An optimized high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method for benzoylmesaconine determination in Radix Aconiti Lateralis Preparata (Fuzi, aconite roots) and its products

Ying Xie¹ , Hua Zhou¹ , Yuen Fan Wong¹ , Zhongqiu Liu¹ , Hongxi Xu² , Zhihong Jiang¹ and Liang Liu¹

¹School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, PR China

²Hong Kong Jockey Club Institute of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong SAR, PR China

author email corresponding author email

Chinese Medicine 2008, 3:6doi:10.1186/1749-8546-3-6


Published:	30 May 2008

Abstract

Background

Benzoylmesaconine (BMA) is the main Aconitum alkaloid in Radix Aconiti Lateralis Preparata (Fuzi, aconite roots) with potent pharmacological activities, such as analgesia and anti-inflammation. The present study developed a simple and reliable method using BMA as a marker compound for the quality control of processed aconite roots and their products.

Methods

After extraction, a high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) determination of BMA was conducted on a RP-C₁₈column by gradient elution with acetonitrile and aqueous phase, containing 0.1% phosphoric acid adjusted with triethylamine to pH 3.0.

Results

A distinct peak profile was obtained and separation of BMA was achieved. Method validation showed that the relative standard deviations (RSDs) of the precision of BMA in all intra-day and inter-day assays were less than 1.36%, and that the average recovery rate was 96.95%. Quantitative analysis of BMA showed that the content of BMA varied significantly in processed aconite roots and their products.

Conclusion

This HPLC method using BMA as a marker compound is applicable to the quality control of processed aconite roots and their products.