OBJECTIVETo determine the content of polyphenol contained samples, in order to provide basis for comprehensive quality evaluation on Echinacea extracts.

METHODLC-MS was used for qualitative analysis on relevant compounds of the samples of Echinacea extracts. Optimized USP methods, RP-HPLC and QAMS (quantitative analysis of multi-components by single-marker) were used to determine the content of polyphenol. Meanwhile, UV method was adopted for comparative analysis on content according to international standard IS014502-1-2005.

RESULTThe six batches of samples could not meet the export standard for polyphenol content by HPLC. UV showed four batches in line with the standard and two batches in inconformity.

CONCLUSIONUV method is generally adoptedfor the content determination of domestic Echinacea extracts, but shows results that are significantly different from that by HPLC method. it is suggested to use HPLC method to standardize quality of extracts and raise market access standards.