Abstract: The objective of this study was to develop a HPLC method for the fingerprinting analysis of Premna fulva Craib and to determine the content of vitexin in P.fulva and its compound preparation.The chromatographic separation was carried out using Waters Xbridge C18 column (4.6 mm×250 mm,5 μm) with gradient elution.The mobile phase was comprised of acetonitrile-0.5% glacial acetic acid in water,the UV detection wavelength was set at 350 nm,with a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min，and column temperature was maintained at 25 ℃.Results showed that good linear relationship of vitexin was achieved in the range of 0.16-0.80 μg (R²=0.9996).There were 19 common peaks (peak areas account for more than 90% of total peaks) in the fingerprints of 10 batches of P.fulva. The contents of vitexin in 10 batches of P.fulva samples were between 15.8~30.2 μg/g.In addition,vitexin was not detected in Dieda Shenggu capsules or extract.Hence,it was concluded that the developed HPLC method can be used as a quality control method for vitexin in P.fulva. While,it was unsuitable for its compound preparation.

Key words: Premna fulva Craib, Dieda Shenggu capsules, HPLC, fingerprint, vitexin