Objective: To establish a HPLC method for determination of protopine and isocorydine in root of Dactylicapnos scandens.
Method: The separation was performed in a PHENOMENEX-C18 column with a mobile phase of methanol-0.2% phosphoric acid (adjusted to pH 7.0 with triethylamine)(50:50), The detection wavelength was at 254 nm and the flow rate was 0.8 mL x min(-1).
Result: The average recovery of Protopine and Isocorydine was 97.9%, 98.6% respectively, and RSD 1.3%, 1.4%.
Conclusion: This method is accurate, simple and reliable. It can be used for quality control of D. scandens.