A rapid UPLC method for simultaneous determination of eleven components in Ge-Gen-Qin-Lian decoction

Background: Ge-Gen-Qin-Lian Decoction derived from Shang-Han-Lun compiled by Zhang Zhongjing. It is widely used in the treatment of acute gastroenteritis, bacillary dysentery, virus diarrhea. This paper describes a sensitive and specific assay for the determination of the 11-marker compounds using ultra performance liquid chromatography (UPLC). Objective: To develop an UPLC method for simultaneous determination of 11 bioactive compounds in Ge-Gen-Qin-Lian preparations. Materials and Methods: The chromatography analysis was performed on an Agilent Proshell 120 EC-C 18 column (4.6 x 50 mm, 2.7 m) at 30 degrees C with a gradient elution of methanol, 0.5% formic acid and 0.5% ammonium acetate at a flow rate 1.0 ml/min and UV detected at 270 nm. Results: All calibration curves showed good linear regression (r >= 0.9993) within tested ranges. Limits of detection (LOD) and limits of quantification (LOQ) fell in the range between 0.0691-1.04 g/ml and 0.23-3.43 g/ml, respectively. The mean recovery of each herbal medicine ranged from 96.60 to 102.11%. Conclusion: The method was validated for repeatability, precision, stability, accuracy, and selectivity. The validated method was successfully applied to simultaneous analysis of these active components in Ge-Gen-Qin-Lian decoction.