Optimization and validation of a chromatographic method for the simultaneous quantification of six bioactive compounds in Rhizoma et Radix Polygoni Cuspidati.

A reverse-phase HPLC method was developed for simultaneous quantification of six bioactive compounds in Rhizoma et Radix Polygoni Cuspidati. These compounds--polydatin (1), resveratrol (2), rhein (3), emodin (4), chrysophanol (5) and physcion (6)--were analysed from 24 authentic samples of the herb using UV HPLC. Based on the UV absorption characteristics of the six compounds, absorption wavelengths of 306 nm were chosen to quantify compounds 1 and 2, and 290 nm for compounds 3-6.

Differentiation of rhizoma et radix polygoni cuspidati from closely related herbs by HPLC fingerprinting.

An HPLC-DAD fingerprinting profile of Rhizoma Et Radix Polygoni Cuspidati was established basing on the consistent chromatographic features of 24 authentic herb samples. The major types of chemical constituents, stilbenes and anthraquinones, were analyzed and included in the fingerprint. Eight common peaks of Polygonum Cuspidatum were identified by using HPLC-MS.