Abstract: High speed countercurrent chromatography (HSCCC),combined with preparative high performance liquid chromatography (pre-HPLC) was used for the first time to isolate and purify chemical components of Cinnamomum cassia Presl.Using petroleum ether-ethyl acetate-methanol-water (8:2:6:4,v/v) as solvent system,the upper organic phase was used as stationary phase and the lower aqueous phase as mobile phase.The flow rate and rotate speed was selected at 2 mL/min and 850 rpm respectively.Four high purity components were obtained and their structure were identified by NMR.They are coumarin (1),trans-o-methoxy cinnamic acid (2),cinnamic acid (3),trans-cinnamic aldehyde (4) and all the purities of the four compounds was greater than 95% detected by HPLC.This method is simple,fast,solvent-saving and can separate and purify the major components of Cinnamomum cassia Presl rapidly and effectively.This paper provides a reference for the further development and application of Cinnamomum cassia Presl resources.

Key words: Cinnamomum cassia Presl, high speed counter-current chromatography(HSCCC), pre-HPLC, isolation and purification