Objective: To assay five lignans in Schisandrae Fructus collected from different habitats.
Methods: HPLC method was developed to assay Schizandrol A, Schizandrol B, Schisantherain A, deoxyschizandrin and gamma-schizandrin in Schisandrae Fructus. Hierarchical clustering analysis (HCA) and principal components analysis (PCA) were performed to evaluate and classify 30 batches of samples based on the contents of the five lignans using SOLO and SPSS 19.0 software.
Results: 30 batches of samples were divided into three groups, which reflecting their quality characteristics.
Conclusion: PCA and HCA provide the basis for the classification and quality evaluation of Schisandrae Fructus. The content analysis provides reference for resources saving and rational using of Schisandrae Fructus.