Fast Analysis of Terpene Lactones in Ginkgo Biloba Extract Using the Agilent 1290 Infinity LC and Agilent Poroshell 120 SB-C18 2.7 μm Column

Význam tématu

Analysis of terpene lactones in Ginkgo biloba extract is essential for quality control of dietary supplements and ensuring therapeutic efficacy. These compounds influence blood circulation and cognitive functions, making rapid and reliable quantitation critical in pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries.

Cíle a přehled studie / článku

This study compares the official United States Pharmacopeia method with a high-throughput approach using the Agilent 1290 Infinity LC and Poroshell 120 SB-C18 column. The aim is to shorten analysis time, reduce solvent consumption and maintain separation quality for five target lactones: bilobalide, ginkgolides J, C, A and B.

Použitá instrumentace

• Agilent 1290 Infinity liquid chromatograph
• Agilent Poroshell 120 SB-C18, 100×3 mm, 2.7 µm column
• Agilent 385 Evaporative Light Scattering Detector (model 4261A)
• Phosphate buffer (pH 5.8) and methanol mobile phases

Hlavní výsledky a diskuse

The Poroshell method reduced total run time by approximately fourfold compared to the USP approach, using a 12.5-minute gradient versus up to 50 minutes. Flow rate was halved (0.5 mL/min vs. 1.0 mL/min), achieving an eightfold reduction in solvent use without compromising peak resolution. Calibration curves for each lactone displayed excellent linearity (R² > 0.99985). Sample preparation via solid-phase extraction and ethyl acetate elution yielded clean extracts suitable for ELSD detection.

Přínosy a praktické využití metody

Improved throughput and significant solvent savings lead to cost and time efficiencies in routine quality control laboratories. The method is directly applicable in pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and botanical extract testing environments.

Budoucí trendy a možnosti využití

Future work may integrate mass spectrometry for enhanced specificity, further miniaturize the system for micro- or nano-scale analysis, and align with green chemistry principles by optimizing mobile phase composition.

Závěr

The Agilent 1290 Infinity LC coupled with the Poroshell column delivers rapid, solvent-efficient analysis of terpene lactones in Ginkgo biloba extracts, maintaining analytical performance and supporting high-throughput quality control.

Reference

• United States Pharmacopeia. Ginkgo Extract Monograph, USP 36, NF 31, p. 1606.