Objective: To make qualitative analysis on saccharide spots in thin layer chromatography (TLC) chromatogram of SI-WU-TANG extract C, which possesses blood-enrichment activity.
Method: TLC chromatogram of SI-WU-TANG extract C was obtained by using Automated Multiple Development (AMD) method. 4 major spots in the chromatogram were analyzed by off-line coupling TLC electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) technique. Moreover, composition of monosaccharides in the fraction was analyzed by AMD technique.
Result: Main constituents of substances from the 4 spots were monosaccharide, disaccharide, trisaccharide and tetrasaccharide respectively. Monosaccharide was mainly composed of fructose and glucose.
Conclusion: Off-line coupling TLC ESI-MS can simply and rapidly provide qualitative examination of saccharide spots in TLC chromatogram of Traditional Chinese Medicine. AMD method can make good separation of 8 frequently-observed monosaccharides in a regular 10 cm silica gel plate, the process of which was automated, AMD and off-line coupling TLC ESI-MS techniques show good value in saccharides analysis.