Direct analysis of Salvia divinorum leaves for salvinorin A by thin layer chromatography and desorption electrospray ionization multi-stage tandem mass spectrometry.
Rapid communications in mass spectrometry : RCM May 15, 2010 Joseph H Kennedy, Justin M Wiseman 62 citations
Salvinorin A (SA), the psychoactive compound in Salvia divinorum, can be detected directly from intact leaves using desorption electrospray ionization (DESI) mass spectrometry without sample preparation. The method identifies SA through several ions in positive ion mode, confirmed by exact mass measurements and multi-stage tandem mass spectrometry. Direct leaf analysis also reveals other salvinorins, including salvinorin B, C, D/E, and divinatorin B. Combining thin layer chromatography with DESI-MS provides a simple approach for analyzing natural products and screening illicit substances in intact plant material.