Simultaneous detection and quantification of zeatin and kinetin in coconut water using ultra performance liquid chromatography coupled with a simple step solid phase extraction

Abstract

Trans-zeatin and kinetin are two cytokinin family members that exhibit an anti-aging effect on human fibroblast cells. These cytokinins can be found in coconut water and in the xylem sap of most plants. This study describes the first attempt of a simultaneous separation of zeatin and kinetin using a simple C18 solid phase extraction (SPE) method coupled with ultra performance liquid chromatography (UPLC). This method provided high recoveries of 95.2 and 98.6% for trans-zeatin and kinetin, respectively. Malayan Green Dwarf, a local coconut variety, was found to contain 14 μg/L trans-zeatin and 4 μg/L kinetin. This method will be useful for comprehensive research on different coconut varieties and determining the contents of cytokinins in coconut water.