Determintion of main alkaloids in crude and processed Rhizoma Coptidis by HPLC

AIM: The contents of epiberberine hydrochloride,coptisine hydrochloride,palmatine hydrochloride,and berberine hydrochloride in the crude and processed Rhizoma Coptidis were determined to establish their quality standards for editing Chinese pharmacopoeia of 2010 edition. METHODS: The C18 column was used,the mobile phase was acetonitrile-50 mmol/L monopotassium phosphate (50 ∶ 50)(containing 15 mmol/L SDS and adjusting pH = 4. 0 with phosphoric acid) at the flow rate of 0. 6 mL/min,the detective wavelength was set up at 345 nm and the column temperature was 30 ℃. RESULTS: The contents of epiberberine hydrochloride,coptisine hydrochloride,palmatine hydrochloride,and berberine hydrochloride in Coptidis above 0. 93% ,1. 80% ,1. 45% and 6. 00% ,respectively. The contents of epiberberine hydrochloride,coptisine hydrochloride,palmatine hydro-chloride,and berberine hydrochloride in Rhizoma Coptidis decoctin pieces,Rhizoma Coptidis processed with wine, Rhizoma Coptidis processed with ginger and Rhizoma Coptidis processed with Fructus Evodia above 0. 70% , 1. 50% ,1. 10% ,5. 00% ,respectively were of the utmost importance. CONCLUSION: The method is simple and accurate,and can be used to control the quality of the curde and processed Rhizoma Coptidis.