Objective: To develop an HPLC method for gradient elution determination of danshensu and protocatechuic aldehyde in Shengkangling granula.
Method: The analysis was carried on a column of Hypersil ODS2-C18 with a mobile phase consisted of methanol-1% glacial acetic acid 0-8 min (5:95), 8-11 min (6:94-5:95), 11-20 min (5:95) gradient elution at the flow rate of 1 mL x min(-1). The detection wavelength was 280 nm.
Result: The linearity was obtained in the range of 0.0504-0.504 microg (r = 0.9998) for tanshinol and 0.1090-1.090 microg (r = 0.9999) for protocatechuic aldehyde, respectively. The average recoveries of tanshinol and protocatechuic aldehyde in Shenkangling granula were 98.40% and 98.85%, and the RSDs were all less than 2.0%.
Conclusion: The method is simple, accurate and rapid. It may be suitable for the usual quality control of tanshinol and protocatechuic aldehyde in Shengkangling granula.