Rapid identification of Cortex moutan radicis and similar aromatic Chinese herbs by headspace gas chromatography / 中西医结合学报

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To establish the method for rapid identification of the quality of Cortex moutan radicis and similar aromatic Chinese herbs by headspace gas chromatography (HSGC). METHODS: The constituents of headspace gas from Chinese herbs, such as Cortex moutan radicis,Radix cynanchi paniculati and root-bark of Paeonia lactiflora. were analyzed by HSGC. RESULTS: The characteristic finger-print headspace chromatograms of these three drugs were different from one another. Cortex moutan radicis stored for 4 years under common conditions contained only traces of paeonol. CONCLUSION: HSGC was simple, quick and accurate in identifying and controlling the quality of aromatic Chinese herbs.