Traceability and Adulteration Analysis of Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium Based on “Digital Identity Card” and UHPLC-QTOF-MS Analysis

In order to improve the identification efficiency, strengthen quality control, and realize the quick traceability and adulteration analysis of Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium (CRP) and Xinhui's Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium (XCRP, geoauthentic herb), UHPLC-QTOF-MS combined with “digital identity card” was used to explore digital identification of CRP. UHPLC-QTOF-MS chemical analysis was conducted on CRP from different origins, and after quantized processing, the shared ions were extracted from different batches of CRP from the same origin as the “ions representation” of CRP of the same origin. Further, the data set of unique ions of each origin relative to other origins was screened out as “digital identity card” of CRP from each origin. In addition, the CRPs that do not originated from Xinhui were mixed and prepared as reference samples. Then the reference samples and XCRP were used to extract “digital identity card” of CRP and XCRP again. Based on the matching of the above “digital identity card” and feedback matching credibility (MC) to realize the traceability and adulteration analysis of CRP. The results showed that the traceability analysis can be effectively realized based on the “digital identity card” of CRP from different origins, and the MC was as high as 90%. Even if 5% of CRP was added to XCRP, it can still be effectively detected in adulteration analysis. GRP's origin traceability and adulteration analysis can be realized based on UHPLC-QTOF-MS analysis and “digital identity card” effectively and accurately. It has important reference significance for the quick digital analysis of traceability and adulteration of CRPs and digital quality control of Chinese medicines.