Densitometric HPTLC and HPLC analysis of phenolic acids from Aquilegia vulgaris

Summary Densitometric HPTLC and HPLC have been used for quantification of p-coumaric and protocatechuic acids in an ethereal fraction from a methanolic extract of Aquilegia vulgaris L. HPLC analysis was performed on an RP-18 column with methanol-water-formic acid 25:75:0.5 (υ/υ) as mobile phase. Thin layer chromatography was performed on Si60 F254 HPTLC plates with mixtures of heptane, dichloromethane, diisopropyl ether, formic acid, and water as mobile phases. Satisfactory separation of the phenolic acids was achieved by use of the multiple gradient development technique. The quantities of p-coumaric and protocatechuic acids determined by HPLC were 0.374 and 2.283 mg g−1 dry plant material, respectively; HPTLC results were somewhat higher — 0.396 and 2.584 mg g−1, respectively. The precision of both methods, expressed as relative standard deviation, was satisfactory. The methods are useful for quality control of Aquilegia vulgaris extracts.