Articles : A Convenient HPLC/ELSD Method for the Quantitative Analysis of Betaine in Lycium chinense

In order to facilitate the quality control of betaine from the fruits of Lycium chinense, we have developed a rapid and simple method for quantitative determination. Determination was achieved on a Discovery C18 column with an isocratic solvent system of 0.32% perfluoropentanoic acid aqueous-acetonitrile at a flow-rate of 0.5 mL/min and detected an ELSD. The method was reproducible with intra- and inter-day variations of less than 6% (R.S.D). The recoveries were in the range of 90.01~100.05%. The method turned out to be fast and simple, furthermore, to have a good selectivity and sensitivity for the quantity determination of betaine in the fruits of L.chinense.