Packed column SFC/UV vs HPLC/UV analysis of valerenic acids and valepotriates in Valeriana officinalis L. extracts

Valerenic acids and valepotriates are considered among the constituents responsible for the sedative effect of roots and rhizomes of Valeriana species. Packed column SFC/UV (p-SFC) was applied to the analysis of valerenic acids and valepotriates extracted from the underground parts of Valeriana officinalis. The separation of these compounds by p-SFC was optimized by varying the conditions (i.e. columns, column coupling and stationary phase coupling, density programmes, types of modifiers and modifier programmes). A CN-stationary phase using supercritical carbon dioxide modified with methanol:water (95:5) as mobile phase was successful in separating both valerenic acids and valepotriates. The qualitative and quantitative results of p-SFC are comparable to HPLC for both valerenic acids and valepotriates, but analyses are faster with p-SFC than with HPLC. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.