Abstract: In this study,a HPLC method for contrastively screening of orange II in safflower samples was established by comparing concentrations of HSYA and orange II.For hydroxysafflor yellow A (HYSA) chromatographic testing condition,methanol-acetonitrile-0.01 mol/L phosphoric Acid (26:2:72) was used as mobile phase.For Orange II chromatographic testing condition,acetonitrile -0.025 mol/L monopotassium phosphate (40:60) was used as mobile phase.After testing the concentration of orange II of all 46 safflower samples,26 were indicated as suspicious positive samples.However,the number of suspicious positive samples was reduced to 2 using contrast screening method.The screening results were ensured with LC/MS method.Hence,the results showed that the efficiency of contrast screening method was superior to conventional orange II screening method.

Key words: safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.), HPLC, HPLC/MS, hydroxysafflor yellow A, orangeII, contrast screening method