RP-HPLC determination of puerarin in Chinese traditional medicinal preparations containing pueraria.

Puerarin in a Gegen(Pueraria)-based Chinese traditional medicinal preparations, Ganmao Qingre Granules, from four different pharmaceutical manufacturers and in two different dosage forms, were determined using RP-HPLC with methanol-5 mmol l(-1) KH(2)PO(4) (pH = 4.0) (V:V = 27:73) as mobile phase and UV detection at 248 nm. Ultrasonication and reflux were compared as pretreatment procedures for the sample. Linear range over 0.2-200 microg ml(-1) of puerarin was obtained, and the limit of detection was 0.1 microg ml(-1). Recovery was within 99.7-103%. Copyright 2002 Elsevier Science B.V.