Comparative evaluation of moutan pods and moutan barks by HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS/MS technique.

To evaluate the development and application of a kind of oil peony by chromatographic analysis of the main active components of the waste moutan pods (MP).The methods adopted in this paper, firstly, the quality evaluation method of MP is established by HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS/MS; The second is to compare the types and contents of the main active components of moutan barks (Chinese Pharmacopoeia, MB) with those of the medicinal parts of peony used in oil. HPLC fingerprint method for the extract of moutan pods (EMP) was established. Twenty-one compounds were identified in EMP and their levels determined in EMP and the extract of moutan barks (EMB) by HPLC. The results showed that the components of EMP and EMB were similar, though their contents differed. These findings suggest that EMP may have similar pharmacological effects to EMB. Our findings regarding the similarity and comparison of the chemical components in the EMB and EMP have important practical value for replacing EMB medicine and protecting peony plants from resource depletion caused by root digging.