Quantitative determination of amygdalin epimers by cyclodextrin-modified micellar electrokinetic chromatography

A new capillary electrophoresis method was developed for the quantitative determination of the amygdalin epimers, amygdalin and neoamygdalin, which are biologically significant constituents in the crude drugs, namely Persicae Semen and Armeniacae Semen. The effects of surfactants, additives and other analytical parameters were studied. As a result, the resolution of two epimers was performed by cyclodextrin-modified micellar electrokinetic chromatography with a buffer containing alpha-cyclodextrin and sodium deoxycholate. By the application of this method, a simple, fast and simultaneous quantitative determinations of amygdalin epimers in the crude drugs (Persicae Semen and Armeniacae Semen) and the Chinese herbal prescriptions (Keishi-bukuryo-gan and Mao-to) were achieved.