Determination of ginkgolic acids by ultraviolet spectrophotometry

A simple, fast and accurate analytical method for the determination of ginkgolic acids by ultraviolet (UV) spectrophotometry was established. The content of ginkgolic acids in crude extract can be determined directly by UV spectrophotometry at 242 nm or 310 nm after one-pre-purified-step by silica gel column chromatography. The linear regression equations were A = 1.55 x 10(-4) + 16.36C(R =0.999) and A =0.031 +9. 08C (R = 0.997) respectively. The linear ranges of the two wavelengths for the determination were 6.0 similar to 110 mg/L. The results being detected at both wavelength of 242 nm and 310 nm by UV spectrophotometry were close to those by high performance liquid chromatography. The molar absorption coefficients of ginkgolic acids were also determined, and they were approach. Not only is the method found to be simple, fast and accurate, but also has wide linear scope. The limit of detection is 5.72 mg/L. The method can be used for the determination of ginkgolic acids.