Development of high-performance liquid chromatographic fingerprint for quality analysis of Hedysari Radix

In this study, a simple, sensitive and reliable fingerprint analysis method by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode array detection was developed for raw materials of Hedysari Radix, which is a famous traditional Chinese medicine and widely used as a restorative food. Then the developed method was subsequently applied to analyse 48 samples collected or purchased from different origins. Twenty-six common fingerprint peaks, including six definitely identified peaks, were found in total, and were involved for further characterisation and quality evaluation of Hedysari Radix. The chemical quality of commercial samples and samples collected in spring varied obviously, while those of the cultivated samples collected in autumn were relatively stable, indicating that it is better to harvest Hedysari Radix in autumn and that more attention should be paid to the standardisation of the process of harvesting, manufacturing and storage of Hedysari Radix.