OBJECTIVE To establish a method for determining the content of multiple components in Astragalus membranaceus, compare the content differences of Astragalus membranaceus in different regions and with different extraction methods in Gansu, and evaluate the quality of Astragalus membranaceus from different origins of Gansu.

METHODS Astragalus membranaceus samples from 40 origins in Gansu were collected on site. The content of Astragaloside Ⅳ, Calycosin-7-O-β-D-glucopyranoside, Ononin, Formononetin and Calycosin was determined by HPLC external standard method, and the quality differences of Astragalus membranaceus from 40 origins of Gansu were analyzed by combining bar graphs and line graphs.

RESULTS Weiyuan County and Min County of Dingxi City showed high Astragaloside Ⅳ content in both extraction methods, indicating that the Astragalus membranaceus in these two regions has advantages in Astragaloside Ⅳ as an active component; for Calycosin-7-O-β-Dglucopyranoside and Ononin, although the performance of different regions in different extraction methods was different, in general, Weiyuan County and Min County of Dingxi City and Longnan City showed high content in both extraction methods. Water extraction method was more conducive to the extraction of Calycosin-7-O-β-Dglucopyranoside and Ononin, while alcohol extraction method was more conducive to the extraction of Astragaloside Ⅳ, Calycosin and Ononin.

CONCLUSION The content of chemical components of Astragalus membranaceus from different origins is quite different, and the choice of extraction method has a significant effect on the content of active components, while the change trend of different compounds in the two extraction methods is basically the same. The established HPLC multi-component content determination method of Astragalus membranaceus is stable and reliable, which can provide a scientific basis for the quality control and comprehensive evaluation of Astragalus membranaceus medicinal materials.