[Screening test for drugs in health foods using 2-dimensional TLC]

A simple and rapid method for screening of drugs in health foods using 2-dimensional TLC was established. The development systems were: (1) ethyl acetate/methanol/28% ammonia (85:10:5), (2) cyclohexane/toluene/diethyl amine (65:25:10), (3) methanol and (4) ethyl acetate/methanol/25% ammonia (85:10:5). System (1) and (2) were run as 2-dimensional high-performance TLC, and System (3) and (4) were run as 2-dimensional conventional TLC. Sample extracted with methanol from health foods was applied to standardized two 2-dimensional TLCs and 4 Rf values obtained from 4 development systems were compared with reference Rf values which were measured previously using standard materials. The repeatability of reference Rf values were secured by standardizing development conditions and pattern of 4 Rf values was specific for 80 drugs. Moreover, using 2-dimensional TLC enable to assign 4 Rf values to unknown substance without influence of matrix from health foods, so it was possible to determine drugs comparing 4 Rf values. This method could be applied as first screening test for prevention of health crisis occurred by drugs added to health foods illegally.