Quality evaluation and screening of processing difference markers for Scutellariae Radix based on UPLC fingerprinting combined with multivariate statistical analysis

doi:10.19803/j.1672-8629.20260334

Abstract

Abstract: Objective To establish a more comprehensive quality evaluation system for Scutellariae Radix (SR) and explore the changes in chemical components before and after processing. Methods An ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) method was developed for simultaneous quantification of seven flavonoids in SR before chemical fingerprinting combined with multivariate statistical analysis was employed to compare samples grown for different years or in different areas, and processed products. Results The analysis found that the contents of the seven flavonoids varied significantly. The overall quality of three-year-old plants was the best, with the baicalin content reaching 171.65 mg·g^-1. Through pattern recognition, five chemical components (baicalin, wogonoside, baicalein, oroxin A, and wogonin) were screened as key differential markers for distinguishing raw SR from wine-processed SR. The therapeutic potential of oroxin A warranted more attention. In addition, the established UPLC fingerprint method was highly specific, precise, repeatable and stable, which can be used for accurately distinguishing raw SR from wine-processed SR. Conclusion This study has established a stable and reliable method for simultaneous quantitative analysis of multiple components in SR, identified the key determinants of its quality, and screened out processing-related differential markers.

Key words: Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography (UPLC), Fingerprint, Scutellariae Radix (SR), Flavonoids, Oroxin A, Multivariate Statistical Analysis, Quality Evaluation, Processing-Induced Differences

CLC Number:

R282
R917

Zheng Binying, Guo Yuchen, Xing Yuhang, Zhang Kaiwen, Guo Zhongyuan, Gong Muxin, Wang Zhimin, Song Yafang, Yang Hong. Quality evaluation and screening of processing difference markers for Scutellariae Radix based on UPLC fingerprinting combined with multivariate statistical analysis[J]. Chinese Journal of Pharmacovigilance, 2026, 23(8): 859-866.

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https://zgywjj.magtechjournal.com/EN/Y2026/V23/I8/859

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