Abstract
Two improved HPLC methods for the characterization and assay of the saponin content in green fruits of Ilex paraguariensis (erva‐mate) are described. Both HPLC methods consisted of isocratic separation at room temperature, using a RP‐18 column with UV‐Vis detection. The first system was intended for the characterization of the main I. paraguariensis saponin fraction, while the second one was specifically developed and validated for its quantitation. Matesaponin‐3 was used as external standard. From the freeze dried extract, ten peaks were characterized as saponins by TLC and HPLC analysis. The matesaponin‐3 content was 5.13 g%, and the total saponin content, calculated by the sum of the areas related to the peaks previously characterized as saponins, was 30.48 g%.
Acknowledgments
This work was supported by CAPES (Coordenacão de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior, Brazil) and CNPq (Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico, Brazil).