Abstract:

A simple, sensible and reliable HPLC-DAD fingerprint analysis method for the raw materials ofOxytropis falcata and Oxytropis chiliophylla, both of which were used as “Er-Da-Xia” in Tibetan medicines, was developed and then subsequently applied to analyze samples collected from different locations or times. 19 common fingerprint peaks for O. falcata, 24 for O. chiliophylla, and11 for the two herbs were designated respectively, including 7 identified characteristic peaks existing in both herbs and 1 uniquely presenting in O. chiliophylla. Although there were some slight differences in the chemicals of O. falcata and O. chiliophylla, the main components of both herbs were consistent generally. The resultsprovided scientific basis, at least from the chemical point of view, for the reasonablity of two herbs being used as the same drug in Tibetan medicines and for the necessary of further investigation on their detailed chemical and pharmacological differences.

Key words: Oxytropis falcata, Oxytropis chiliophylla, High-performance liquid chromatographic fingerprint, Quality analysis, Tibetan medicines, Er-Da-Xia