Marker compounds contents of Salvia miltiorrhiza Radix depending on the cultivation regions

Salvia miltiorrhiza Radix is cultivated in Korea and China and is traditionally used to treat cardiovascular diseases. In this study, we developed and validated a quantitative analysis method for S. miltiorrhiza Radix using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Identification was performed using ultra performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. For quantitative analysis, we used seven marker compounds. Separation conditions for HPLC were optimized using an ODS column with gradient conditions of 1% formic acid in distilled water and 1% formic acid in acetonitrile, with a flow rate of 0.8 mL/min and a detection wavelength of 280 nm. This method showed good linearity (R=0.9998), precision (relative standard deviation ≤3.3%), accuracy (recovery of 94.16-102.89%), limit of detection (7.53 μg/mL), and limit of quantification (23.71 μg/mL). This approach successfully quantified marker compounds in S. miltiorrhiza Radix. The individual marker compounds were identified by comparing the molecular masses and retention times with does standard compounds. Marker compound contents of S. miltiorrhiza Radix were investigated with different cultivation regions. Seven marker compounds were detected and quantified in all samples. Among them, salvianolic acid B showed the highest contents and it ranged from 4.13 to 7.15%. The salvianolic acid B content (7.15%) of marker compound was the highest in Bonghwa, and the tanshinone IIA content (1.90%) was the highest in Pohang. The results of marker compounds and developed method were intended to provide a favorable reference for the study of S. miltiorrhiza Radix from different regions of Korea.