OBJECTIVETo establish the HPLC chromatographic fingerprint of Kumu injection and to simultaneously determine the contents of three beta-carboline alkaloids, comprehensively evaluating the immanent quality of Kumu injection.

METHODThe chromatographic analysis was performed on a Phenomenex Gemini C18 ( 4.6 mm x 250 mm, 5 microm) column with the gradient elution solvent system composed of methanol and 30 mmol x L(-1) aqueous ammonium acetate (adjusted with glacial acetic acid to pH 4.5). Similarity evaluation system for chromatographic fingerprint of traditional Chinese medicine (2004 A) was used in data analysis.

RESULTSixteen co-possessing peaks were selected as the fingerprints of Kumu injection, and 7 peaks were identified by chemical reference substances. There were good similarities between the standard fingerprint chromatogram and each fingerprint chromatogram from the eleven samples for their similarity coefficients were not less than 0.9. Three kinds of beta-carboline alkaloids were separated well. The correlation coefficients were 0.999 9. The linear ranges of three components were 0.020 0-0.300 0, 0.102 0-1.530 0, 0.015 2-0. 228 0 microg, respectively, and the average recoveries ranged were from 99.5% to 102%.

CONCLUSIONThe method of fingerprint combined with quantitative analysis is sensitive, selective, and provide scientific basis for quality control of Kumu Injection.