Tissue distribution of Aconitum alkaloids extracted from Radix aconiti preparata after oral administration to rats

AimTo develop an HPLC method for the determination of Aconitum alkaloids extracted from Radix aconiti preparata in rats. MethodsWaters 2690@996 PAD system was used. The analytical column was a Halsil 100 C₁₈ column (250 mm×4.6 mm ID, 5 μm). The mobile phase was water, methanol and diethyl amine at the ratio of 75∶25∶0.1. The flow rate was 0.9 mL·min^-1. The wavelength of the detector was 240 nm. ResultsThe linear ranges of aconitine in the heart, spleen, lung and kidney were 0.4-100 μg·mL^-1, the correlation coefficients were 0.997 2, 0.998 6, 0.999 3 and 0.999 4, respectively. The linear range of aconitine in liver was 2-200 μg·mL^-1 and the correlation coefficient was 0999 0. The linear ranges of hypaconitine in heart, liver, spleen, lung, kidney, brain and spinal cord were 5-100 μg·mL^-1, the correlation coefficients were 0.999 4, 0.999 7, 0.999 8, 0.998 4, 0.999 8, 0.999 8 and 0.999 7, respectively. Detection limits (S/N=3) of aconitine and hypaconitine were 0.4 μg·mL^-1. The recoveries of aconitine and hypaconitine ranged from 88.7% to 102.2% and 86.5% to 101.3%, respectively, and the RSD of precision of aconitine and hypaconitine was 10%. ConclusionIt appears to be an accurate and effective method that can offer reference basis for in toxication of Radix aconiti preparata clinically.