Abstract:

This paper proposes a new method for the separation and identification of flavonoids in Prunus mume by microemulsion chromatography.By using 10%formic acid for the pH adjustment,as well as with SDS/n-C₄H₉OH/n-C₇H₁₆/H₂O microemulsion and rutin respectively as the eluant and the control sample on the polyamide film ,the flavonoids were entirely separated by the proposed method.Th e separated results indicate that five flavonoid spots can be obtained from the ethyl acetate extract,four from chloroform ,one from petroleum ether and one from n-hexanel,It is also indicated that,compared with the general chromatography methods with C₄H₉OH/CH₃COOH/H₂O as the elu-ant,the propo sed microemulsion chromatography is of greater sensitivity of detection and better separation effect.

Key words: microemulsion, thin-layer chromatography, Prunus mume, flavonoid