Simultaneous Quantification of Main Saponins in Panax vietnamensis by HPLC-PDA/ELSD Using the Quantitative Analysis of Multi-Components by Single-Marker Method

<b>Background</b>: The Quantitative Analysis of Multi-components by Single-marker (QAMS) method has been developed as an alternative to the External Standards Method (ESM) for the quality control of medicinal herbs. <b>Objectives</b>: In this study, QAMS was developed to determine saponins in the raw materials of <i>Panax vietnamensis</i> using HPLC-PDA/ELSD. <b>Methods</b>: The method was developed and validated. The relative conversion factors F_x were calculated based on the linear regression for HPLC-PDA and the logarithm equation for HPLC-ELSD. The Standard Method Difference (SMD) was determined to indicate the difference in the results of QAMS and EMS. <b>Results</b>: Relative conversion factors (F_x) were determined for each detector to quantify five saponins (ginsenoside Rb₁, Rd, Rg₁, majnoside R2, and vina-ginsenoside R2) in VG root. The F_x values were calculated based on the ratio of the slopes of the regression equations of a single standard and an external standard. For HPLC-PDA, G-Rb1 was used as a single standard with the F_x values of 1.00 (G-Rb₁), 1.08 (G-Rd), 1.32 (G-Rg₁), and 0.04 (M-R2). For HPLC-ELSD, G-Rb₁ was used for determining the content of G-Rg₁ and G-Rb₁ with the F_x values of 1.00 (G-Rb₁) and 0.95 (G-Rg₁), while M-R2 was used for quantitating M-R2 and V-R2 with F_x of 1.00 (M-R2) and 1.05 (V-R2). An SMD value less than 5.00% confirms the close alignment of the QAMS method with ESM. <b>Conclusions</b>: The QAMS method proved to be a feasible and promising method for the quality control of <i>P. vietnamensis</i>.