Development of dandelion (<i>Taraxacum</i> spp.) quality evaluation technology based on phenolic acids

Abstract One of the main purposes for which dandelions are cultivated is to derive phenolic acids from their processing. Phenolic acids, one useful compounds in dandelion, constitute important groups therapeutically significant bioactive traditional Chinese medicine. To carry out a relatively full evaluation dandelion quality, it was found advisable use multiple indices avoid conflict with single index stipulated by China Pharmacopoeia. Thus, quality method created based on medicinal theory and relevant statistics acids. Firstly, four kinds – caftaric acid, chlorogenic caffeic acid cichoric were chosen as through optimisation high performance liquid chromatography detection conditions fingerprint comparison analysis; then, content each component divided into five levels descriptive 578 samples references; finally, equal weight average used convert components comprehensive index, served means be identified segregated grades, follows: Grade 1 (super high, probability 0.8%), 2 (high, 18.72%), 3 (medium, 37.28%), 4 (qualified, 32%) 5 (low, 11.2%). This first comprehensively evaluate setting an industry standard China, has practical scientific characteristics.