HPLC Fingerprint Analysis of Organic Acids in Gardeniae Fructus at Different Collecting Stages

Abstract:

Objective: To compare HPLC fingerprints of organic acids in Gardeniae Fructus at different collecting stages for determining the dynamic changes of these compounds. Method: The chromatographic separations were obtained on a Kromasil C₁₈ column (4.6 mm×250 mm, 5 μm) with a gradient elution using the mobile phase consisting of 0.05% trifluoroacetic acid aqueous solution and acetonitrile at a flow rate of 1.0 mL·min^-1. The detection wavelength was set at 327 nm, and the column temperature was 40 ℃. The HPLC fingerprints were analyzed by similarity evaluation analysis to conduct the chemical pattern recognition. Result: Using the established reference fingerprint of Gardeniae Fructus as standard, all sample fingerprints for green, yellow and red Gardeniae Fructus were evaluated, with the ranges of similarity 0.94-1.00,0.81-0.92 and 0.53-0.74, respectively. Conclusion: The study offers the basis of quality control of Gardeniae Fructus and the realization of good agricultural practice.