Multiapproach Analysis Combined with Chemometrics for the Authentication of Commercial Oils of Croton tiglium (L.)

Background: Croton tiglium (L.) seed oil (CO) is the main component of a formula used in deep chemical peeling at dermatologist offices around the world. The phorbol esters present in CO are responsible for pro-inflammatory effects and new collagen production. However, concerns have been raised about the authenticity of commercially available oils labeled and sold as CO, due to the potential lack of quality in many products resulting from the challenging extraction process and high production costs. Objective: This study proposed a multiapproach quality control analysis combined with chemometrics evaluation to verify the authenticity of commercial CO products. Methods: As an initial screening step, organoleptic analyses of 10 commercial CO samples were performed to assess visual characteristics followed by nuclear magnetic resonance, high-performance thin-layer chromatography, and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry techniques to evaluate the chemical profiles and chemometrics analysis to classify and corroborate the authenticity of the evaluated samples. Results: Three samples failed to exhibit the standard organoleptic characteristics and CO chemical fingerprint, while one showed a low phorbol ester (chemical marker) concentration. Chemometric analysis allowed the discrimination of sample groups based on their chemical similarity, highlighting its effectiveness in distinguishing authenticity from potential adulterated or nonstandard products. Conclusion: The analysis demonstrated that the association of the proposed techniques together with chemometric data can ensure the authenticity of the CO commercial products used in dermatological areas as the active component on deep peeling formulas and can be used as a protocol for evaluation of CO commercial products by suppliers or industries.