RESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: In order to obtain the optimal conditions for separating the alkaloids from the extract of Stemona japonica by selecting appropriate cation exchange resins. METHODS: Seven types of cation exchange resins were evaluated in separating efficiency with measuring the adsorption ratio and eluting ratio of total alkaloids as indices, and the content of total alkaloids from Stemona japonica was determined as an index by spectrophotometry to choose the optimal technological parameters. RESULTS: The optimal result of extraction was obtained as Stemona japonica shattered into thick powder, adding eight times amount of 90% alcohol and refluxing and extracting for 3 h (totally extracting for 3 times). Each gram of D004 cation exchange resin could absorb 0.5003 mg of the total alkaloid, and the desorption ratio was 68.45%. The transfer rate of total alkaloids was 58.70%. the product purity of alkaloids was up to 70%. CONCLUSION: The D004 cation exchange resin can be used for purificating total alkaloids from Stemona japonica and the established procedure is simple and feasible.