Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 14, 2025
11:14
Rapid High-throughput Species Identification of Botanical Material Using Direct Analysis in Real Time High Resolution Mass Spectrometry
Published on: October 2, 2016
11.7K
A multi-detector analytical approach for characterizing complex botanical extracts: a case study on ashwagandha.
Vincent P Sica1, Constance A Mitchell2, Julie Krzykwa3
1Procter and Gamble, Mason, OH, USA.
Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry
|July 22, 2025
Summary
This study developed a multi-detector analytical system to chemically characterize ashwagandha root extract, enabling accurate authentication and supporting toxicological safety assessments for botanical products.
Area of Science:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Pharmacognosy
- Toxicology
Background:
- Botanical extracts present analytical challenges due to complexity and limited standards.
- Developing robust toxicological tools for botanicals requires comprehensive characterization.
- Ashwagandha root extract serves as a model for analyzing complex plant materials.
Purpose of the Study:
- To showcase a multi-detector analytical system for botanical extract characterization.
- To support the development of toxicological evaluation tools for botanicals.
- To enable accurate chemical profiling and authentication of ashwagandha root extract.
Main Methods:
- Utilized ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC).
- Employed a multi-detector platform: photodiode array (PDA), charged aerosol detection (CAD), and high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS).
- Generated a detailed chemical profile and fingerprint of the ashwagandha extract.
Main Results:
- Achieved semi-quantification and identification of over 60 constituents.
- Created a comprehensive chemical fingerprint for ashwagandha extract authentication.
- Compensated for detector biases, ensuring accurate chemical analysis.
Conclusions:
- Detailed chemical analysis is crucial for botanical extract authentication.
- The developed analytical platform advances tools for robust botanical safety assessments.
- Comprehensive profiling supports in silico modeling and bioassay-based toxicological evaluations.
Keywords:
Ashwagandha root extractComplex mixturesMulti-detector platformUltra-high-performance liquid chromatography
