Research on quality standard of processed Cinnamomi Cortex decoction pieces containing volatile oil

Abstract

To build the quality standard of processed Cinnamomi Cortex standard decoction and provide quality reference for Cinnamomi Cortex formula granules. Fourteen batches of Cinnamomi Cortex standard decoction pieces were prepared according to the preparation requirements for standard decoction of Chinese herbal medicine containing volatile oil. With cinnamaldehyde as the quantitative index, the transfer rate and extraction rate were calculated; pH value was determined and HPLC fingerprint analysis method was established. By the measurement of 14 batches of standard decoction, the transfer rate ranged from 25.0% to 68.4%; the extraction rate was at a range of 3.7% to 10.1% and pH was 3.72 to 5.48. Then the Similarity Evaluation System for Chromatographic Fingerprint of Traditional Chinese Medicine (2012A) was used to analyze and compare the fingerprints. Four common peaks were determined and three were identified including coumarin (peak 1), cinnamic acid (peak 2) and cinnamaldehyde (peak 3). Moreover, the similarity was 1.0. This study established an HPLC fingerprint analysis method of processed Cinnamomi Cortex standard decoction. The method showed good precision, stability and repeatability in fingerprint analysis, with significance in identification.