Liquid chromatography-tandem electrospray ionization ion trap mass spectrometric assay for the metabolites of jatrorrhizine in rat urine

AimTo identify the main metabolites of jatrorrhizine in rat urine. MethodsThe rat urine samples were collected 0-72 h after ig 12 mg·kg^-1 jatrorrhizine, then the samples were purified through C₁₈ solid-phase extraction cartridge. The purified samples were analyzed by combining liquid chromatography and tandem electrospray ionization ion trap mass spectrometry (LC-ESI/ITMSⁿ). Identification and structural elucidation of the metabolites were performed by comparing the changes in molecular masses, retention-times and full scan MSⁿ spectra with those of the parent drug. ResultsAt least seven phase I metabolites(such as de-methyl, de-hydrogen and hydroxyl metabolites) and eleven phase II metabolites (such as glucuronide conjugates and methyl-conjugates) were identified in rat urine. ConclusionThe developed LC-ESI/ITMSⁿ method is not only simple and rapid but also sensitive and specific for the identification of metabolites of jatrorrhizine in rat urine.