title: Analysis of tetrahydro-beta-carboline-3-carboxylic acids in foods by solid-phase extraction and reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography combined with fluorescence detection.
abstract: The presence and analysis of two tetrahydro-beta-carboline-3-carboxylic acids in foods are studied. Sample preparation with benzenesulfonic acid strong cation-exchange columns followed by RP-HPLC-fluorescence allowed a reliable analysis and spectral characterization of 1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-beta-carboline-3-carboxylic acid (THCA) and 1-methyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-beta-carboline-3-carboxylic acid (MTCA). Experimental data showed that upon oxidation tetrahydro-beta-carboline-3-carboxylic acids gave rise to beta-carbolines (norharman and harman) that were also chromatographically separated and their fluorescent profile monitored. This approach was useful to confirm identification of tetrahydro-beta-carboline-3-carboxylic acids in foods. Several foods and beverages contained THCA and MTCA in varying proportions. Their occurrence in foods implies that diet is a source of these compounds in humans.
authors.affiliation: Instituto de Fermentaciones Industriales, CSIC, Madrid, Spain. ifiht16@ifi.csic.es
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Herraiz
mesh_terms: D002243:Carbolines / Q000737:chemistry; D002264:Carboxylic Acids / Q000032:analysis*; D002851:Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid / Q000379:methods*; D005504:Food Analysis; D010084:Oxidation-Reduction; D012015:Reference Standards; D013050:Spectrometry, Fluorescence
chemical_list: D002243:Carbolines; D002264:Carboxylic Acids