Identification and Quantification of Common Adulterants of Saffron (Crocus sativus) by HPLC-DAD
西红花常见伪品的HPLC-DAD鉴别和掺伪量测定

This study was aimed to develop a method to identify and quantify common adulterants of saffron by simultaneously determining specific constituents by HPLC-DAD. The separation was achieved using a C18 column and CH3CN-0.3%H3PO4 solution as a mobile phase with gradient elution. Hydroxysafflor yellow A and chlorogenic acid, used as specific constituents, were detected at 402 nm and 327 nm, respectively. By detecting specific constituents, we can find out if samples were adulterated with safflower and/or chrysanthemum and calculate the percentage. The method was validated in terms of linearity, precision, accuracy and recovery. And results were found to be satisfactory. This method is simple, sensitive and operational in the identification and quantification of common adulterants of saffron.