High-performance thin-layer chromatographic analysis of three components in Arnebia guttata Bunge

High-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) was used for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of beta-acetoxyisovalerylalkannin, acetylshikonin and beta,beta'-dimethylacrylalkannin in Arnebia guttata Bunge. The mobile phase used was petroleum ether (60-90 degrees C): xylene-ethyl acetate-formic acid (8:3:0.5:1, V/V). TLC plate was dried at 105 degrees C for 30 min and applied on plate. The data used were obtained by measuring at 522 nm. Results showed that beta-acetoxyisovalerylalkannin, acetylshikonin and beta,beta'-dimethylacrylalkannin had R-F values of 0.31 +/- 0.05, 0.46 +/- 0.05 and 0.64 +/- 0.05, respectively. The linear ranges were 0.2002-1.203, 0.076-0.760 and 0.201-1.206 mu g/band. The limits of detection were 37.5, 50 and 37.5 ng/band. The limits of quantification were 125, 167 and 125 ng/band. The average recoveries were 100.69%, 98.90% and 100.06%. The relative standard deviation was less than 5%. In conclusion, three components of A. guttata Bunge could be isolated and quickly detected by HPTLC which can lay a foundation for identification.