[Study on characteristic chromatogram and content determination of Wuzhuyu Decoction reference sample]

Area of Science:

• Pharmacognosy
• Analytical Chemistry
• Traditional Chinese Medicine

Background:

• Wuzhuyu Decoction is a traditional Chinese medicine with complex composition.
• Establishing a reliable reference sample is crucial for quality control.
• Previous quality assessments lacked comprehensive analysis of quantity value dissemination.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore critical quality attributes of Wuzhuyu Decoction reference samples.
• To investigate the dissemination relationship of quantity value from raw materials to reference samples.
• To preliminarily formulate quality standards for Wuzhuyu Decoction reference samples.

Main Methods:

• High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for characteristic chromatogram establishment and similarity analysis.
• Quantitative determination of key index components: limonin, evodiamine, rutaecarpine, and ginsenoside Rb_1.
• Analysis of dry extract rate and transfer rates of index components.

Main Results:

• A characteristic chromatogram with >0.9 similarity was established, identifying 18 common peaks linked to Fructus Evodiae, Radix Ginseng, Rhizoma Zingiberis Recens, and Fructus Jujubae.
• Quantified the content and transfer rates of limonin, evodiamine, rutaecarpine, and ginsenoside Rb_1 across different preparation stages.
• Determined the dry extract rate of the whole prescription ranged from 22.58% to 29.89%.

Conclusions:

• A preliminary, scientific, and stable quality evaluation method for Wuzhuyu Decoction reference samples was established.
• The study provides a basis for the development and quality control of Wuzhuyu Decoction and related preparations.
• Understanding quantity value dissemination is key to ensuring consistent traditional Chinese medicine quality.