UHPLC-DAD-ESI-MS analysis of the 'Centaurium erythraea' infusion

Chemical composition was estimated in a tea sample, i.e. infusion prepared from dried aerial herb of Centaurium erythraea. The plant was harvested in the Stara Planina mountain (Serbia, 42°43'00"N; 24°55'04"E) during the flowering stage. The flowering tops of the plant were dried to the moisture content of 7.89 (w/w) in a dark place. Qualitative analysis was done by Ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography-diode array detector-electrospray mass spectrometry (UH-PLC-DAD-ESI-MS/MS) method. The aim of this study was to detect and identify phytochemicals in the infusion prepared in a traditional way and present it as a good source of biologically active substances and bio-antioxidants. The analysis of C. erythraea infusion primarily indicated the presence of secoiridoid glycosides (sweroside, gentiopicroside, secologanoside, swertiamarin), xanthones and flavo-noids, which promises good quality of tea from Eastern Serbia.