Micro-LC Determination of Swertiamarin in Swertia species and Bacoside-A in Bacopa monnieri

A microanalytical HPLC technique has been developed for determination of swertiamarin in Swertia species and bacoside-A in Bacopa monnieri. Small quantities (≥2 mg) of powdered plant material are required for analysis. The limits of detection (LOD) of swertiamarin and bacoside-A are 500 pg and 4,000 ng, respectively, in 2 mg plant material. Dried plant material from S. cordata and S. chirata contained 5.59 and 0.44% swertiamarin, respectively, and B. monnieri contained 0.12% bacoside-A. The simplicity, accuracy, and reproducibility of the method enable its use for estimation of marker compounds.