Rapid Fingerprint Analysis of Radix Scutellariae by UFLC–DAD

To better control the quality of Radix Scutellariae (RS), a fast fingerprint method based on ultra-fast liquid chromatography coupled with diode array detection (UFLC-DAD) was developed. In this study, the analysis time of ∼85 min when using conventional high-performance liquid chromatography was shortened to ∼40 min on UFLC. The UFLC method was validated in terms of stability [<5.80% relative standard deviation (RSD)], precision (<3.48% RSD) and reproducibility (<3.56% RSD). Finally, eight batches of RS were analyzed by UFLC-DAD, and their similarities were systematically processed with professional analytical software, Similarity Evaluation System for Chromatographic Fingerprint of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Version 2004A), which was recommended by State Food and Drug Administration of China. The developed UFLC method is efficient, reproducible, stable, precise, and can be used as a more efficient approach for the quality monitoring and assessment of RS.