Development of HPLC analytical protocols for quantification of artemisinin in biomass and extracts

Quantification of artemisinin purity and amount in plant material and extracts to date has been characterized by a considerable inconsistency in values. This is likely to be due to the adoption of varied analytical procedures and use of inappropriate to the specific applications analytical techniques. In this paper we are attempting to further develop artemisinin analysis to the point where a universally acceptable reference method is available to the research and end-users communities. Thus, we have developed and validated an HPLC-RI method and optimized an HPLC-ELSD method. We used the gradient HPLC-UV method recommended by the current artemisinin monograph as a comparison for the method improvements presented herein, and show the limitations for its application scope. The data reported should help to allow more reliable laboratory analysis of artemisinin in both pure samples and in Artemisia annua extracts.