UPLC-PDA estimation of curcuminoids as marker compounds for Curcuma longa L. in spice mixtures and herbal formulations

Abstract

A simple, sensitive and precise ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) method for the analysis of curcuminoids in spice products was developed and compared with high-performance liquid chromatography method. The method was validated in terms of linearity, range, precision, accuracy and the results of validation studies were within the acceptable range. The UPLC method was applied to analyse curcuminoids in spice mixtures, herbal pharmaceutical and cosmeceutical formulations to establish curcuminoids as marker compounds for the standardisation of turmeric products. The indicative content of turmeric in the formulations was also calculated by considering 1 g/100 g of curcuminoids in turmeric and most of the formulations were found to contain lesser amount of turmeric than that in label claim.