Objective:

2

To provide evidence and lay a foundation for quality control and resources utilization of Kochiae Fructus.

Method:

2

A total of 23 samples of Kochiae Fructus were collected from the main distribution areas in China. Momordin Ⅰc content was determined via HPLC-ELSD method

and its correlation with growth traits and habitat factors was analyzed using SPSS 23.0 software

as well as the principle component and clustering analysis.

Result:

2

Momordin Ⅰc content had a benign linear relationship with HPLC-ELSD peak area within the range between 29.8 mg·L

-1

and 178.8 mg·L

-1

(

R

2

=0.999 8)

with the quantitation limit at 5.79 mg·L

-1

and the detection limit at 2.36 mg·L

-1

. Significant differences (

P

<

0.01) were found in momordin Ⅰc contents among 23 Kochiae Fructus germplasms. According to momordin Ⅰc content

all samples tested met the requirements in the

Chinese Pharmacopeia

published in 2015.Origin

growth traits

and habitat factors could impact momordin Ⅰc content accumulation in Kochiae Fructus. Moreover

the content had a negative correlation with plant height

stem diameter

leaf length

leaf width

fruit diameter and longitude

and a positive correlation with ratio of length to width of leaves

altitude and latitude. Those from Shanxi

Jilin

and Shandong provinces had a higher momordin Ⅰc content. The characters tested could be simplified to four principle components

and their cumulative contribution rate was 95.831%. Kochiae Fructus samples tested could be divided into four groups

and those from group Ⅰ had superior growth traits

and those from group Ⅲ had higher momordin Ⅰc content.

Conclusion:

2

The optimized HPLC-ELSD method for determining momordin Ⅰc content of Kochiae Fructus is convenient

accurate and reproducible

and could be used to control the herbs quality. Those cultivated in a lower longitude

higher altitude

and higher latitude region could accumulate more momordin Ⅰc content. More attention shall be paid to germplasm in Shanxi and Zhejiang with superior resources screening of Kochiae Fructus.