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

Significance of the topic

White peony root is a widely used herbal medicine known for its therapeutic properties, largely attributed to the presence of the terpene glycoside paeoniflorin. Reliable quantification of paeoniflorin is essential for quality control, standardization of herbal formulations and ensuring patient safety.

Objectives and overview of the study

The aim of this work was to develop and validate a simple, reproducible reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography (RP‐HPLC) method for determining paeoniflorin in commercially available white peony powder. A clear comparison between the standard compound and sample extract chromatograms was intended to confirm specificity and accuracy.

Methodology and Instrumentation

The study employed the following approach:

• Sample preparation: 0.1 g of white peony powder was extracted with 50 mL ethanol under ultrasonic treatment (240 W, 45 kHz) for 30 minutes. After cooling, the extract was diluted to volume, shaken and filtered into an LC vial.
• Chromatographic conditions:
  • Column: Shim‐pack GIS C18, 250 mm × 4.6 mm, 5 μm
  • Mobile phase: 0.1% phosphoric acid in water (A) and acetonitrile (B) at A:B = 86:14 (isocratic)
  • Flow rate: 1.0 mL/min
  • Column temperature: 25 °C
  • Injection volume: 10 µL
  • Detection: UV at 230 nm

Main Results and Discussion

The chromatogram of a 60 µg/mL paeoniflorin standard showed a single, well‐resolved peak. The sample extract yielded a matching peak at the same retention time, indicating successful extraction and specificity of the method. Peak symmetry and baseline stability demonstrated the robustness of the chosen isocratic conditions. Quantitative results (not detailed here) would rely on calibration curves constructed from standard injections.

Benefits and Practical Applications

This RP‐HPLC procedure offers:

• High specificity for paeoniflorin without interference from other root constituents
• Rapid analysis suitable for routine quality control laboratories
• Minimal sample preparation steps and reproducible extraction

These features make the method valuable for herbal industries, research laboratories and regulatory bodies monitoring herbal product consistency.

Future Trends and Applications

Advancements may include coupling with mass spectrometry for enhanced sensitivity, use of greener solvents to reduce environmental impact, and miniaturized or automated systems to increase throughput. Integrating chemometric data analysis could further streamline quality assessment of complex herbal matrices.

Conclusion

The presented RP‐HPLC method using Shim-pack GIS C18 and an isocratic phosphate‐acetonitrile mobile phase enables reliable detection and quantification of paeoniflorin in white peony extracts. Its simplicity and robustness support its adoption in quality control workflows for herbal medicines.

Reference

Shimadzu Corporation. ERAS-1000-0041, First Edition: Mar. 2023.