Study on HPLC fingerprint characteristic of Pulsatilla patens (L.) Mill

Until now, there has not been performed HPLC characteristic fingerprinting of the saponins in Pulsatilla medicinal plants. The HPLC profile of Pulsatilla patens (L.) Mill. was determined according to the method of classification and authentication of Pulsatilla species that allowed determination of the saponins from analyzed taxon. The species of Pulsatilla revealed different HPLC fingerprints, but characterized by the presence of ten common peaks [1]. A cluster analysis divided the species of Pulsatilla into four groups: Pulsatilla koreana Nakai (group I), Pulsatilla ambigua (Turcz. ex Hayek) Juz. (group II), Pulsatilla dahurica (Fisch. ex DC.) Spreng. and Pulsatilla turczaninovii Kryl. et Serg. (group III), and Pulsatilla chinensis (Bunge) Regel (group IV). The significant differences in characteristic of saponins between Pulsatilla koreana Nakai and Pulsatilla dahurica (Fisch. ex DC.) Spreng., and between Pulsatilla turczaninovii Kryl. et Serg. and Pulsatilla ambigua (Turcz. ex Hayek) Juz. were observed [1]. The chromatographic fingerprint analysis of Pulsatilla patens (L.) Mill. showed eight peaks which were identified as saponins and were similarly distinguished as common peaks in the above cited species. However, the HPLC profile showed no presence of Pulsatilla saponin D. Saponins from Pulsatilla patens (L.) Mill. have demonstrated multiple biological properties including antitumor, antifungal, antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities. Pulsatilla saponin D isolated from the root of Pulsatilla koreana Nakai showed potent inhibition rate of tumor growth (IR, 82%) at the dose of 6.4 mg/kg on the BDF1 mice bearing LLC cells [2].