extraction and HPLC analysis of alkaloids in goldenseal.pdf

Author Holly A. Weber Midwest Research Institute 425 Volker Blvd Kansas City, MO 64110 USA Maureen Joseph Agilent Technologies, Inc 2850 Centerville Road Wilmington, DE 19808-1610 USA Abstract An ambient extraction of goldenseal root powder followed by HPLC analysis of the alkaloids on a Zorbax Rapid Reso- lution Eclipse XDB-C18 column provides an accurate method for the determination of key alkaloids in goldenseal, including berberine and hydrastine. The extraction and HPLC analysis can be applied to several other alkaloids, including canadine, hydrastinine, and palmatine, and may be applicable to other berberine-containing plant roots. The Rapid Resolution Eclipse XDB-C18 column is used for an isocratic separation with high resolution of all compo- nents in under 15 minutes. Extraction and HPLC Analysis of Alkaloids in Goldenseal Application Introduction Goldenseal, Hydrastis canadensis L., is one of the oldest herbal medicinal plants and is of current interest as a natural medicine. There are two alka- loids present in goldenseal that are the expected active components, berberine and hydrastine. Canadine, hydrastinine, berberastine, and canada- line are minor alkaoloids. Palmatine, which is closely related to berberine, is not found in H. canadensis, but is found in Coptis, another berberine-containing plant [1]. Goldenseal has been used as an anti-inflammatory and antibiotic. It has also been used to treat nasal congestion, cold, flu, and a variety of intestinal dis- orders. The whole root of the plant is used and is currently available in bulk (dried or powdered roots), tablets, capsules, and tinctures. Goldenseal plants have been overharvested and many are now grown on farms for use as herbal supplements. Inconsistent quantities of alkaloids are present in the products sold as herbal supplements. A simple process for extracting and analyzing the alkaloids is highly desirable to evaluate product quality. Figure 1 shows the structures of the alkaloids in golde