharides and Non-polysaccharides in Polygonati Rhizoma

Polygonati Rhizoma, as a traditional medicinal herb, possesses pharmacological effects enhancing physical strength and immunity. In this study, a systematic analysis of the monosaccharide and non-polysaccharides components in Polygonati Rhizoma was conducted using pre-column derivatization high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC–DAD) and liquid chromatography coupled to electrostatic orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC–Orbitrap-MS) techniques. The polysaccharides from Polygonati Rhizoma were initially extracted, hydrolyzed, and derivatized with 1-phenyl-3-methyl-5-pyrazolone (PMP), resulting in the successful detection of five monosaccharides. The high sensitivity and specificity of the HPLC–DAD method were confirmed. Furthermore, by comparing the external standard method (ESM) and the quantitative analysis of multi-components by single-marker (QAMS) revealed that D-mannose is the most abundant monosaccharide in Polygonati Rhizoma. The LC–Orbitrap-MS analysis of Polygonati Rhizoma led to the identification of 53 compounds, including organic acids, amino acids, amides, saponins, alkaloids, esters, and others. This research provided significant data for the chemical composition analysis and the pharmacological basis study of Polygonati Rhizoma.