Characterization of Saponins from Various Parts of Platycodon grandiflorum Using UPLC-QToF/MS

Platycodon grandiflorum (PG) is known as a high-potential material in terms of its biological activity. The objective of this report is to provide chromatographic and mass fragment ion data of 38 simultaneously identified saponins, including novel compounds, by analyzing them through ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-QToF/MS). In so doing, we investigated their diverse conditions, including morphological parts (stems, roots, buds, and leaves), peeling (or not), and blanching of PG. The total contents of individual saponins indicated an order of roots (containing peel, 1674.60 mg/100 g, dry weight) > buds (1364.05) > roots (without peel, 1058.83) ≈ blanched roots (without peel, 945.17) ≈ stems (993.71) ≈ leaves (881.16). When considering three types of aglycone, the platycodigenin group (55.04 ~ 68.34%) accounted for the largest proportion of the total content, whereas the platycogenic acid A group accounted for 17.83 ~ 22.61%, and the polygalacic acid group represented 12.06 ~ 22.35%. As they are classified as major compounds, novel saponins might be utilized for their role in healthy food for human consumption. Additionally, during blanching, the core temperature of PG was satisfied with the optimal condition, thus activating the enzymes related to biotransformation. Furthermore, through the use of this comprehensive data, additional studies related to buds, as well as roots or the characterization of individual saponins, can be conducted in a rapid and achievable manner.