[Quantitative analysis of eight polyacetylenes derived from Bupleuri Radix by ultra-performance liquid chromatography...

To establish quantitative methods for determination of polyacetylenes in Bupleuri Radix, an ultra-performance liquid chromatography method coupled with photodiode array detector (UPLC-PDA) was developed. The analysis was performed on a Waters BEH C₁₈ column (2.1 mm×100 mm, 1.7 μm) using a gradient system of methanol and water. The flow rate was 0.3 mL•min⁻¹ and the detection wavelength was 315 nm. Eight polyacetylenes were prepared using traditional extraction and isolation method, of which compounds 7 and 8 were two new polyacetylenes. All calibration curves showed good linearity (r>0.999 0) within the concentration range. Both the intra- and inter-day precisions for eight analytes were less than 1.9%, respectively, with the mean recovery at the range of 93.21%-108.4%. Meanwhile, 17 bupleurum samples were examined with this process. The results showed a variety either the chemotaxonomic or content of polyacetylenes. The method indicated good linearity, limit of detection and quantification, precision, accuracy and recovery. The developed method allows quantitative assessment and quality control of polyacetylenes, and might be a good alternative according to detection levels in polyacetylenes from Bupleurum Radix.