Chromatographic Evaluation and Characterization of Components of Gentian Root Extract Used as Food Additives

Chem Pharm Bull (Tokyo). 2016;64(1):78-82. doi: 10.1248/cpb.c15-00776.

Abstract

Gentian root extract is used as a bitter food additive in Japan. We investigated the constituents of this extract to acquire the chemical data needed for standardized specifications. Fourteen known compounds were isolated in addition to a mixture of gentisin and isogentisin: anofinic acid, 2-methoxyanofinic acid, furan-2-carboxylic acid, 5-hydroxymethyl-2-furfural, 2,3-dihydroxybenzoic acid, isovitexin, gentiopicroside, loganic acid, sweroside, vanillic acid, gentisin 7-O-primeveroside, isogentisin 3-O-primeveroside, 6'-O-glucosylgentiopicroside, and swertiajaposide D. Moreover, a new compound, loganic acid 7-(2'-hydroxy-3'-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl)benzoate (1), was also isolated. HPLC was used to analyze gentiopicroside and amarogentin, defined as the main constituents of gentian root extract in the List of Existing Food Additives in Japan.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid
  • Food Additives / chemistry
  • Food Additives / isolation & purification*
  • Gentiana / chemistry*
  • Iridoid Glucosides / chemistry
  • Iridoid Glucosides / isolation & purification*
  • Iridoids / chemistry
  • Iridoids / isolation & purification*
  • Molecular Structure
  • Plant Extracts / chemistry*
  • Plant Extracts / isolation & purification*
  • Plant Roots / chemistry*

Substances

  • Food Additives
  • Iridoid Glucosides
  • Iridoids
  • Plant Extracts
  • gentiopicroside
  • amarogentin