Determination of the anthraquinones aloe-emodin and aloin-A by liquid chromatography with mass spectrometric and diode array detection

J AOAC Int. 2007 Jan-Feb;90(1):28-42.

Abstract

Methods using liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS) and LC with diode array detection (DAD) in the UV range (LC/UV) were developed for the determination of low levels of the anthraquinones aloe-emodin and aloin-A (barbaloin) in aloe-based products. The methods were used to analyze several commercial products (liquids, semisolids, and solids) for the 2 anthraquinones. The wavelengths used for quantification of aloin-A, aloe-emodin, and emodin (internal standard) by DAD were 357, 257, and 289 nm, respectively. The on-column sensitivities were 0.25 and 0.05 ng by LC/UV and 0.01 and 0.025 ng by LC/MS for aloin-A and aloe-emodin, respectively. The methods are simple and sensitive and provide reproducible results; therefore, they are suitable for the determination of these anthraquinones in various aloe-based products.

MeSH terms

  • Anthraquinones
  • Chromatography, Liquid
  • Emodin / analogs & derivatives*
  • Emodin / analysis*
  • Emodin / chemistry
  • Mass Spectrometry
  • Molecular Structure
  • Spectrophotometry, Ultraviolet

Substances

  • Anthraquinones
  • aloe emodin
  • Emodin
  • alloin