Comprehensive characterization of ingredients in Crocus sativus L. from different origins based on the combination of targeted and nontargeted strategies

As a valuable medicinal and edible plant, C rocus sativus L. has had wide applications since ancient times. Herein, a comprehensive approach for characterization of constituents in saffron was established based on the combination of targeted and non-targeted strategies. A targeted UPLC-ESI/MS n strategy was applied for in-depth identification of crocins, and a non-targeted UPLC-ESI/MS 2 approach characterized other components. This integration strategy was used to analyze ingredients in 21 batches of saffrons from 6 origins. Forty-seven crocins belonging to 8 types were identified including 32 new crocins. Among them, 6 new compounds with specific structures were reported for the first time, i.e. trans -6(G, 2G), trans -4(GT, g), trans -3(GT), cis -3(GT), methyl ester- trans -2(G) and methyl ester- cis -2(G). Besides, 91 non-crocin components were identified including 43 new compounds. Based on systematic investigation of crocins and non-crocins, we found that crocins were the critical components to distinguish saffrons from different origins, especially between domestic and foreign samples.