Quantification of (+)-catechin and (-)-epicatechin in coconut water by LC-MS

摘要

An analytical technique has been developed to detect trace amounts of both (+)-catechin and (-)-epicat-echin in the coconut water extract. Both (+)-catechin and (-)-epicatechin in the coconut water were found for the first time by the solid-phase extraction, and they were further analysed using liquid chro-matography (LC)-ion trap mass spectrometry (MS) equipped with positive atmospheric pressure chemical ionisation interface on multiple reaction monitoring mode. The limit of detection and quantification for (+)-catechin were 7.8 and 15.6 μg/ml, respectively, while those for (-)-epicatechin were 3.9 and 7.8 μg/ml, respectively. The average concentration of (+)-catechin and (-)-epicatechin in the coconut water was 0.344 and 0.242 μg/ml, respectively. The LC-MS/MS analysis accelerated the quantitative analysis of (+)-catechin and (-)-epicatechin in the coconut water extract with high accuracy, precision and recovery. Results obtained in this study will serve as quality control and useful reference for drug development.