A new method for the simultaneous quantitative determination of notoginsenoside R-1, ginsenoside Rg(1), Rb-1 and Rd in Panax notoginseng using reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography was developed. Gradient elution was used for the baseline separation of the four saponins in 25 rains. The optimum chromatographic conditions were: analytical column, Dalian Elite.Hypersil C18 column (i. d. 4. 6 x 250 mm, 5 mum); column temperature, 25degreesC; mobile phase with gradient elution. A (80% acetonitrile-0.02% phosphate acid solution, V/V), B (0.02% phosphate acid solution, V/V), A : 0 min, 12%; 0 similar to 20 min, 12% similar to 60%; 20 - 35 min, 60%; 35 similar to 37 min, 60% - 90%; 37 - 45 min, 90%. Detection at ultraviolet 203 nor with 360 nor as reference; flow rate 1.0 mL/min. The recoveries of R-1, Rg(1), Rb-1 and Rd were 89.54%, 90.08%, 82.82%, 84.46%, respectively, linear ranges 0.244 similar to 6.110, 0.820 similar to 20.510, 0.396 similar to 9.890, 0.260 similar to 6.500 mug, respectively. The method had been successfully applied to determine the contents of saponins in different specifications and in different parts of Panax notoginseng from multi origins.
