Objective: To determine the relative molecular weight and monosaccharide components in polysaccharides from Galla Chinensis(GCP). Method: Three fine compositions

GCP-1

GCP-2 and GCP-3 were obtained after extracting and purification of GCP. High performance gel permeation chromatography(HPGPC) was used to analyze the average molecular weight;high performance liquid chromatography(HPLC) of trifluoroacetic acid(TFA) hydrolysis and 1-phenyl-3-methyl-5-pyrazolone(PMP) pre-column derivatization was used to analyze its monosaccharide components. Result: According to HPGPC

the molecule weights were 182

2.1×104 and 6×104

respectively for GCP-1

GCP-2 and GCP-3.The test of monosaccharide components showed that monosaccharide components of GCP-2 and GCP-3 were basically the same

mainly as galactose

galacturonic acid and glucuronic acid

etc. Conclusion: The two methods of HPGPC and PMP pre-column derivatization to determine the fine compositions of GCP are simple and convenient and could be applied to analysis of the molecular weight and monosaccharide composition in GCP.