Rapid Identification of Phenacetin and Berberine Illegally Adultarated in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Health Food Based on Internet Search Strategy

OBJECTIVE To identify two unknown compounds illegally adulterated in traditional Chinese medicine and dietary supplement. METHODS Two unknown compounds were observed in a routine screening for illegal adulteration by HPLC-DAD. Their quasi-molecular ions and MS² spectrum were obtained by UPLC-MS/MS. The compounds of interest were preliminary determined by internet search using these informations and finally indentified by comparison with reference substances. RESULTS Berberine hydrochloride and phenacetin was detected in anti rheumatic health care products and Chinese patent medicine respectively. CONCLUSION These two compounds are not included in the current inspection standard which lists 13 target compounds and can avoid the supervision of the regulatory agency.