Abstract: A standardized HPLC-PDA-ESI/MS profiling method was used to identify the phenolic components of Erigeron breviscapus and breviscapine. A general phenolic quantification method was used to quantify the components. As a result,33 hydroxycinnamates and 16 flavonoids were detected in E. breviscapus, a plant used in traditional Chinese medicine for treating cardiocerebral diseases. Eighteen flavonoids were detected in breviscapine,an E. breviscapus derived drug. The hydroxycinnamates were quantified using HPLC-PDA at the detection wavelength of 326 nm and the mole relative response factors (MRRF). Dried chlorogenic acid was used as calibration standard. Similarly,8 apigenins,4 luteolins,3 flavonol 3-O-glycosides,and the 7-O-glucuronides of quercetin and isorhamnetin were quantified using apigenin (at 336 nm) and rutin (at 354 nm) as calibration standards and MRRF value for each compound. This was the first detection of over 10 flavonoids in breviscapine,and the quantification of each phenolic component in E. breviscapus.

Key words: Erigeron breviscapus, breviscapine, hydroxycinnamates, flavonoids, HPLC-PDA-ESI/MS, content quantification