Identification and quantification of constituents of Gardenia jasminoides Ellis (Zhizi) by HPLC-DAD–ESI–MS

A simple, rapid and specific HPLC method was carried out for the analysis of characteristic constituents in Gardenia jasminoides Ellis (Zhizi), namely iridoids, caffeoyl quinic acid derivatives and crocins. The separation was successfully obtained using a C18 column by gradient elution with mixtures of methanol and water as mobile phases; detection wavelength was set at 240 nm for iridoid glycosides, 315 nm for quinic acid derivatives and 438 nm...