The Detection of Helleborus Ecdysteroids by Mass Spectrometry and by GLC Analysis of their TSIM-ethers

Abstract
20-Hydroxyecdysone (ecdysterone) (2.beta., 3.beta., 14.alpha., 20R, 22R, 25-hexahydroxy-5.beta.-cholest-7-en-6-one) and 5.beta.,20-dihydroxyecdysone (Polypodine B) present in extracts of species of Helleborus were detected as their trimethylsilylimidazole (TSIM) derivatives by GLC analysis. The mass spectrometry analysis of 5.beta., 20-dihydroxyecdysone in the purified extract and the GLC characteristics of the silylated ecdysteroids are described and discussed as a means of their identification.