ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To establish a IE-HPLC method for the determination of trigonelline in the fruit and seed of Quisqualis indica.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>The method was carried out by using Sperisorb SCX column with a mobile phase consisting of 20 mmol x L(-1) phorsphate (pH3.2, titrate a 20 mmol x L(-1) monsodium salt with a 20 mmol x L(-1) solution of phosphoric acid), flow rate of 1.0 mL x min(-1), and the detection at 265 nm.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>By using SCX-modified silica column, trigonelline in Fructus Quisqualis can be baseline separated and determinated. The retention mechanisms proved to be contributed mainly by ion-exchange with the SCX moieties. The validity of methods was demonstrated with respect to linearity, precision, reproducibility and recovery. It was found that there was no trigonelline occurring in the peel of Fructus Quisqualis.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>This assay method can be used for the quality control of Fructus Quisqualis.</p>