Quantitative Determination by HPLC-DAD of Icariin, Epimedin A, Epimedin B, and Epimedin C in Epimedium (Berberidaceae) Species Growing in Turkey.

The genus Epimedium is rich in terms of flavonoids, of which icariin, epimedin A, epimedin B and epimedin C are known especially to be biologically active. Therefore, it is important to quantify these compounds. In this study, a HPLC method coupled with DAD detection was developed and validated for the determination of icariin, epimedin A, epimedin B and epimedin C in Epimedium species growing in Turkey. The chromatographic separation was performed using a gradient system with a mobile phase of 0.1% formic acid (A) and acetonitrile (B) applied at a flow rate of 1 mL/min using a diode array detector. The highest values were, respectively, icariin 0.65%, epimedin A 0.13%, epimedin B 0.11%, epimedin C 0.06%. The highest values were obtained from the materials collected in Uzungol (Trabzon-Turkey).