RESUMO
ObjectiveTo develop a quantitative method for simultaneously determining multi-components in Rhei Radix et Rhizoma using one chemical reference substance.MethodsThe contents of multi-components were calculated by the UV relative correction factors (RCFs) of chrysophanol,physcion,and rhein to emodin.ResultsThe values of RCFs at 274 nm for rhein,chrysophanol,and physcion to emodin were 0.712,0.674,and 1.051.The calibration curves were linear over the ranges of 0.02-4.08,0.02-4.12,0.07- 12.92,and 0.02-3.68 μg/mL for rhein,emodin,chrysophanol,and physcion,respectively.The contents of emodin in 18 samples were determined by the extemal standard method,and the contents of the other three anthraquinone aglycones were calculated according to their RCFs.ConclusionNo significant difference is found in comparison with the classical method,indicating that the RCFs have high reliability within their linear ranges and could be used in quality control of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma.The quantitative analysis of multi-component with a single marker is especially suitable for herbal medicines containing unstable or hard to be purified components as quality control markers.