Establishment of Thin-layer Chromatography Identification Method for Vicatia thibetica de Boiss.and Preliminary Study on its Quality

Objective: To establish a thin-layer chromatography (TLC) identification method for Vicatia thibetica and provide an experimental basis for its quality control. Methods: With ferulic acid as the reference standard, the effects of extraction conditions, developing solvents, sample application volumes and color development conditions on TLC identification were investigated. After determining the optimal conditions, qualitative identification was carried out on 11 batches of Vicatia thibetica de Boiss. samples from different sources. Results: The optimal conditions were as follows: ultrasonic extraction of the sample with 95% ethanol for 15 min, chloroform-methanol (10:1) as the developing solvent, sample application volume of 6 μL, color development with 5% sulfuric acid-ethanol solution, and visualization under 365 nm ultraviolet (UV) light. 11 batches of Vicatia thibetica de Boiss. from different sources showed basically consistent TLC spot types, while the relative content of characteristic component ferulic acid varied significantly. Conclusion: This method has clear spots, excellent resolution and simple operation, and can be used for the rapid preliminary screening of Vicatia thibetica medicinal materials.