Quality Comparison of the Main Varieties of Ophiopogonis Radix / 中国药学杂志

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the qualities of Ophiopogonis Radix from four main producing areas in China to provide scientific basis for its quality control and clinical use. METHODS: The characteristics of the samples was compared according to the description in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia.The contents of heavy metals, harmful elements and residual sulfur dioxide were measured by the methods recorded in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia.The contents of residual paclobutrazol and polysaccharide were respectively determined by GC and UV. The contents of ophiopogonin D, methylophiopogonanone A, and methylophiopogonanone B were measured by HPLC. RESULTS: Differences in the characteristics of the samples from the four producing areas were shown in the length, color, and smell.Ophiopogonis Radix from Hubei and Shandong was longer than those from Sichuan and Zhejiang.The color and smell of the samples from Zhejiang were darker and stronger than the samples from the other three provinces.The contents of heavy metal and harmful elements of all the samples were all less than the limit standards.Sulfur dioxide existed in the samples from Sichuan and Hubei.Paclobutrazol existed in the Sichuan samples.The differences in the contents of ophiopogonin D,methylophiopogonanone A, and methylo-phiopogonanone B in the samples from the four producing areas were significant.Ophiopogonin D could be detected in all the samples, but its content in the Zhejiang samples was lower. Methylophiopogonanone A and methylophiopogonanone B could be detected only in the samples from Sichuan and Zhejiang, and the contents in the Zhejiang samples were the highest.The fingerprint characteristics of the four samples was obvious.The number of effective component peaks of Sichuan sample was the greatest (7 peaks).Zhejiang samples took the second place(6 peaks).The samples from Hubei and Shandong both had 4 peaks.CONCLUSION: There is prominent difference in the qualities of Ophiopogonis Radix samples from different producing areas.Individualized quality control standards should be established.