Isolation, characterization and thin-layer chromatography method development of clerosterol palmityl ester: a chemical marker for standardization of leaves of Clerodendrum phlomidis.

OBJECTIVE

Clerosterol palmityl ester (CPE) is a unique clerosterol derivative isolated and characterized from the leaves of Clerodendrum phlomidis. Considering the uniqueness of this compound, the present study was planned to use CPE as a specific chemical marker and develop a new validated thin-layer chromatography (TLC) method for standardisation of C. phlomidis.

METHODS

Separation and quantification of CPE were achieved by TLC using a mobile phase of petroleum ether (60 to 80 degrees centigrade) and ethyl acetate (95:5, volume ratio) (Rf 0.64) on precoated silica gel 60F(254) aluminium plates. Densitometric determination was carried out after derivatization with anisaldehyde sulphuric acid reagent in absorption mode at 527 nm.

RESULTS

The calibration curve was linear in the concentration range of 100 to 500 ng/spot. The method was validated for precision, repeatability and accuracy. The proposed method was found to be simple, specific, precise, accurate, rapid and cost-effective.

CONCLUSION

This TLC procedure may be used effectively for quantitative determination of CPE, identification of the plant and standardization of this plant or its derived products.