Quantitative Analytical Method for Eighteen Marker Compounds in Ongyeong-tang, a Traditional Herbal Formula, Using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography for Quality Assessment

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objectives : Ongyeong-tang (OGT) is a traditional herbal formula used to cu re gynaecological disorders. OGT consists of 12 herbal medicines containing various bioactive co mponents. Therefore, the development of suitable analytical method for the marker compounds is necessary for the quality control of OGT. Methods : Determination of the 18 marker compounds in OGT preparations w as quantitatively performed by high-performance liquid chromatography –photodiode array detection analysis. The marker compounds were separated on a reversed-phase C 18 column and the analytical method was successfully validated, which was applied to compare OGT extracts from laboratory preparation and commercial OGT granules.Results : Limit of detection and limit of quantification values were in the ranges of 0.001–0.016µg/mL and 0.003–0.047µg/mL, respectively. Precision was 0.03–3.71% within a day and 0.03–3.81% over four consecutive days. Recovery of marker compounds ranged from 90.63–108.26%, with relative standard deviation (RSD) values<4.0%. Reproducibility was <2.5% of the RSD value. The 18 marker compounds were stable within 16 h at 10℃, with the RSD value <3.5%. Quantitative analysis results showed that the quantities of the 18 marker compounds varied among OGT samples. Pearson coefficient evaluation and principal component analysis demonstrated that an OGT water extract produced by a laboratory method clearly differed from commercial OGT granules.Conclusions : The developed analytical method was simple, precise, and reliable. Therefore, it can be used for the quality assessment of OGT preparations.Key words : Ongyeong-tang, Quantitative analysis, Method development, Pear son coefficient, Principal component analysis