Multi-index quantitative evaluation of Angelicae Sinensis Radix based on 1H-qNMR

Background As known to us, HPLC method was often used to determine the contents of Angelicae sinesis Radix. In view of the shortcomings of HPLC method, qNMR has prominent advantages in determining the contents of bioactive components in the quantitative and qualitative analysis of Angelicae sinesis Radix. Objective In this study, a quick, simple, and accurate method was established to determine the components of ferulic acid, coniferyl ferulate, and ligustilide in Angelicae sinesis Radix. Method Using dimethyl sulfoxide-d6(DMSO-d6) as the test solvent and pyrazine as the internal standard substance, 1H-qNMR measurement was performed on a 600 MHz spectrometer. The quantitative resonance peaks of pyrazine, ferulic acid, ligustilide, and coniferyl ferulate were at δ8.66 ppm, δ6.35-6.37 ppm, δ5.53-5.55 ppm, and δ6.50-6.53 ppm, respectively. Results The linear relationship, limit of detection, limit of quantification, precision, stability, and recovery were verified and the results were good. On the other hand, it was verified by HPLC, and the HPLC used for verification passed the methodological investigation of linearity, precision, repeatability, stability, and recovery, and the results were good. In addition, no significant difference in results was found between the 1H-qNMR and HPLC-UV methods in determining the content of three components in three batches of Angelicae sinesis Radix. Conclusions The method can be used for simultaneous determination of three active components, and providing a scientific basis for the overall quality evaluation and quality control of Angelicae sinesis Radix. Hightlights In this study, 1H-qNMR was used to determine ferulic acid, coniferyl ferulate and ligustilide in Angelicae Sinensis Radix for the first time.