ABSTRACT
Objective: To establish an assay method of flavonoids (four components) in traditional SHE medicine-Shiliang Tea by quantitative analysis of multi-components by single-marker (QAMS), and to analyze the dynamic change of flavonoids at different harvest time and different collection places. Methods: With rutin as the internal reference substance, the relative correction factor (RCF) of kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside, quercetin, and kaempferol was calculated. Then the contents of four components were calculated, and the accuracy and feasibility of method was evaluated through external standard method. Results: The RCF of rutin to kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside, quercetin, and kaempferol were 1.158 with RSD 0.73%, 0.475 6 with RSD 1.55%, 0.431 9 with RSD 1.58%, respectively. There was no significant difference of assay results between QAMS method and external standard method. While the differences of content between different harvest months and two different species were significant. Conclusion: The QAMS method with rutin as internal reference substance can be used for quantitative analysis of four flavonoids in Shiliang Tea. It is suggested that the best harvest time of Shiliang Tea for flavonoids is in July and August.