LC Fingerprint and Hierarchical Cluster Analysis of Crocus sativus L. from Different Locations in China

Using simple, sensitive and specific column liquid chromatography, a chemical fingerprinting method was developed for investigating and demonstrating the variance of chemical components among different populations of Crocus sativus L., from 15 locations in China. The LC assay was performed on a reversed-phase C₁₈ column with linear gradient elution using methanol and 1% aqueous acetic acid. The LC data showed considerable variation of chemical constituents among C. sativus populations. Four chemotypes were visually developed from the chromatographic profiles. The grouping of 15 C. sativus populations in hierarchical clustering analysis was in good agreement with the visual comparison of their chromatograms, as demonstrated by chemotypes. In addition, the bioactive compound crocin 1 in this herb was quantitatively determined by a validated reversed-phase LC analysis. Relative peak areas of characteristic compounds were also calculated for quantitative expression of the LC fingerprints. These results showed that the established method for fingerprinting analysis was considered to be suitable for the quality control of C. sativus.