Improved quantification method of crocins in saffron extract using HPLC-DAD after qualification by HPLC-DAD-MS

Food Chem. 2021 Nov 15:362:130199. doi: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2021.130199. Epub 2021 May 26.

Abstract

Crocins in commercial liquid saffron extracts (Saffr'activ®) were identified using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with a diode array detector (DAD) and mass spectrometry (MS). The impact of storage on the qualities of the saffron extract were studied with HPLC-DAD-MS by exposing trans-4-GG crocin to environmental factors. Light and temperature induced degradation after only one week. Trans-4-GG crocin was totally hydrolyzed when stored at 60 °C and exposed to light. A quick and reliable method using HPLC-DAD was then developed to improve quantification of crocins in commercial liquid saffron extracts. An internal standard quantification method that uses a response factor, corrected with the molecular weight of each crocin, improved results for old saffron extracts.

Keywords: Crocins; Degradability; HPLC-DAD-MS; Internal calibration; Quantification; Saffron extract.

MeSH terms

  • Air
  • Carotenoids / analysis*
  • Carotenoids / chemistry
  • Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid / methods*
  • Crocus / chemistry*
  • Food Analysis / methods
  • Food Storage / methods
  • Light
  • Mass Spectrometry / methods*
  • Plant Extracts / analysis*
  • Plant Extracts / chemistry
  • Vitamin A / analogs & derivatives
  • Vitamin A / chemistry

Substances

  • Plant Extracts
  • trans-sodium crocetinate
  • Vitamin A
  • Carotenoids
  • crocin