Comparison of chemical compositions in Moutan Cortex, Paeoniae Rubra Radix and Paeoniae Alba Radix based on “component structure” theory

To analyze and compare the chemical compositions of Moutan Cortex, Paeoniae Rubra Radix and Paeoniae Alba Radix based on "component structure" theory. Thirteen batches of Moutan Cortex, 14 batches of Paeoniae Rubra Radix from different origins and 10 batches of Paeoniae Alba Radix from different origins were analyzed by HPLC-DAD method. Hierarchical cluster analysis and principal component analysis were used for analysis. The significant differences of principal component from Moutan Cortex, Paeoniae Rubra Radix and Paeoniae Alba Radix were investigated by using F test. HPLC fingerprints were established for 13 batches of Moutan Cortex, 14 batches of Paeoniae Rubra Radix and 10 batches of Paeoniae Alba Radix, and 7 glycosides and phenolic acids components were identified. Comparative study of Moutan Coetex, Paeoniae Rubra Radix and Paeoniae Alba Radix was conducted according to the results of hierarchical cluster analysis, principal component analysis and "component structure" theory. Moutan Cortex, Paeoniae Rubra Radix and Paeoniae Alba Radix have significant differences in mass fraction of major chemical components and their ratios, leading to different curative effects.