Combination of TLC and HPLC-MS/MS methods. Approach to a rational quality control of Chinese star anise.
In this study, a methodological approach for an effective and reliable quality control of Chinese star anise (Illicium verum Hook. F.) is developed and validated. A combined method of TLC and HPLC-MS/MS was used for differentiation of various Illicium species, especially Chinese and Japanese star anise. Species can be distinguished by their TLC flavonoid pattern. A sensitive and selective HPLC/ESI-MS/MS method was developed for the detection and quantification of lower admixtures of I. anisatum and of further toxic Illicium species at a low concentration range using the sesquiterpene lactone anisatin as a marker. The proposed assay includes a solid-phase extraction cleanup procedure with a high recovery (>90%). Chromatographic separation of anisatin was carried out on a C18 column, followed by MS detection using ESI in negative mode. The precursor/product ion transitions m/z 327 --> 127 (quantifier) and m/z 327 --> 297 (qualifier) were monitored. Statistical evaluation of this multireaction-monitoring procedure reveals good linearity and intra- and interday precision. The limits of detection and quantification are 1.2 and 3.9 microg/kg, respectively.
PhytoLab GmbH & Company KG, Dutendorfer Strasse 5-7, 91487 Vestenbergsgreuth, Germany. ines.lederer@phytolab.de
Ines
I
Lederer
Grit
G
Schulzki
Julia
J
Gross
Jens-Peter
JP
Steffen
D002851:Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; D002855:Chromatography, Thin Layer; D005419:Flavonoids / Q000032:analysis; D029523:Illicium / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000145:classification*; D007783:Lactones / Q000032:analysis; D013058:Mass Spectrometry; D011786:Quality Control; D012717:Sesquiterpenes / Q000032:analysis; D013141:Spiro Compounds / Q000032:analysis
D005419:Flavonoids; D007783:Lactones; D012717:Sesquiterpenes; D013141:Spiro Compounds; C031244:anisatin