title: [Study on the combination principles about aconite roots by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To explore the combination principle about aconite roots from the chemical point of view.
  
  
  METHODS
  Analyzing and comparing the nordeterpenoid alkaloids in the crude aconite roots, the decoction of crude aconite roots and aconite roots with some other Chinese traditional herbs by electrospray ionization trap tandem mass spectrometry. Detecting the pH value of the decoction of crude aconite roots and of some other Chinese traditional herbs; studying the influence of acidity to the hydrolysis of standard sample of mesaconitine.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Most of diester-diterpenoid alkaloids in the decoction of aconite roots and the decoction of aconite roots with liquorice roots are hydrolyzed, and the hydrolysis of alkaloids are inhibited in the decoction of aconite roots with Pinellia tuber or Schisandra. The acidity of the decoction of aconite roots or liquorice is lower than the decoction of Pinellia tuber or Schisandra; standard sample of mesaconitine can not be hydrolyzed in acid water.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Acidity is a key factor to influence the hydrolysis of diester-diterpenoid alkaloids, and the hydrolysis of alkaloids are inhibited in high acidity, which lead to the high toxicity of the decoction containing aconite roots.
mesh_terms: D000157:Aconitine / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000032:analysis / Q000737:chemistry / Q000302:isolation & purification; D031841:Aconitum / Q000737:chemistry*; D000470:Alkaloids / Q000032:analysis* / Q000737:chemistry / Q000302:isolation & purification; D004338:Drug Combinations; D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal / Q000032:analysis* / Q000737:chemistry / Q000302:isolation & purification; D029882:Glycyrrhiza uralensis / Q000737:chemistry; D006358:Hot Temperature; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D006868:Hydrolysis; D030021:Pinellia / Q000737:chemistry; D018517:Plant Roots / Q000737:chemistry; D010946:Plants, Medicinal / Q000737:chemistry*; D032141:Schisandra / Q000737:chemistry; D021241:Spectrometry, Mass, Electrospray Ionization
chemical_list: D000470:Alkaloids; D004338:Drug Combinations; D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal; C019470:mesaconitine; D000157:Aconitine