Quantitative Analysis of Ginkgo biloba Extracts Using a New HPLC Method: Single Standard for the Determination of Multiple Components

Abstract In this study, a quality control method utilizing high-performance liquid chromatography has been developed to simultaneously determine the content of 12 major flavonoids in Ginkgo biloba leaf (GBL) through fingerprint analysis and a single standard for the determination of multiple components (SSDMC). Thirteen batches of GBL samples and standardized extracts were analyzed using the SSDMC, traditional external standard (ES) and Chinese pharmacopoeia (CP) methods. The new quality control method was credible and feasible, having been sufficiently validated for linearity (r2 > 0.9993), limits of detection (0.13–0.83 μg/mL), limits of quantification (0.43–2.76 μg/mL), precision (relative standard deviation [RSD] < 0.89%), accuracy (92–114%, RSD < 1.76%), repeatability (RSD < 1.92%) and stability (RSD < 1.96%). The flavone contents observed in the 13 batches of GBL samples and standardized extracts showed no significant difference when using SSDMC and ES methods, and their contents were slightly higher than those obtained using the CP method.