OBJECTIVETo develop a HPCE analysis method for fingerprints of Forsythia suspensa from Hebei province, get reference fingerprint and compare the fingerprints of F. suspensa collected from different producing areas and different parts of the plant.

METHODElectrophoresis was performed on a fused silica capillary column (75 microm x 60 cm, 30 cm). The running buffer was composed of 50 mmol x L(-1) borax (adjust to pH 9.90 with 0.1 mol x L(-1) NaOH). The applied voltage was 15 kV and the temperature was 20 degrees C. The detection wavelength was 214 nm. The semblances to the crude drugs of different producing areas were compared.

RESULTThe mutual mode of HPCE fingerprints was set up with 12 common peaks. The fingerprints of F. suspensa from Hebei province had high similarity, F. suspensa from Shanxi and Henan were also of good quality. The chemical composition in different parts of the herb had big differences.

CONCLUSIONThe method is simple, quick, accurate and can be used as a new means for the quality control of F. suspensa.