Abstract
Given the applicability of Brosimum gaudichaudii extracts in the treatment of vitiligo, the aim of the study was to develop a high performance thin layer chromatographic (HPTLC) analytical method for the simultaneous quantification of psoralen and bergapten, present in the lyophilized extract of B. gaudichaudii, in order to become an alternative method for quality control of extracts produced from this species. The lyophilized extract was produced from the soft extract of B. gaudichaudii roots, prepared with 55 % (v/v) hydroalcoholic solution. The methodology for the analysis of bergapten and psoralen compounds present in the lyophilized extract was developed and validated by thin layer chromatography (TLC)/densitometry. The best resolution, separation and identification of the markers occurred in RP 18 F254 (Merck) silica chromatoplate and on the mobile phase composed of acetonitrile: water (60:40). The retention factors (RF) for psoralen and bergapten were 0.41 and 0.35, respectively. The developed method of analysis was linear, precise and accurate. Thus, TLC/densitometry or HPTLC proved to be an alternative technique for the identification and separation of thesefuranocoumarins, being important for the development of new products containing B. gaudichaudii extracts for the treatment of vitiligo.