Characterization of Radix Angelicae sinensis by Fluorescence and Near-Infrared Spectroscopies

Abstract

Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) diels is a perennial herbaceous plant. Its dried root, referred to as radix Angelicae sinensis (RAS), has been used for edible and medicinal purposes. This study is dedicated to spectroscopic characterization and quality detection of RAS powder material or aqueous solution using fluorescence excitation–emission matrix and near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopies. It is the first time that the fluorescence combined with net analyte signal–classical least-squares was able to accurately determine two active substances in 131 RAS batches from five geographical origins in Gansu, China. The concentrations of Z-ligustilide and L-tryptophan were 1.17 ± 0.43 mg g−1 and 0.59 ± 0.19 mg g−1, respectively. A satisfactory NIR-principal discriminant variate model was achieved, enabling the RAS batches to be discriminated by the location. The correct discrimination rates reached 100% for calibration and 87.50% for validation. The work provides an alternative and holistic strategy for reliable fingerprint authentication of RAS materials and helps promote its utility.