Application of analytical and preparative high-speed counter-current chromatography for the separation of Z-ligustilide from a crude extract of Angelica sinensis

Z-Ligustilide was separated and purified from the traditional Chinese medicinal plant Angelica sinensis by high-speed counter-current chromatography (HSCCC). Analytical HSCCC was first used for the systematic selection of the two-phase solvent system. Preparative HSCCC separation was performed with a two-phase solvent system composed of petroleum ether (60-90 degrees C)-ethanol-water at an optimum volume ratio of 10:17:10 (v/v). A total of 38 mg Z-ligustilide at 98.8% purity was obtained in one step from 200 mg crude extract as determined by HPLC analysis. The structure of the target compound was identified by electron impact ionisation mass spectrometry.