Simultaneous Determination of Four Triterpenoid Saponins in Aralia elata Leaves by HPLC-ELSD Combined with Hierarchical Clustering Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Aralia elata leaves are known to have several biological activities, including anti-arrythmia, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, anti-fatigue, antimicrobial and antiviral effects. Our previous study found that triterpenoid saponins from the leaves of A. elata had antitumor effects. Quantification of the triterpenoids is important for the quality control of A. elata leaves.

OBJECTIVE: To establish high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with evaporative light scattering detection (HPLC-ELSD) for the simultaneous determination of four major triterpenoid saponins, including Aralia-saponin IV, Aralia-saponin VI, 3-O-β-d- glucopyranosyl-(1 → 3)-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 3)-β-d-glucopyranosyl oleanolic acid 28-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (Aralia-saponin TTP)and Aralia-saponin V.

METHODOLOGY: The separation was carried out on a Dikma Diamonsil C18 column (4.6 mm × 250 mm, 5 μm) efficiently with gradient elution consisting of acetonitrile and water.

RESULTS: All calibration curves showed good linear regression (R2  > 0.9996) within the ranges of tested concentrations. This validated method was applied to determine the contents of the four major triterpenoid saponins in 53 samples from different regions of northeast China. Hierarchical clustering analysis was first used to classify and differentiate Aralia elata leaves.

CONCLUSION: The method developed was successfully applied to analyse four major triterpenoid saponins in Aralia elata leaves which is helpful for quality control of the herb. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.