Effect of different processing methods on the content of five anthraquinones in Rhei Radix et Rhizoma

Objective: To investigate the influence of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma on five anthraquinones,and to develop a high performance liquid chromato graphy(HPLC) quantitative method for these components in Rhei Radix et Rhizoma. Methods:The sample was separated on a Shimadzu C18(4.6 mm×250 mm,5 μm) with acetonitrile-0.1% phosphoric acid in gradient elution. Results: Rhein, Emodin, Chrysophanol, Aloe-emodin, Physcion average recoveries were 98.9%(RSD=1.61%),97.5%(RSD =1.12%),100.6%(RSD =1.08%),102.3%(RSD =1.78%),101.2%(RSD =2.11%) respectively. Conclusion: The method is simple,accurate and reproducible. It can be used for quality control of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma.