[Qualitative and quantitative studies on Chinese drug maidong].

To explore a better approach to controlling the quality of Maidong.The differences between Ophiopogon japonicus and the plants belonging to Liriope genus were identified by TLC. The total saponins in plants collected from different areas were determined by spectrophotometry, using HClO4 as the staining agent.The quantity of Maidong markedly varies with producing areas.This method is convenient and effective, and the MeOH extract of samples can be determined directly after reaction with HClO4 without preliminary treatment. The RSD was 0.75% (n = 5).