HPLC fingerprint of buckwheat from different habitats and varieties

Introduction: Originated from China, buckwheat belongs to Fagopyrum (Polygonaceae) and is widely planted worldwide. The authentication and quality control of buckwheat was difficult in present. For quality control and authentication of buckwheat, a rapid and accurate method should be established. Methods: Fingerprint study of buckwheat collected from different habitats and varieties (Table 1) was carried out in this work. A simple and rapid method was established by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to a UV/VIS detector. The data was subjected to common chemometrics analyses, including similarity analysis (SA), principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical clustering analysis (HCA). Results: The HPLC fingerprint varied among buckwheat samples from different sources. It was clear to distinguish Fagopyrum tataricum (L.) Gaertn and F. esculentum Moench from their chemical features. Conclusions: This method was simple, accurate, and useful for quality controlling and distinguishing buckwheat.