Simultaneous quantification of eurycomanone, epimedin C and icariin in film coated tablets containing Radix Eurycomae longifoliae extract and Herba Epimedii extract using HPLC – DAD

Abstract

Introduction. This study aimed at developing an HPLC-DAD method for simultaneous determination of eurycomanone (EU), epimedin C (EC) and icariin (IC) in EE tablets containing Radix Eurycomae longifoliae extract and Herba Epimedii extract (EE tablets). Methods. Several HPLC conditions (detection wavelength, mobile phase) and sample preparation conditions (type of solvent, ratios of tablet powder and solvent) were investigated. Results. The optimized HPLC condition employed a Shim-Pack RP18 column and a detection wavelength of 254 nm. The mobile phase consisted of acetonitrile and water containing 0.1% H3PO4 in gradient elution. The method was selective, linear, precise (RSD < 2%) and accurate with recoveries in the range of 98.51–104.58% for EU, 96.22–104.80% for EC and 97.50–104.96% for IC. Conclusion. The method for simultaneous quantification of EU, EC and IC in EE tablets by HPLC – DAD was developed and validated for the first time and could be applied for quality control of EE tablets.