Characterization and quantitative analysis of phenylpropanoid amides in eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) by high performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode array detection and hybrid ion trap time-of-flight mass spectrometry

Eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) is a famous edible and medicinal plant. Despite being widely cultivated and used, data on certain parts other than the fruit are limited. The present study focused on the qualitative and quantitative analysis of the chemical constituents, particularly phenylpropanoid amides (PAs), in eggplant. The mass fragmentation patterns of PAs were proposed using seven authentic compounds with the assistance of a hybrid ion trap time-of-flight mass spectrometer. Thirty-seven compounds (27 PAs and 10 Others) were detected and plausibly assigned in the different parts of eggplant. Afterward, a reliable method based on liquid chromatography coupled with diode array detection was developed, validated, and applied for the simultaneous determination of seven PAs and three caffeoylquinic acids in 17 batches of eggplant roots with satisfactory accuracy, precision, and reproducibility, which could not only provide global chemical insight of eggplant but also offer a reliable tool for quality control.