OBJECTIVETo develop a HPLC method for determining the content of protopine in Corydalis racemose.

METHODAnalysis was performed on a Gemini C18 column (4.6 mm x 250 mm, 5 microm) eluted with acetonitrile-water containing 0.8% triethylamine and 3% acetic acid acetum (20:80) as the mobile phase. The flow rate was 1.0 mL x min(-1). The detection wavelength was 289 nm.

RESULTThe average content of protopine in Herb of Racemose Corydalis was 0.905%. The calibration curve of protopine was linear between 0.124-1.36 microg (r = 0.9999). The average recovery was 98.49% with RSD 1.9%.

CONCLUSIONThis method is simple, reproducible and can be used to determine the content of protopine in C. racemose.

Benzophenanthridines ; analysis ; Berberine Alkaloids ; analysis ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; methods ; Corydalis ; chemistry ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; analysis