Object To develop a new method of discriminating the principle components of Radix Paeoniae Rubra (RPR) from different areas, and to find the reason for forming high-quality of RPR in the place of the genuine. Methods Using Foruier transform infrared (FTIR) absorption spectrometry, the characteristic peaks of fingerprint infrared spectra of RPR samples from 18 habitats were recognized and compared. Results Frequency, intensity and shape of infrared absorption spectra were obviously different between wild and cultivated groups of RPR. The infrared absorption peaks of RPR in Duolun, a famous Chinese orthodox drug, were of distinct characteristics. Conclusion FTIR technique is first applied to rapid analysis of principle component of RPR from different areas. So an operable method in the quality control and discrimination of RPR in the place of the genuine is provided.

Object To study the difference of phenylethanoid glycoside between the cultured cells of Cistanche salsa (C. A. Mey.) Benth. et Hook. f. and Herba Cistanche. Methods Making comparison by means of FTIR and HPLC technique. Results Using the FTIR technique, the infrared spectrum of cutured cell of C. salsa was similar to that of native Herba Cistanche at a certain extent. The HPLC analysis indicated that the main chemical constituents in cultured cells of C. salsa were similar to that of native Herba Cistanche while considerable difference of constituents was found between them. Conclusion On the whole, there are much more constituents in the cultured cells of C. salsa comparing with the native Herba Cistanche. The content of echinacoside and acteoside in the cultured cells is much higher than that in the native Herba Cistanche.