Standardization Study of Trunks and Branches of Xanthoceras Sorbifolia Bunge

Introduction: Although there is a wide range of studies on phytochemistry and pharmacology, there currently needs to be a standard quality control method or index for assessing the components of X. sorbifolium Bunge to ensure quality. Objectives: This study aimed to determine some quality parameters of the standardization of trunks and branches of Xanthoceras sorbifolia Bunge. Methods: The cellular diagnostic structures of trunks and branches of the plant were defined by “Olympus” light microscopy. Biologically active compounds were identified using TLC and HPLC, and the main biologically active compounds’ contents were determined by HPLC methods. Some quality parameters of trunks and branches of X. sorbifolium Bunge were determined by Chinese Pharmacopoeia methods. Results: Microstructure of trunk and branch of the X. sorbifolia Bunge was defined. Some quality parameters of trunks and branches of X. sorbifolia Bunge collected from seven locations in Inner Mongolia were defined as: moisture 4.8-6.1%, total ash 5.57-7.3%, acid-insoluble ash 1.3-2.7%, alcohol-soluble extractive 8.97- 11.63%. The fingerprints of TLC to reveal epicatechin and HPLC to reveal epicatechin, dihydromyricetin, dihydroquercetin, myricetin, quercetin, and naringenin were defined. Some flavonoid contents in trunks and branches of X. sorbifolia Bunge collected from seven locations in Inner Mongolia were determined according to the developed and validated method as: epicatechin 6.39-11.687 mg/g, dihydroquercetin 1.02-1.833 mg/g, and myricetin 0.02-2.693 mg/g. Conclusion: The standardization criteria for the trunk and branches of X. sorbifolia Bunge were defined. Quality parameters and contents of epicatechin, dihydroquercetin, and myricetin were different in Xanthoceras sorbifolia Bunge collected from seven locations in Inner Mongolia.