Rapid analysis of avenacosides in grain and husks of oats by UPLC–TQ–MS

Avenacosides A (AA) and B (AB) as well as 26-desglucoavenacoside A (26dAA) were quantified in oats using rapid and sensitive method utilising UPLC–TQ–MS. In the grain, AA and AB were revealed as the primary saponins, whereas in the husks, dAA was predominant. Inconsistent with the published data, observed concentrations of AA and AB in the grain were very similar. Presumably, this is due to higher sensitivity and better selectivity of the mass spectrometry-based quantification method, thus allowing for more precise measurements. Elevated level of an active fungicidal form of saponin, dAA in the husks possibly indicates they are more prone to fungal attacks.