OBJECTIVE  To characterize the chemical composition of the benchmark sample of Wenjing Decoction (WJT) by establishing fingerprints of WJT benchmark sample and conduct the common peaks identification and attribution.

  METHODS  Agilent 5 TC-C₁₈ (2) column (250 mm×4.6 mm, 5 μm) was adopted, and acetonitrile (A)-0.1% formic acid aqueous solution (B) was used as the mobile phase for gradient elution. Assisted analysis through PeakView software, the chemical composition in the benchmark sample of the WJT was quickly identified, and the fingerprint of the benchmark sample of WJT was established by HPLC-UV and HPLC-ELSD.

  RESULTS  A total of 122 compounds were analyzed and identified by the benchmark sample of WJT, and the relevant herbs was attributed. The HPLC-UV fingerprint of benchmark sample of WJT had 19 common peaks, and 9 chromatographic peaks of gallic acid, paeoniflorin, glycyrrhizic acid, liquiritin, cinnamaldehyde, paeonol, ferulic acid, ligustilide and β-ecdysone were identified by comparison of reference substance. There were 8 common peaks in the HPLC-ELSD fingerprint, and ginsenoside Rg₁, ginsenoside Re, and ginsenoside Rb₁ were identified by comparison of reference substance. The two fingerprints of HPLC-UV and HPLC-ELSD established could belong to all herbs of the whole prescription.

  CONCLUSION  The method established by UV and ELSD is of high sensitivity, good stability and accuracy, which comprehensively reflects the overall characteristics of the benchmark sample of the WJT. The study provides a reliable basis for the establishment of quality standards for the benchmark sample of WJT.