Simultaneous Determination of Six Quaternary Ammonium Alkaloids in Coptidis Rhizoma by UPLC

Objective To establish a new,rapid,and reliable reversed-phase ultra performance liquid chromatography (RP-UPLC)method for the simultaneous determination of six quaternary ammonium alkaloids(QAAs)in Coptidis Rhizoma.Methods The effect of different experimental parameters on the analysis of QAAs by RP-UPLC was evaluated.Results Optimal resolution was achieved with an Acquity UPLC BEH C18 column using a gradient elution profile and a mobile phase consisting of water spiked with 10 mmol/L ammonium bicarbonate(A,pH adjusted to 10.0 by ammonia water)and acetonitrile(B),at a flow rate of 0.30 mL/min and wavelength of 345 nm. The column temperature was set at 30℃.The proposed method was found to be reproducible,precise,and rapid according to the method validation.Conclusion The proposed method,which is compatible with MS analysis and the preparation of QAA,provides some helpful insights into the quality control of Coptidis Rhizoma.