Objective: To develop a HPLC-DAD method for simultaneously determining the content of arecoline

arecaidine and guvacine in Areca catechu

and compare their content changes under different processing conditions. Method: Determination was performed on a Partisil 10 SCX cation column (4.6 mm×250 mm

10 μm)

mobile phase of acetonitrile-0.5% H3PO4 (adjusted pH 3.8 with triethylamine) (50:50)

flow rate 1 mL·min-1

detection wavelenth 215 nm and column temperature 25℃.Under different baking and boiling time conditions

content change of three kinds of alkaloids in peel and core of A. catechu was investigated. Result: The content of alkaloids decreased along with extension of baking and boiling time

decreasing level was different under different technology conditions

loss rate of alkaloids was about 50% by baking 8 h at 100℃

but loss rate was up to 80% after boiling 0.5 h

it showed that effect of baking on alkaloids in peel and core of A. catechu was more than boiling. Conclusion: This established HPLC-DAD method was suitable for quantitative of alkaloids in A. catechu

this study could provide experimental basis for development safety dosage standard of edible and officinal of A. catechu.