[Separation and determination of baicalin in prescriptions containing Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi by HPCE]

Qingkailing Oral Tonic and Shuanghuanglian Oral Tonic are two kinds of complex formlae of Chinese traditional patent medicine, and both contain Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi. Baicalin is referred to the main active component with functions of dispelling wind-heat to reduce fever and detoxicating, and takes effect on uppering respiratory tract infection and tonsillities. In this work a high performance capillary electrophoresis (HPCE) method was established for separation and quantitative analysis of baicalin in prescriptions containing Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, based on the mode of capillary zone electrophoresis. Electrophoretic conditions are as follows: uncoated fused silica capillary (34.8/39.5 cm x 50 microns i.d.), 40 mmol/L borax buffer(pH 9.0), applied voltage 17 kV, polarity anode (inlet) to cathode (outlet), temperature 25 degrees C, detection wavelength 285 nm, injection 68.95 kPa x s. Under the optimum conditions, baicalin was separated successfully from other components within 15 minutes. The relative peak area of baicalin increased linearly with the increase of its concentration in the range of 10-640 mg/L. The recoveries were (100.31 +/- 1.98)% for Qingkailing Oral Tonic and (100.60 +/- 2.36)% for Shuanghuanglian Oral Tonic. The analytical results demonstrate the method is simple, rapid and well reproducible, and can be used as a reliable tool for the quality control of Chinese traditional medicines containing Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi.