Quantitative analysis of multicomponents by a single marker and quality evaluation of Venenum Bufonis from different geographical origins

Bufadienolides are the main bioactive components of Venenum Bufonis (VB) and have been widely used to treat different types of human cancers for decades. The bufadienolide content in VB varies significantly in materials from different geographical origins. In this work, a new strategy for the quality assessment of VB was developed through quantitative analysis of multi-components by single marker (QAMS). Cinobufagin was selected as the internal reference substance; seven bufadienolides were separated and simultaneously determined based on relative correction factors. The correlation coefficient value (r ≥ 0.9936) between QAMS and the normal external standard method proved the consistency of the two methods. According to the outcomes of 30 batches of VB samples, the contents of the seven bufadienolides were used for further chemometric analysis. All of the samples of VB from various geographical origins were divided into three categories based on hierarchical cluster analysis and radar plot, which indicated the crucial influence of geographical origins on VB. This study showed that QAMS combined with chemometristry could be used to comprehensively evaluate and effectively control the quality of VB from different geographical origins.