Journal of
Medicinal Plants Research

  • Abbreviation: J. Med. Plants Res.
  • Language: English
  • ISSN: 1996-0875
  • DOI: 10.5897/JMPR
  • Start Year: 2007
  • Published Articles: 3839

Full Length Research Paper

Simultaneous quantitation of seven anthraquinones in aqueous extract of rhubarb and analysis for absorption in cerebrospinal fluid of patients with traumatic brain injury using UPLC-PDA method

Yang Wang1,2,3, Xi Huang1,2,3*, Qinghua Liang1,2, Rong Fan1,2,3, Feng Qin1, Jiekun Luo1,2, Yunhui Li1,2, Wei Liu1,2, Xilian Mao1, Hui Ji1,2,3, Zhaoqian Liu3,4, Honghao Zhou3,4, Lan Fan3,4 and Lichen Gao3,4
1Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, and Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Gan Organ of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China. 2Key Unit of the 11th Five-year Plan of SATCM in Cerebrosis, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China. 3TCM Pharmacogenetics Laboratory, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China. 4Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China.
Email: [email protected]

  •  Accepted: 01 April 2011
  •  Published: 04 July 2011

Abstract

A simple and rapid ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with photo-diode array (UPLC-PDA) method was developed for determination of seven anthraquinones in aqueous extract of rhubarb (AER) and for detection of anthraquinones in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) after AER administration. Optimum separation was achieved on a reversed-phase column with methanol and 0.5% aqueous acetic acid as the mobile phase at a flow rate of 0.5 ml/min. Experimental results showed intra- and inter- day accuracy, precision, linear range and limits of detection were satisfactory for simultaneous determination of seven anthraquinones in AER. Good linear regression data (r> 0.9982) were obtained for all the calibration plots within the range tested. The method was successfully used for quantitative analysis of the seven compounds in AER, and with the aid of UPLC-PDA, physcion was detected to be absorbed into CSF of TBI patient following oral administration of AER. 

 

Key words: Quality control, ultra performance liquid chromatography, traumatic brain injury, anthraquinones, aqueous extract of rhubarb (AER), physcion.