Development of the first universal mixture for use in system suitability tests for High-Performance Thin Layer Chromatography.

The use of chromatographic methods in routine analysis includes System Suitability Tests (SST). This paper presents a novel approach to SST in HPTLC, which allows qualification of the entire RF range of an HPTLC plate independently of the samples. It is based on the Universal HPTLC mix (UHM), a pre-defined mixture of eight reference substances: guanosine, sulisobenzone, thymidine, paracetamol, phthalimide, 9-hydroxyfluorene, thioxanthen-9-one, and 2-(2H-benzotriazol-2-yl)-4-(1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl)phenol, selected to cover a broad range of polarities and functional groups. The chromatographic behavior of the UHM was evaluated for 20 different mobile phases on Silica gel 60 F254. At least three constituents were baseline separated. In a collaborative trial with four laboratories the reproducibility of RF values for three representative mobile phases, was found to be within a confidence interval of 0.040 RF units. The response characteristics of the UHM were assessed with respect to changes in chromatographic conditions, such as variation of the relative humidity, improperly employed saturation, or mistakes in the preparation of the mobile phase. Based on the RF values of the individual constituents significant responses were found for most changes. This qualifies the UHM for use in SST.

Chromatographic Profiling of Rose Petals in Unani Formulations (Gulkand, Arq-e-Gulab, and Rose Sharbat) Using HPTLC and GC-MS.

BACKGROUND: One of the most precious systems of traditional medicine is the Unani system of medicine. A wide variety of formulations indigenous to the Unani medicine have been preserved over the years. These formulations are potent and effective even after ages of postformulation. Rose petals are an example of such an herb, which is extensively and popularly used in Unani formulations for edible and cosmetic purposes. Rose petals are rich in terpenes, glycosides, flavonoids, and anthocyanins. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to characterize the phytochemical profiling of different rose varieties and their marketed formulations. METHOD: HPTLC method was developed for detecting overall profile and assessing variations among the rose varieties available in market along with the popular formulations of rose such as gulkand (Brand A and Brand B), Arq-e-gulab or Gulab Jal (Brand C), and sharbat (Brand D). GC-MS analysis was also carried out for fingerprinting of rose varieties and formulations. RESULTS: HPTLC and GC-MS fingerprinting showed some common peaks in rose samples as well as in the formulation samples. The methods also gave different peaks for the adulterant that might be used in place of rose. CONCLUSIONS: Both the methods could be used for standardization of herbal products containing rose as one of the ingredients and also used to check for the adulteration. HIGHLIGHTS: The current advanced chromatographic analysis is a valuable tool to determine the quality of the formulation.