Simultaneous quantitative and qualitative analysis of three kinds of Jigucao related pharmaceuticals by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography combined with chemometrics method

Abri Herba (Jigucao) and Abri mollis Herba (Maojigucao) are derived from dried plants of Abrus cantoniensis Hance (Leguminosae) and Abrus mollis without pods. Abri Herba is commonly used in Jigucao tablets; Abri mollis Herba is usually used in Jigucao capsules and FufangJigucao capsules. Surprising, there are few reports focused on the quantitative control of these mentioned Jigucao related pharmaceuticals. This research endeavour has harnessed the formidable power of cutting-edge ACQUITY UPLC technology to formulate a groundbreaking methodology for the simultaneous quantification of 10 target compounds in Jigucao capsules, Jigucao tablets and FufangJigucao capsules. The primary aim is to bolster quality control and precise identification within the realm of these pharmaceutical products. Separation was performed on an ACQUITY UPLC HSS T3 Column (2.1 × 100 mm, 1.8 μm), gradient elution was performed with 0.1% formic acid in water and acetonitrile. A column temperature of 40°C acts as our guiding compass, and DAD detection scans the spectral landscape in the wavelength range of 210–400 nm. The concentrations of the 10 target components can be used to identify Jigucao tablets, Jigucao capsules and FufangJigucao capsules through the art of chemometrics. The results showed that the established method for determination of 10 target compounds was accurate and reliable with good linearity (r ≥ .9948) and satisfactory recoveries (82.91%–108.6%). The identification of the three Jigucao related pharmaceuticals can be performed using chemometrics based on the 10 target compounds. Thus, our study not only showcases a pioneering analytical approach but also unveils a new dimension in the identification of these pharmaceutical treasures.