Fingerprint analysis of Flos Carthami by capillary electrophoresis

Capillary electrophoresis (CE) was employed in fingerprint analysis of Flos Carthami. A standardized procedure was used to develop the CE fingerprint. An electrophoretic profile of genuine Flos Carthami from Fengqiu, He'nan, China, was first established as the characteristic fingerprint. This profile was then used to identify and assess the consistency of the herb. A study with a limited number of samples from nine sources showed a fair consistency in their CE fingerprints with that of the genuine sample. Flos Carthami was well distinguished from Stigma Croci, a possible substitute in traditional Chinese medicine, and Flos Hemerocallis, a commercial adulterant, by comparing the fingerprints of each herb.