Abstract:

In this paper, a RP-HPLC method for determining the contents of adenosine and cordycepin in Cordyceps militaris ( L.) Link is described. The separation column was Capcellpak C18 (150 mm × 4.6 mm, 5μm), which was held at 40 ℃. The mobile phase was composed of a mixed solution containing 20 mmol/L citric acid, 40 mmol/L acetic acid and 20 mmol/L triethylamine and acetonitrile (V/V, 98:2) at a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min. The sample loading volume was 10μL. UV detection was performed at 260 nm. The method showed a good linear relationship between peak area and concentration over the range from 1 to 1000μg/mL (R2 = 0.9999) for adenosine and from 2 to 1000μg/mL (R2 = 1.0000) for cordycepin. The spike recoveries of adenosine in 3 replicates determinations ranged from 93.75% to 96.90% and those of cordycepin from 92.03% to 97.35%.The limit of detection was 0.2 μg/mL for both adenosine and cordycepin. The RSD of precision was 0.116% for adenosine and 0.104% for cordycepin. This method is characterized by simplicity and high sensitivity and accuracy.

Key words: reversed phase-high performance liquid chromatography, Cordyceps militaris ( L.) Link, adenosine, cordycepin