Development of a matrix solid-phase dispersion extraction combined with high-performance liquid chromatography for determination of five lignans from the Schisandra chinensis

• First MSPD method was developed to extract lignans from Schisandra chinensis.
• Parameters affecting the extraction efficiency of MSPD were optimised.
• The MSPD is convenient, less time-consuming, low cost and easy to implement.
• The proposed method provided satisfactory accuracy, precision, and sensitivity.

A method based on a simplified sample extraction by matrix solid phase dispersion (MSPD) followed by HPLC determination is validated for analysis of five lignans in Schisandra chinensis. The MSPD parameters that affect the extraction efficiency of lignans from S. chinensis were examined and optimized. The optimal extraction conditions were determined to be that silica gel was used as dispersing sorbent, the ratio of silica gel to sample mass was selected to be 2:1, and 4 mL of methanol was used as elution solvent. The method recoveries were determined to be from 92.25 to 101.17% and the RSDs from 1.3 to 4.9%. The extraction yields of five lignans obtained by the MSPD were higher than those of traditional reflux and sonication extraction with reduced requirements on sample, solvent and time. In addition, the optimized method was applied for analyzing five real S. chinensis samples obtained from different cultivated areas.