Analysis of natural medicines by micellar electrokinetic chromatography (MEKC) (II) -: Determination of atractylenolide III in Atractylodis Rhizoma

We have investigated a method to analyze the marker substance of natural medicines by employing capillary electrophoretic techniques such as micellar electrokinetic chromatography (MEKC). We previously reported a simple MEKC assay method for calycosin in Astragali Radix and its fluid extract. In, this investigation, we analyzed the marker substance atractylenolide III in A tractylodis Rhizoma. Atractylenolide III was clearly separated from the other components in A. Rhizoma and its dried extract by simple solvent extraction with hexane and subsequent MEKC analysis with sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) within 10 min. Validation of the analytical procedures of the assay method was performed according to the Japanese Pharmacopoeia and International Conference on Harmonization guidelines. As a result, we confirmed that capillary electrophoresis, including MEKC, is a powerful method for estimating the quality of natural medicines and traditional Chinese medicines consisting of various components.