New Quality Evaluation of Qizhi Xiangfu Pills Based on Fingerprint with Chemometric Analysis and Quantitative Analysis of Multi-Components by Single Marker

Qizhi Xiangfu Pills (QZXFPs) is one of the most commonly used traditional Chinese medicine preparations for the treatment of dysmenorrhea, but the existing quality evaluation standards have certain shortcomings and deficiencies. An effective and scientific quality evaluation method plays a vital role in medication safety. In this study, fingerprint combined with chemometric analysis and quantitative analysis of multi-components by a single marker (QAMS) method was used to comprehensively evaluate the quality of QZXFPs. The fingerprints of 28 batches samples were established and 23 common peaks were distinguished, of which 7 peaks were identified as albiflorin, paeoniflorin, baicalin, ligustilide, cyperotundone, nootkatone and alpha-cyperone. The content of these seven active ingredients was determined simultaneously by the QAMS method and there was no significantly different between QAMS and the external standard method. Additionally, similarity analysis, hierarchical cluster analysis, principal component analysis and orthogonal partial least squares discrimination analysis were applied for classifying the 28 batches of samples, and to find the main components causing the quality differences between different batches. In conclusion, the established method can comprehensively evaluate the consistency of quality between different batches and provide a reference for formulation quality evaluation to ensure safe and effective application of QZXFPs.