Analysis of the main alkaloids of Coptis chinensis by HPLC-MS

AIM:To develop a method for qualitatively and quantitatively analysing the constituents in Coptis chinensis by HPLC with diode-array detection and mass-spectrometer.METHODS:The chromatographic separa-tion was performed on a Waters Symmetry C18 column(5 μm,3.9 mm × 150 mm) using acetonitrile and 0.05% formic acid aqueous solution under gradient program at a flow rate of 0.8 mL/min.Column temperature was 35 °C,detection wavelength was set at 345 nm with finnigan ion trap mass spectrometer and positive ion mode.RESULTS:Eight characteristic compounds were identified as magnoflorine,groenlandicine,coptisine epiberberine,columbamine,jatrorrhizine,berberine and palmatine by HPLC-DAD-MS.Based on the qualitation of eight compounds,four compounds were further quantified.CONCLUSION: This improved method provides a feasible and comprehensive technique for the quality control of Coptis chinensis Franch.