Separation of Sesquiterpenes from Yarrow (Achillea millefolium L. s. l.) by LC-MS on Non-Porous Columns

Species of the genus Achillea have been used in traditional folk medicine for centuries. In Europe taxa of the Achillea millefolium group are widely spread, their correct taxonomic differentiation by morphological and anatomical characteristics encounters some difficulties. Several species of the polyploid A. millefolium group however, can be characterised by their distinct sesquiterpene pattern. Analysis is usually performed by LC using conventional RP stationary phases. Likewise, it has been proven that non-porous RP stationary phases are an excellent alternative for sensitive and more rapid separations of plant extracts. In the present work a Kovasil MS-C18 1.5 μm non-porous packing was used with an acetonitrile-water gradient for the analysis of Achillea flower extracts. Detection and identification of the respective sesquiterpenes has been achieved by diode array detection and LC coupled APCI+ and ESI+ mass spectrometry.