Abstract
For the first time, a simple and sensitive analytical method for the direct determination of yohimbine is presented using differential pulse voltammetry with a boron-doped diamond electrode. Two irreversible oxidation peaks, a distinct one at +0.80 and a second poorly-defined one at +1.65 V, were observed when cyclic voltammetry was carried out in Britton–Robinson buffer solution at pH 7 (vs. Ag/AgCl). With optimized differential pulse voltammetric parameters (pulse amplitude 100 mV, pulse time 25 ms, step potential 5 mV and scan rate 10 mV s−1), the current response of yohimbine at +0.80 V was linearly proportional to the concentration in the range from 0.25 to 90.9 μmol L−1 with a low detection limit of 0.13 μmol L−1 (0.046 mg L−1) and a good repeatability (relative standard deviation of 2.5% at 18.4 μmol L−1 for n = 6). The practical applicability of the developed method was demonstrated by the assessment of the total content of yohimbine in extracts of the primary bark of natural aphrodisiacs such as Pausinystalia yohimbe and Rauvolfia serpentina with recoveries in the range of 92–97%. The proposed electrochemical procedure represents an inexpensive and effective analytical alternative for the quality control analysis of products containing yohimbine and other biologically and structurally related alkaloids used as natural dietary supplements.
Highlights
Yohimbine (17a-hydroxy-yohimban-16a-carboxylic acid methyl ester, YOH) is an important naturally occurring indole alkaloide
A low detection limit (0.13 mmol LÀ1) was achieved without any surface modi cation clearly demonstrating the superiority of this electrode material
The developed methodology can be considered to be the rst voltammetric analytical method for the determination of YOH, because until now there there have been no published reports which have described the use of bare and/or modi ed electrodes for the determination of YOH, except for a short report dealing with the application of gold and platinum electrodes without any reference to analytical characteristics.[17]
Summary
Yohimbine (17a-hydroxy-yohimban-16a-carboxylic acid methyl ester, YOH) is an important naturally occurring indole alkaloide. It primarily acts as a stimulant inhibiting the function of monoamine oxidase.[1] As an antagonist of a2receptors it can increase brain noradrenaline cell ring and release.[2] Some of its side effects are manifested as anxiety, headaches and increased urinary output.[3] Pausinystalia yohimbe (Corynanthe yohimbe) and Rauvol a serpentina are medicinal trees native to Africa, and South and East Asia. Considering the consumption of YOH with dietary supplements or therapeutic pharmaceuticals, and the important impact of YOH on the human system, the development of novel, simple and sensitive procedures for the determination of YOH is signi cant
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