Systematic Quality Evaluation of Epimedium wushanense T. S. Ying Based on Two Quality Control Standards: Total Flavonoid Glycosides and Epimedin C

Two quality control standards, total flavonoid glycosides of Epimedii Folium and epimedin C of Epimedii Wushanensis Folium, were used to systematically evaluate the quality of Epimedium wushanense T. S. Ying, so as to provide reference for its germplasm screening and resource utilization. Seven representative populations of E. wushanense covering its main distribution areas were uniformly sampled during the flowering period. There were significant quality differences among the populations of E. wushanense. According to the quality standard of total flavonoid glycosides, all populations were superior to the quality standard of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia for Epimedii Folium, with more than 1.5 % total flavonoid glycosides. The variation ranges of epimedin A, epimedin B, epimedin C, icariin and total flavonoid glycosides were 0.40-0.76 %, 0.51-0.83 %, 1.70-9.31 %, 0.40-1.23 % and 3.05-10.61 %, respectively. According to the quality standard of epimedin C, all populations were better than the quality standard of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia for Epimedii Wushanensis Folium, with more than 1.0 % epimedin C. The variation range of epimedin C was 2.22-10.06 %. When comparing the results of the two methods, a trend of slightly lower mean values was found for total flavonoid glycosides, except for the HBXW population. The quality of E. wushanense was superior to both the quality standard of Epimedii Folium and Epimedii Wushanense Folium in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia. Epimedin C was the most abundant component. Among the investigated populations, HBXW and HBGK exhibited the highest quality, and may provide excellent genetic resources for standardized cultivation. In addition, the habitat of these populations can also serve a reference for cultivation conditions.