Identification and quantification of saponins in crude extracts are challenging because of their similar structures and weak ultraviolet absorption.In the present study,a rapid resolution liquid chromatography coupled with triple quadruple electrospray tandem mass spectrometric method was established for identifying and quantifying steroid saponins in the rhizomes of Dioscorea panthaica Prain et Burk,a traditional Chinese medicine.Six steroid saponins were simultaneously determined and quantified within 9 minutes.All analytes were subjected to a RP-18e (50 × 2 mm) monolithic column using a gradient elution program with final detection using electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry in negative ionization mode.The rapid resolution liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry method achieved a limit of detection of ranging from 0.52-20.40 ng·mL-1 and a limit of quantification ranging from 1.20 to 75.20 ng-mL-1 for six studied steroidal saponms.The instrumentation precision (RSD) was 1.87-4.51% for medium concentration,intraday and interday repeatability (RSD) was less than 5.19%,and recovery (RSD)was 1.40-4.54%.The proposed method,with its high sensitivity and high speed,is suitable for the quantification of steroidal saponins in D.panthaica rhizomes.