Simultaneous Determination of Two Major Triterpenoid Saponins: Celosins I and II in Celosiae Semen by HPLC-ELSD

ObjectiveTo establish an analytical method for the simultaneous determination of celosin I and celosin II, two major triterpenoids in Celosia Semen and compare the contents of celosin I and celosin II from different habitats to screen the resources of elite germplasm for further applications.MethodsA sensitive and simple high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with evaporative light-scattering detector (HPLC-ELSD) method was developed for the first time for the simultaneous determination of celosin I and celosin II. Using this method, 21 batches of Celosiae Semen were determined from different habitats in China.ResultsThere was an obvious difference in the contents of celosin I and celosin II among Celosiae Semen species from various habitats across China. The crude drug from Yongzhou, Hunan province, Zhuhai, Guangdong province, and Nanning, Guangxi province showed the highest contents of all habitats, while Anguo, Hebei province, Haidian, Beijing, and Zhengzhou, Henan province showed the lowest content. The results also showed that geographical location had a great influence on the contents of the two compounds. The batches from lower latitudes were higher in contents of celosin I and celosin II.ConclusionThe sun light may be a key factor influencing the contents of the two saponins, indicating that the environment has a great impact on the quality of Celosiae Semen.