Objective: To provide scientific basis for the utilization and development of Mucuna pruriens var. utilis by establishing its quality control standard.
Methods: The bioactive constituents were analyzed by TLC and HPLC. Moisture, ash and the extracts of Mucuna pruriens var. utilis were all determined.
Results: The TLC spots of levodopa had similar color with the control group at the same position. The results of HPLC quantitative analysis showed that the linear range of levodopa was 26.45 to approximately 132.25 microg/mL, r = 0.9992, and the average recovery rate was 103.8%, RSD = 1.85%.
Conclusions: This method is convenient, accurate, reliable with good reproducibility, so it can be used to establish quality standard for the medicinal material.