Analysis of Paeoniflorin in White Peony (Shim-pack Scepter C18-120)

Significance of the Topic

The quantification of paeoniflorin, a major terpene glycoside in white peony (Paeonia moutan), is crucial for quality control of herbal medicines. This analysis ensures consistency, efficacy, and safety of paeony root extracts used in pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications.

Objectives and Study Overview

The aim of the study is to develop and validate a simple, reliable reversed-phase HPLC method for the determination of paeoniflorin content in commercial white peony powder. The method employs isocratic elution for efficient separation and accurate quantification.

Methodology and Sample Preparation

Sample pretreatment:

1. Weigh 0.1 g of white peony powder.
2. Transfer to a 50 mL volumetric flask and add 50 mL ethanol.
3. Seal and ultrasonicate at 240 W, 45 kHz for 30 min.
4. Cool, fill to 50 mL with ethanol, mix, and filter into an HPLC vial.

Chromatographic conditions:

• Column: Shim-pack Scepter C18-120 (250 mm x 4.6 mm, 5 μm).
• Mobile phase: 0.1% phosphoric acid solution (A) and acetonitrile (B) in 86:14 ratio (isocratic).
• Flow rate: 1.0 mL/min; column temperature: 25°C.
• Injection volume: 10 μL; detection at 230 nm (UV).

Used Instrumentation

The analysis was performed on a reversed-phase HPLC system equipped with a Shim-pack Scepter C18-120 column and UV detector. LabTotal vials were used for sample handling.

Main Results and Discussion

The method produced a sharp, well-resolved peak for paeoniflorin at a consistent retention time. Linearity was confirmed with standard solutions (60 μg/mL), demonstrating high correlation. The sample chromatogram showed clear identification and quantification of paeoniflorin in white peony extracts, indicating the method’s specificity and robustness.

Benefits and Practical Applications

This validated HPLC protocol offers:

• High sensitivity and reproducibility for paeoniflorin quantification.
• Simple sample preparation with ethanol extraction.
• Isocratic elution, reducing analysis time and solvent consumption.
• Applicability in quality control laboratories for herbal medicine standardization.

Future Trends and Potential Applications

Advances may include coupling with mass spectrometry for multi-component profiling, miniaturized flow cells for rapid screening, and digital integration for data-driven quality assurance. The approach can be extended to related glycosides in medicinal plants.

Conclusion

A straightforward, precise HPLC method for determining paeoniflorin in white peony powder was established. Its reliability supports the standardization of herbal products, ensuring consistent therapeutic quality.

Reference

Shimadzu Corporation. Analysis of Paeoniflorin in White Peony using Shim-pack Scepter C18-120. First Edition, March 2023. ERAS-1000-0040.