Résumé
Objective: To determine the contents of five flavonoids in Spirodelae Herba from different growing areas, and evaluate its anti-oxidant activity. Methods: Contents of orientin, vitexin, cynaroside, apigenin-7-glucoside, and luteolin in 17 batches of Spirodelae Herba from eight origins were determined by HPLC with acetonitrile and 0.1% formic acid as mobile phase, and DPPH method was used to compare their anti-oxidant activities, together with cluster analysis and principal component analysis, the quality of Spirodelae Herba was evaluated. Results: The contents of five flavonoids in Spirodelae Herba from different growing areas exist certain differences, which can be divided into three different categories by cluster analysis and principal component analysis. The contents of orientin, vitexin, and cynaroside were significantly higher in samples from Shaanxi and Shanxi provinces than those from other origins, as well as their oxidation clearance rates were relatively high. The correlation analysis showed there was a significant positive correlation between the rate of oxidative elimination and flavonoid content. Conclusion: Spirodelae Herba from Shaanxi and Shanxi provinces has higher contents of flavonoids with strong antioxidant capacity. The analytical method is stable and reliable, which can provide the reference for enhancing the quality control of Spirodelae Herba.