Analysis of hydroxyanthracene derivatives
Plants and plant extracts containing hydroxyanthracenic derivatives have long been widely used in the formulation of food supplements and medicinal products, with the aim of promoting intestinal transit and for their laxative effect.
Despite the consolidated tradition of use, over the last few years EFSA has expressed doubts about the actual safety of these preparations, especially if taken for long periods and at high dosages.
The European Commission recently proposed a Regulation which, if approved, prohibits the use in the context of food supplements of all aloe-based preparations containing hydroxyanthracenic derivatives and in general of preparations containing aloe-emodin, emodin and dantrone.
Companies in the sector, pending definitive measures, are taking action to monitor the presence of these substances in their raw materials and products.
Our laboratory has developed an HPLC analysis method that couples two detectors, the DAD and a mass spectrometer with a triple quadrupole analyzer for the quantification of aloin, aloe-emodin, emodin and dantrone.
For further information, please contact us at +39 334 6812046 or by email at info@unired.it
