Objective: To develop a HPLC method for determination of triptolide in tripterygium total terpenoids tablets.
Method: A Lichrospher CN column was used with ethanol and water for gradient elution. The detection wavelength was set at 255 nm.
Result: The linear relationship of the concentrations and peak areas was good in range of 0.742-59.4 microg x mL(-1) (r = 0.9998). The average recovery was 99.2%, RSD% = 1.7%.
Conclusion: The method is simple, rapid and accurate and can be used for quality control of the tablets.