HPLC Determination of Saponins in Roots of Balloon Flower

HPLC was applied to the determinations of 10 main saponins in roots of balloon flower.The sample was extracted ultrasonically with a mixed solution of methanol and water (60+40),and enriched by passing through a Waters Spe-Pak-C18 SPE column,Saponins were eluted from the column with mixed solution of methanol and water (60+40) at a flowrate of 10 mL·min-1.The eluate was separated by gradient elution with acetonitrile solution of different concentration on ZORBAX Stable Bound C18 (4.6 mm×100 mm,1.8μm) rapid column,and their contents determined by evaporation light scattering detector.Linear relationships between the peak area and mass concentration of 10 saponins were obtained,with detection limits(3S/N)in range of 0.3-0.8 mg·L-1.The values of recovery found by standard addition method were in the range of 84%-106%,with valus of RSD′s (n=5) less than 5%.