Comparative analyses of the main active ingredients of Lonicerae japonicae flos and Lonicerae flos

Objective To compare the quality of Lonicerae flos and Lonicerae japonicae flos by determine the main active ingredients. Methods According to methods and standards of determination in Chinese Pharmacopoeia (2015 Edition), the content of chlorogenic acid , galuteolin , macranthoidin B and asperosaponin B in 50 batches of samples of Lonicerae japonicae flos and .Lonicerae flos were determined. Results For Lonicerae japonicae flos (Lonicera japonica Thunb.), the contents of galuteolin was higher, and chlorogenic acid was lower, less or no contain saponins. For the main species of Lonicerae flos (Lonicera macranthoides Hand. -Mazz. and Lonicera hypoglauca Miq.), the contents of chlorogenic acid and the sum of saponins were higher, less or no galuteolin. Conclusions The main active ingredients of Lonicerae japonicae flos and Lonicerae flos were different. The contents of saponins in some samples of Lonicerae japonicae flos were higher, so the test of saponin should be considered when its raw material for injection. Key words: Flos lonicerae japonicae; Flos lonicerae; Main active ingredients; Determination; Quality control