[Study on revision of quality standard of Sophorae Flavescentis Radix and its processed slices]

Sophorae Flavescentis Radix is prepared from the root of Sophora flavescens. The comprehensive knowledge of the effective components in S. flavescens makes its quality standard improvement more possible. TLC identification method for main flavonoids and alkaloids in one test was established using GF_(254) thin layer plate and the lower solution of chloroform-methanol-water-formic acid(4∶2∶1∶0.6) as developing solvent. The quantitative method of marker alkaloids was revised including the simplified sample preparation procedure and the chromatographic conditions. The determination of four alkaloids in the samples indicated that 32 batches of tested samples were qualified ones. The total oxymatrine and matrine, total oxysophocarpine and sophocarpine, as well as total amount of four tested components in the different samples were 1.08%-2.55%, 0.369%-0.860%, 1.67%-3.40%, respectively. There was a significantly positive correlation between oxymatrine and oxysophocarpine. Total oxymatrine and matrine had same correlation with total oxysophocarpine and sophocarpine. The moisture content and extractive in 32 batches of samples fulfilled the require of not more than 11.0% and not less than 20.0%, respectively. Thirteen tested pesticides were not detected in 12 batches of samples. The present study provided the evidence for the revision of quality standard of Sophora Flavescentis Radix.