Objective: To review the quality of Epimedium extract in the market.
Method: The contents of icariin, epimedin C, sagittatoside B and total flavonoids in Epimedium extracts sold in the market were assayed by the methods of HPLC and UV respectively. HPLC fingerprintings were obtained at the same time.
Result: The contents of icariin in most of the extracts are closely similar with the ones labeled by the companies. 3 type chromatograms were classified in all the HPLC fingerprintings, and were corresponded with their raw materials. The contents of epimedin C, sagittatoside B and total flavonoids were different in the samples with the same content of icariin.
Conclusion: We can primarily confirm the origin of raw materials by comparing the HPLC fingerprinting of extracts with the ones of materials. The difference of extracts quality mainly comes from the difference of materials. So we suggest that Epimedium extract product should be labeled the origin of materials, and assayed with more compound contents, to ensure the quality stabilization.