Development of an HPLC post-column antioxidant assay for Solidago canadensis radical scavengers

Abstract

The aim of this work was to modify and validate the post-column high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)-ABTS and DPPH methods for evaluating the antioxidant activity of the methanolic extracts of Solidago canadensis (Canadian goldenrod) leaves and flowers. Separation of the analytes was performed via the HPLC-PDA method on a YMC analytical column using a gradient elution program. Three compounds with antioxidant properties – chlorogenic acid, rutin and isoquercitrin – and two unidentified antioxidants were established. The research showed that the coil temperature regimes and loop length combinations influence the optimised post-column assay method for detecting the antioxidant activity of goldenrod radical scavengers. Investigations established that the temperature in the reaction coil was a substantial factor contributing to the signal strength of the analytes after reacting with the DPPH and ABTS radicals.

Keywords:

• HPLC post-column
• coil temperature
• loop length
• DPPH
• ABTS
• Solidago canadensis

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

The research was funded by the Research Council of Lithuania [grant number MIP-50/2013].