Objective: To establish thin-layer chromatography (TLC) fingerprint of Radix Polygoni Multiflori collected from different areas.
Methods: Quantitative analysis was carried out using TLC scanning method, two mixed solvents of petroleum ether (60-90 degrees C)-ethylacetate-formic acid (15:5:1) and chloroform-methanol-water [6.5: 2.25: 0.42, pH = 4.0 (HAc-NaAc buffer)] were employed as the mobile phase.
Results: The TLC chromatograms were constituted 14 characteristic common peaks. The plots based on the height of common peaks can be conveniently used to evaluate the quality of different area samples.
Conclusion: The TLC fingerprints can be used to classify and identify Radix Polygoni Multiflori rapidly and effectively.