[Analysis and assessment of Coptis chinensis for different parts, ages, and heights using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy].
OBJECTIVE
To study the infrared (IR) fingerprint spectra of Coptis chinensis for different parts, ages, and heights, and to analyze the integrate rules about the content of berberine component in Coptis chinensis for different parts, ages, and heights.


METHODS
The Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was applied to detect the infrared spectra of Coptis chinensis samples rapidly and non-separately.


RESULTS
The IR spectra of the root, leafstalk, and fibre of Coptis chinesis have their unique features. The content of berberine component in Coptis chinensis was different for different parts and the sequence: root > leafstalk > fibre. When Coptis chinensis grows, the content of berberine component in leafstalk also increases. The content of berberine component in leafstalk which planting in 1 200 m was less than that in 1 300, 1 400, and 1 500 m. The ages and heights provide no obvious influences on the content of berberine in the root of Coptis chinensis.


CONCLUSIONS
Using FTIR spectroscopy, the quality of Coptis chinensis can be controlled, which provides a useful method for the standardized planting of Coptis chinensis.
Li
Ying-Ming
YM
Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China.
Wang
Li-Qun
LQ
Deng
Fen
F
Zhou
Qun
Q
Sun
Su-Qin
SQ
D000531:Altitude; D001599:Berberine / Q000032:analysis*; D039323:Coptis / Q000737:chemistry*; D018515:Plant Leaves / Q000737:chemistry; D018517:Plant Roots / Q000737:chemistry; D010946:Plants, Medicinal / Q000737:chemistry*; D011786:Quality Control; D017550:Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared; D013997:Time Factors
D001599:Berberine