A metabolomics approach for authentication of Ophiocordyceps sinensis by liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry

Ophiocordyceps sinensis (DCXC) is a well-known traditional Chinese medicine that exhibits various health-promoting effects. However, counterfeits and mimics of DCXC are frequently found in markets. In the present study, we examined the potential of quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (QTOF–MS) coupled with ultrafast liquid chromatography (UFLC) for use in the authentication of DCXC. Metabolite fingerprinting was obtained and subjected to multivariate statistical analysis. Discrimination of genuine DCXC, its counterfeits, cultured mycelia, and mimics was carried out by principal component analysis–discriminant analysis (PCA–DA). Furthermore, 18 characteristic markers efficiently distinguishing DCXC and its adulterants were selected by creation of profile plots displaying the abundances of markers. Determination of molecular formulae and tentative identification of marker compounds were conducted using elemental formula calculation and online database searches based on accurate MS mass and MS/MS fragmentation information. These results suggested that UFLC–QTOF-based metabolomics has great potential for the rapid detection of DCXC adulteration.