Chromatographic Estimation of Curcumin and Parthenolide Using a Validated RP-HPLC Method

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Pharmaceutical Analysis
• Chromatography

Background:

• Simultaneous quantification of curcumin and parthenolide is crucial for pharmaceutical quality control.
• Existing methods may lack the sensitivity or specificity required for complex matrices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a Reverse-Phase High-Performance Liquid Chromatographic (RP-HPLC) method for the simultaneous estimation of curcumin and parthenolide.
• To ensure the method meets regulatory guidelines for accuracy, precision, and sensitivity.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a Waters HPLC system with a UV/Vis detector and a C18 reverse-phase column.
• Employed a mobile phase of acetonitrile and 0.1% orthophosphoric acid in water at a flow rate of 1 mL/min.
• Quantification was performed at 222 nm, the identified isosbestic point for both analytes, following ICH Q2 (R2) guidelines.

Main Results:

• The method demonstrated excellent linearity for curcumin (R²=0.9992, 2-10 µg/mL) and parthenolide (R²=0.9899, 5-25 µg/mL).
• Achieved low Limit of Quantification (LOQ) values (Curcumin: 1.68 µg/mL, Parthenolide: 5.09 µg/mL) and Limit of Detection (LOD) values (Curcumin: 3.06 µg/mL, Parthenolide: 1.01 µg/mL).
• The developed method exhibited acceptable precision and accuracy, confirming its reliability.

Conclusions:

• The validated RP-HPLC method provides a sensitive, accurate, and precise means for simultaneous quantification of curcumin and parthenolide.
• This method is suitable for routine quality control, stability testing, and standardization of two-component phytopharmaceutical formulations.
• The method's compliance with regulatory criteria and flexibility make it ideal for complex matrices.