Objective: To develop a method for the rapid isolation of alkaloids from the crude extract of Corydalis saxicola.
Methods: High-speed counter-current chromatography (HSCCC) was applied for the separation of alkaloids from Corydalis saxicola, with the biphase solvent systems comprised n-butanol-ethyl acetate-water-formic acid (5: 1: 5: 0.01) and n-butanol-ethyl acetate-methanol-water-formic acid (5: 5: 1:9:0.05).
Results: About 300 mg of crude extract was isolated by HSCCC, yielding 3.6 mg of scoulerine, 9.2 mg of isocorydine, 5.5 mg of dehydrocheilanthifoline, 7.5 mg of dehydrocavidine, 20.4 mg of palmatine and 20.9 mg of berberine, with purities of 71%, 92%, 85%, 76%, 90%, 97%, respectively.
Conclusion: It is time-saving and simple to isolate alkaloids from Corydalis saxicola by HSCCC with high yields and purities.