Development and comparative evaluation of the UPLC and HPLC methods for the determination of dihydroflavonoids in Smilacis glabrae Rhizoma

Aim ：To develop and compare the ultra-performance liquid chromatography(UPLC) and HPLC methods for the determination of dihydroflavonoids in Smilacis glabrae Rhizoma，and establish the quality evaluation system of the above-mentioned crude drug. Methods ：Four dihydroflavonoids in the crude drugs collected from 15 localities were determined using the UPLC and HPLC methods，respectively.The resolution，sensitivity，precision，accuracy and the content determination results of the four compounds were compared between the two methods. Results ：The UPLC method was more fast and sensitive than the HPLC method with no significant differences among the linearity range，precision，accuracy and the content determination results between the two methods. Conclusion ：The developed HPLC method was proved practicable and reliable for the quality control of Smilacis glabrae Rhizoma.The UPLC method was provided to be a more sensitive，fast and solvent-saving method compared to HPLC and can be applied in the quality evaluation of Chinese medicines.