Background: Market research found that Curculigo glabrescens Rhizoma (CGR) is the major counterfeit of the Curculigo orchioides Rhizoma (COR). C. orchioides Gaertn and C. glabrescens (Ridl.) Merr. belong to the same family and genus, with close plant relationships and high genetic similarity, and rhizomes of the herbs part have less distinguished characteristics, which make the identification difficult.Methods: In order to distinguish COR from CGR more accurately and conveniently, HPLC method was used to establish a characteristic chromatogram of the two herbs, and a unique component in CGR was discovered for first time. Based on that, the characteristic component was systematically separated and purified.Results: The unique component was a new neolignans and named glabrescenin, which could specifically distinguish COR from CGR. The HPLC method we used could establish a characteristic chromatography of CGR.Conclusion: This study was conducive to the quality control of Curculigo, and could promote the correct application of genuine COR in clinical practice.
