OBJECTIVETo screen the representing components in different germplasms of Canarium album and determine the content by HPLC for laying the foundation for the quality specification.

METHODGallic acid and scopoletin and scoparone were chosen as the main chemical components for clearing heat and relieving sore throat by reviewing literature and qualitative experiment. Gallic acid was determined according the method of Galla chinensis in Chinese pharmacopoeia. Scopoletin and scoparone were determined by HPLC on C18 column (4.6 mm x 250 mm, 5 microm) and the mobile phase was acetonitrile-water-acetic acid (16:84:0.5) with the detection wavelength at 345 nm and column temperature at 35 degrees C , the flow rate was 1.0 mL x min(-1).

RESULTThe resolution is good for gallic acid and scopoletin and scoparone. The standard curve in detection range showed good linear relation, the average recoveries were 100.22%, 101.22% and 100.42%, respectively, RSD were all less than 2.0%. The content of gallic acid in the large fruit C. album from Guangdong was higher than that in the small fruit C. album, while the result was contrary in samples from Sichuan. The content of total coumarins in the small fruit C. album was generally higher than that in the large fruit C. album, which from Sichuan was higher than those from Guangdong.

CONCLUSIONThe efficacies of clearing heat and relieving sore throat in C. album were formed by synergistic effect of gallic acid and scopoletin and scoparone. The small fruit C. album was better than the large fruit C. album as medicinal materials, the results provide reliable basis for quality control in medicinal materials and its preparation.