Determination of Synephrine and N-Methyltyramine in Zhishi and Zhike (Immature Citrus Fruits) by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography with Electrochemical Detection

Abstract

High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with electrochemical detection was used to determine synephrine (SYN) and N-methyltyramine (NMT) in Zhishi (Kijitsu ?? ?? ) and Zhike (Kikoku ?? ?? ). This electrochemical detection method has not only specific selectivity but also very high sensitivity, thus facilitating the determination of SYN and NMT from pulverized Zhishi and Zhike damples. Zhishi and Zhike derived from Citrus aurantium produced in different districts in China were analysed. This method was found useful for evaluating the quality of a crude drug such as Citrus aurantium.