Abstract: Objective The merhod of determination of traditional Chinese medicine of aconitum root has been established by using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Methods With optimized matrix of 2,5-Dihydroxy- benzoic acid for herbal extract, the identification of aconitum root by MALDI-TOF-MS has been conditioned. By comparison of mass spetra of various of aconitium root ,their fingerprint mass-to-charge ratios were found to perform identification. With the characteristic mass-to-charge ratios ,It was shown that the mass spectrum of raw aconitum roots were obviously different from that of processed aconitum roots. Results The raw radix aconiti could be differentiated from radix aconiti preparate by determination of MALDI-TOF-MS. Conclusion The identifical method of aconitum root by MALDI-TOF-MS is rapid,precise and sensitive,it can be used in toxicological analysis of medical tangle and illegal medical practice.

Key words: aconitum, traditional Chinese medicine, matris assisted laser desorption/ionization, time-of-flight mass spectrometry