Objective: To develop an HPLC method for simultaneous determination of four major alkaloids in Lindera aggregate.
Method: The analysis was carried out on an Agilent ZORBAX SB-C18 column (4.6 mm x 250 mm, 5 microm) with gradient elution using acetonitrile-water (containing 0. 15% diethylamine, adjusted to pH = 3.0 with acetic acid) as mobile phase. Flow rate was 1.0 mL x min(-1) and the detection wavelength was at 289 nm.
Result: The calibration curves were linear over the range of 0.428-8.560 microg for boldine, 2.122-31.83 microg for norboldine, 0.760-15.20 microg for reticuline and 0.020 4-0.400 8 microg for linderegatine, respectively. The average recoveries were 99.18% for boldine, 101.0% for norboldine, 100.3% for reticuline and 99.17% for linderegatine, respectively. with RSD not more than 3.0%.
Conclusion: The described method is reliable and convenient and could be used for the quality control of Lindera aggregate.