Objective: To investigate the use of microemulsion TLC for the separation and identification of Rhizoma Coptidis drugs.
Method: Thirteen Rhizoma Coptidis drugs were separated and identified with six kinds of SDS/n-C4H9OH/n-C7H16/H2O microemulsions as mobile phase on polyamide film. Effects of microemulsions on separation were investigated.
Results: The best mobile phase was the O/W microemulsion(containing 75% water). Compared with general mobile phases, the separation and detection could be improved and the test conditions were more tolerant.
Conclusion: This new method is simple, accurate and efficient for the separation and identification of Rhizoma Coptidis drugs.