ABSTRACT
<p><b>AIM</b>To establish an assay method for the determination of three kinds of biologically active components, five compounds (emodin, chrysophanol, baicalin, wogonin and berberine hydrochloride) simultaneously in Sanhuang tablets.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>HPLC was carried out, using a C18 column (150 mm x4. 6 mm ID, 5 microm) set at 30 degrees C, acetonitrile-0.02 mol x L(-1) acetic ammonium (adjusted pH to 3. 50 with acetic acid glacial) as mobile phase (using gradient) with flowing rate 1. 00 mL x min(-1) and detected at 270 nm.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The calibration curve of emodin was linear from 0.020 7 microg to 0.207 microg with r = 0.999 9, the average recovery was 99.65% with RSD 1.25%. The calibration curve of chrysophanol was linear from 0.052 microg to 0.52 microg with r = 0.999 9, and the average recovery was 100.36% with RSD 0.96%. The calibration curve of baicalin was linear from 0.250 5 microg to 2.505 microg with r =0.999 8, and the average recovery was 100.22% with RSD 1.29%. The calibration curve of wogonin was linear from 0.047 6 microg to 0.476 microg with r = 0.999 9, and the average recovery was 98.97% with RSD 1.20%. The calibration curve of berberine hydrochloride was linear from 0.053 12 microg to 0.531 2 microg with r = 0.999 5, and the average recovery was 96.02% with RSD 2.02%. The established method had also been used in the determination of the 5 compounds in 10 different batches of Sanhuang tablets.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>This method was proved to be accurate and quick, and can be used for the quality control of the preparation all-around.</p>