Abstract: A RP-HPLC quantification method was established to determine the contents of three indole alkaloids-vindoline, catharanthine and ajmalicine in Catharanthus roseus. HiQ sil C18 column(250 mm×4.6 mm，5 μm) was used. The mobile phase was 1% diethylamine(pH=7.2)-methanol-acetonitrile/2:1:1(V/V). The detection wavelength was 215 nm. The flow rate was 1 mL·min^-1. The column temperature was 40℃. Different parts of C. roseus were determined and the results showed that vindoline and catharanthine mainly existed in roots, stems, leaves and flowers, while ajmalicine mainly existed in seeds. C. roseus from different habitats were also determined by this method and the results showed that the contents of vindoline and catharanthine in south habitats samples were higher than those in north habitats. For the cultured C. roseus in greenhouse, both vindoline and catharanthine contents were enhanced greatly.

Key words: Catharanthus roseus, vindoline, catharanthine, ajmalicine, HPLC