Quality control method for Yao medicine Hongniuxi

Abstract

Yao medicine Hongniuxi is the root and rhizome of Achyranthes longifolia, which is a commonly used medicinal herb in Yao ethnic areas. Currently, only a few provinces and regions have recorded the method for quality control of Hongniuxi. Microscopic method and thin layer chromatography (TLC) were qualitatively identified on the roots and rhizomes of 14 batches of Yao Medicine Hongniuxi collected in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region in the study. The content of β-ecdysterone was determined by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The Phenomenex column (250 mm × 4.6 mm, 5 μm) was used, the mobile phase was acetonitrile-water (15∶85), the column temperature was 25 ℃, the flow rate was 1.0 mL·min-1, and the detection wavelength was at 243 nm. The results were as follows: (1) The character and microscopic identification methods of Hongniuxi were obvious. Microscopic identification showed the inner layer of thrombus, vascular bundle, abnormal vascular bundle, duct, ray cell, calcium oxalate sand crystal or square crystal, etc. (2) The TLC identification spots of β-ecdysterone and ginsenoside RO were clear, and the separation effect was good. (3) The β-ecdysterone showed a good linear relationship within the range of 5.606-224.224 μg (r＝0.999 9), whose average recovery (n=6) was 97.68%, with the RSD of 1.37%. (4) Among 14 batches of samples, the contents of β-ecdysterone ranged from 0.005% to 0.158%, with an average content of 0.095%. This study establishes a complete method for microscopic identification, thin layer identification, and content determination, providing a scientific basis for rational evaluation of the quality of Hongniuxi and clinical rational drug use.

Keywords

• achyranthes longifolia
• character
• microscopic identification
• tlc identification
• content determination