Abstract
Analytical and preparative high-speed countercurrent chromatography was successfully used for the separation of hydroxyanthraquinones from traditional Chinese medicine such as Rheum officinale Baill (Dahuang) and Polygonum cuspidatum Sieb. Et Zucc (Huzhang) using pH-modulated stepwise elution. Four major components including chrysophanol, emodin, physcion, and aloe-emodin were isolated each at over 98% purity.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Financial support from Beijing Academy of Science & Technology and Beijing Commission of Science & Technology is gratefully acknowledged. We also thank senior engineer Xining Li for the excellent technical assistance with the research work.