Rapid and cost-effective method for the simultaneous quantification of seven alkaloids in Corydalis decumbens by microwave-assisted extraction and capillary electrophoresis.

A rapid and cost-effective method based on microwave-assisted extraction followed by capillary electrophoresis was developed for simultaneous quantification of seven alkaloids in Corydalis decumbens for the first time. The main parameters affecting microwave-assisted extraction and capillary electrophoresis separation were investigated and optimized. The optimal microwave-assisted extraction was performed at 40°C for 5 min using methanol/water (90:10, v/v) as the extracting solvent. Electrophoretic separation was achieved within 15 min using an uncoated fused-silica capillary (50 μm internal diameter and 27.7 cm effective length) and a 500 mM Tris buffer containing 45% v/v methanol (titrated to pH* 2.86 with H3 PO4 ). The developed method was successfully applied to the quantification of seven alkaloids in Corydalis decumbens obtained from different regions of China. The combination of microwave-assisted extraction with capillary electrophoresis was an effective method for the rapid analysis of the alkaloids in Corydalis decumbens.