RP - HPLC Determination of Polyprenols in Ginkgo biloba Leaves

Objective: To determine polyprenols in Ginkgo biloba leaves using a reversed - phase HPLC/external standard method. Method: 10 g of leaf sample were ultrasound - extracted with 100 mL of petroleum ether four times for 45 min for each extraction at room temperature. The extract was subjected to a silica gel column (100-140 mesh, 15 mm × 350 mm) and eluted with petroleum ether - ethyl acetate (9: 1 ). The sample solution of PPAs (PPs) was analysed by using an Inertsil ODS - C18 column (5μm, 4. 6 mm×250 mm) at 40℃ with iso-prenol - methanol - hexane - water (250: 125 :75: 10) as mobile phase at a flow rate of 1 mL·min-1 . A UV detector was employed and the detection wavelength was set at 215 nm. Results: The polyprenol homologues were baseline separated and the determination of PPAs and PPs could be completed simultaneously. The calibration curve was linear in the range of 0. 26 -5.2μg. The average recoveries of PPAs and PPs were 98. 6% , 97. 4% with RSD of 1. 8% , 2. 4% respectively. Conclusion: The treatment of sample was simple and the analytical results were accurate. This method may be used for the determination of PPAs and PPs in Ginkgo biloba leaves.