The certified reference materials (CRMs) of emodin in rhubarb and its alcohol extract, water extract were developed by using quantity transfer technology from single chemical composition to the complex systems. The CRM of emodin was used for quantity transfer, and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method was used to determine the contents of emodin in different matrix composition. By establishing mathematical model and calculating the parts of uncertainty, the uncertainty values were finally gotten. CRMs of emodin in rhubarb, alcohol extract and water extract were accomplished. The content values of emodin were 0.40% ±0.03%, 1.15%±0.18%, 0.16%±0.08% (k=2,P=0.95), respectively. The established method for quantity transfer has successfully solved the technical problems that the value of active ingredient of traditional Chinese medicine can't be traced to SI units. The series of CRMs are assigned as grade primary reference materials, which are useful for quality control of the emodin content, also provide the accurate and reliable CRM, materials standard and standard methods.
Keywords: CRM; alcohol extract; emodin; rhubarb; uncertainty; water extract.
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