OBJECTIVETo develop an HPLC method for the simultaneous separation and determination of oxalic acid (OA), tartaric acid(TA), malic acid(MA), vitamin C (VC), lactic acid (LA), acetic acid (AA) citric acid (CA) and succinic acid (SA) in Fructus mume.

METHODAnalytical column was Zorbax Eclipse XDB C18. Mobile phase was 0.5% (NH4) H2PO4 aqueous solution and detection wavelength was 214 nm. The flow rate of mobile phase was 0.5 mL x min(-1).

RESULTThe regression equations (pH 2. 8, adjusted with phosphoric acid) of eight constituents have been established, r = 0.999 7, 0. 999 8, 0.999 2, 0.999 6, 0.999 1, 0.999 5, 0.999 8, 0.999 2 respectively. Meanwhile, the content and proportion relationship of eight organic acids in Fructus mume which yielded in Fujian (China) were investigated.

CONCLUSIONThis method was simple, accuracy and quick. The method can be used for the purpose of routine analysis and the quality control of a botanic (Fructus mume) containing these organic acid components.

Acetic Acid ; analysis ; Ascorbic Acid ; analysis ; Carboxylic Acids ; analysis ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; methods ; Citric Acid ; analysis ; Fruit ; chemistry ; Lactic Acid ; analysis ; Malates ; analysis ; Oxalic Acid ; analysis ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry ; Prunus ; chemistry ; Quality Control ; Reproducibility of Results ; Succinic Acid ; analysis ; Tartrates ; analysis