OBJECTIVETo compare the difference of chemical constituents of Cinnamomi Ramulus and Cinnamomi Cortex,and study the characteristics of their chemical constituents, in order to provide basis for clinical application and quality control.

METHODHPLC fingerprint method was used to analyze chemical constituents of Cinnamomi Ramulus and Cinnamomi Cortex compare the difference between.

RESULTCinnamomi Ramulus and Cinnamomi Cortex had similar HPLC fingerprint profiles, but with difference in peak areas of their chemical constituents. Specifically, the average peak areas of cinnamyl alcohol, cinnamic acid and 2-methoxy cinnamic acid were higher than that of Cinnamomi Cortex, whereas the average peak areas of 2-hydroxyl cinnamaldehyde, coumarin, cinnamaldehyde and 2-methoxy cinnamaldehyde in Cinnamomi Cortex were higher than that of Cinnamomi Ramulus.

CONCLUSIONThis method can be used for evaluating quality of Cinnamomi Ramulus and Cinnamomi Cortex. The ratio between the peak areas of cinnamaldehyd and cinnamic acid can be used to discriminate most Cinnamomi Ramulus samples (<23) and Cinnamomi Cortex samples (>23). Cinnamomi Ramulus and Cinnamomi Cortex have the similar types of chemical constituents but with difference in content. This study provides reference for the pharmacodynamic difference of Cinnamomi Ramulus and Cinnamomi Cortex.