Establishment of HPLC-DAD-MS fingerprint of fresh Houttuynia cordata.

A HPLC-DAD-MS fingerprint method of fresh Houttuynia cordata THUNB. was developed basing on the consistent chromatographic features among 11 batches of authentic samples. Major chemical components including phenolic compounds, flavones and alkaloids were simultaneously analyzed. Eleven common peaks in the fingerprint were chosen and identified by comparing their UV and ESI-MS data with the authentic compounds. The unique properties of this HPLC-DAD-MS fingerprint were successfully applied to analyze and differentiate samples from different geographical origins, processing methods and various medicinal parts of H. cordata. The results showed that these variations will give rise to differences in identities and/or abundance of chemical compounds, indicating that a comprehensive quality evaluation of those major ingredients in H. cordata is critical to assess and represent its overall quality.