title: [Analysis and assessment of Coptis chinensis for different parts, ages, and heights using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy].
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China.
authors.forename: Ying-Ming
authors.initials: YM
authors.lastname: Li
authors.forename: Li-Qun
authors.initials: LQ
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Fen
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Deng
authors.forename: Qun
authors.initials: Q
authors.lastname: Zhou
authors.forename: Su-Qin
authors.initials: SQ
authors.lastname: Sun
mesh_terms: 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
chemical_list: D001599:Berberine