Abstract:

Kudzu root is an important traditional Chinese herb. Its crude extract has been used in
the treatment of hypertension and angina pectoris in China. Several parameters for high performance
liquid chromatography (HPLC) analytical method for kudzu root extract, including HPLC model, mobile
phase, additive and gradient conditions have been optimized. The HPLC retention parameters a and c,
and the peak shape parameters σ and τ of 25 chromatographic peaks were obtained accurately and
rapidly using five linear gradients and were calculated using CSASS software. The CSASS software
was then used to simulate the gradient conditions in the experiments, and the optimized condition
was obtained. The comparison of the simulated and real chromatogram profiles showed that the
potential of simulation using the CSSASS software as compared to that of the real experimental
conditions was precise. Reversed-phase HPLC model and the mobile phase of (A) acetonitrile
containing 0.1% (v/v) acetic acid and (B) water containing 0.1% (v/v) acetic acid were used. The
optimized gradient profile showed a linear increase as follows: from 5% A to 35% A at 0-33 min; from
35% A to 100% A at 33-50 min, and then the HPLC system was held for 5 min. The reproducibility and
precision of the method were investigated. The relative standard deviations (RSDs) of retention
time, peak height, and peak area were less than 0.25%, 11%, and 4.9%, respectively, which showed
that the method was stable, reliable, and reproducible.

Key words: CSASS software, kudzu root , optimize, high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)