Quantitative determination of coptisine and berberine hydrochloride in Corydalis conspersa by high-performance liquid chromatography and quality evaluation

The key active ingredients of Chinese medicinal materials are often used as indicators in quality standards. Corydalis conspersa is a characteristic plant from the Qinghai-Tibet plateau and contains various of isoquinoline alkaloids. Water content was determinated from diverse parts of Corydalis conspersa according to the Chinese Pharmacopoeia. The component of coptisine and berberine hydrochloride in Corydalis conspersa were extracted using the solvent of methanol-hydrochloric acid and detected by high-performance liquid chromatography. The results of method validation test was stable and reliable. The content of coptisine and berberine hydrochloride in root samples was higher than in herbs. In the sample solutions of stem and leaf, only coptisine was detectable. Thus, the levels of coptisine and berberine hydrochloride in root and herbs can serve as a qualified basis for quality standards of Corydalis conspersa.