Xanthii fructus (Xanthium sibiricum PATR., Compositae) is used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for afflictions like allergic rhinitis, sinusitis and itching caused by rubella. [1] Besides fixed oil (e.g. stearic acid), volatile oil (e.g. trans-caryophyllene), also sesquiterpenes (e.g. xanthumin) and phenolic acids (e.g. 3,5-di-O-caffeoylquinic acid) are among the documented chemical constituents. [2]
Due to the fruits’ apparent hepatoxicity, content of the two diterpenes carboxyatractylosid (CATR) and atractyloside (ATR) should be quantified and limited, which is mandatory in the latest edition of the Pharmacopoeia of the Peoples Republic of China (ChP) 2015. [1–3] So far, the ChP demands a critical value for CATR for the raw herbal material and for ATR for the processed herbal material, respectively. [1]
Thus, a new HPLC-method should be developed to quantify both substances in one single run.
Method development and quantification of CATR and ATR was performed via HPLC using a C18 column and diode array detector (λ=203 nm). Mobile phase was composed of a 1 mM ammonium formate buffer (formic acid, pH 4.5) and acetonitrile using a gradient elution. HPLC analyses were performed at 40°C oven temperature with a flow rate of 1 mL/min.
The validation parameters accuracy, precision, including repeatability and intermediate precision, specificity, detection limit, quantification limit, linearity and robustness were investigated for CATR and showed adequate results.
In conclusion, a new, simple and fast HPLC method, based on the monograph of Xanthii fructus [1] was developed to quantify the two toxic diterpenes simultaneously.
[1] Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China, China Medical Science Press, Beijing 2015.
[2] Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica, Eastland Press Inc, Seattle, Washington 2004.
[3] Y. Wang, T. Han, L.-M. Xue, P. Han, Q.-Y. Zhang, B.-K. Huang, H. Zhang, Q.-L. Ming, W. Peng, L.-P. Qin, Die Pharmazie 2011, 66, 445.