Abstract: In this study,a new strategy for quantitative analysis of multi-components using a single marker (QAMS) was developed for the determination of four alkaloids (phellodendrine,magnolia,berberubine,berberine) in Phellodendron chinense charcoal from different producing areas.The relative correction factors (RCF) of berberine and other components were established by using berberine as the internal reference substance,and the content of the four components was calculated by RCFs.Determination of the content of 30 batches of samples by a conventional external standard method and the QAMS.The results showed that there was no significant difference between the conventional external standard method and the QAMS for 30 batches of charcoal samples.The QAMS method established in this study solved the problem of the availability and high cost of some standard substances,and would be useful for providing an efficient and feasible quality assessment method for Phellodendron chinense charcoal.

Key words: cortex phellodendri charcoal, quantitative analysis of multi-components by single marker, relative correction factor, phellodendrine, berberubine