LC-MS-MS determination of rotenone, deguelin, and rotenolone in human serum

For the first time we report a rapid and sensitive LC-MS-MS method for quantification of rotenone, deguelin, and rotenolone in human serum. The analytical procedure involves extraction with ethyl acetate without further clean-up. The active ingredients were separated on a C 8 reversed-phase column by isocratic elution. Eleven simultaneous transitions of precursor ions were monitored. Excellent selectivity and sensitivity enables quantification and identification of low levels of rotenoids (LOD 2 ng mL -1, LOQ 5 ng mL -1) in human serum.