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2007
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In the Laboratory
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Detection and Quantification of Valerenic Acid in Commercially Available Valerian Products
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Ruth H. Douglas, Ciaran A. Muldowney, Rabab Mohamed, Fiona Keohane, Catherine Shanahan, and John J. Walsh
Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmacy, University of Dublin, Trinity College, Dublin 2, Ireland
Pierce V. Kavanagh
Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Dublin, Trinity College, Dublin 2, Ireland
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May 2007
Vol. 84 No. 5
p. 829
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| Abstract |
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This experiment involves the detection and quantification of valerenic acid from herbal medicinal products containing Valeriana officinalis. Valerenic acid is a stable, robust compound and is easy to detect and quantify by GC–MS. Furthermore, as valerenic acid is only found in V. officinalis, it acts as a marker compound and can be used to verify that the product contains V. officinalis. Valerian has been used for hundreds of years as a natural sedative and as a spasmolytic agent. The project highlights the fact that often there are many constituents in herbal medicinal products, and therefore it may be necessary to carry out a selective extraction step before analysis can be performed on the constituent(s) of interest. The use of GC–MS allows the student to readily distinguish valerenic acid from the complex matrix of the many other secondary metabolites present in V.officinalis. The importance of using an internal standard in the quantification of active constituents present in herbal products is also highlighted. The students determined the percentage of valerenic acid in several products, with an average value of 0.044% per product. The Valerian products evaluated included Good 'n' Natural valerian root capsules, Valerina Day-time tablets, and Nature's Way Sleep Easy capsules.
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| Supplement |
Instructions for the students, notes for the instructor, ion chromatograms and a mass spectrum are available.
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| More Information |
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Citation |
Douglas, Ruth H.; Muldowney, Ciaran A.; Mohamed, Rabab; Keohane, Fiona; Shanahan, Catherine; Walsh, John J.; Kavanagh, Pierce V. J. Chem. Educ. 2007, 84, 829.
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Keywords |
Analytical Chemistry; Bioanalytical Chemistry; Bioorganic Chemistry; Drugs / Pharmaceuticals; Gas Chromatography; Hands-On Learning / Manipulatives; Laboratory Instruction; Mass Spectrometry; Medicinal Chemistry; Natural Products; Organic Chemistry; Upper-Division Undergraduate
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History |
Created:
Last Updated: |
3/22/2007
4/9/2007
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 Caution! | | Experiments, laboratory exercises, lecture demonstrations, and other descriptions of the use of chemicals, apparatus, instruments, computers, and computer interfaces are presented in the Journal of Chemical Education as illustrative of new or improved ideas or concepts in chemistry instruction and are directed at qualified teachers. Although every effort is made to assure and encourage safe practices and safe use of chemicals, the Journal of Chemical Education cannot assume responsibility for uses made of its published materials. Many chemicals are hazardous. Precautions for the safe use of hazardous chemicals and directions for their proper disposal are described in the Material Safety Data Sheets and on the labels. We strongly urge all those planning to use materials from our pages to make choices and to develop procedures for laboratory and classroom safety in accordance with local needs and situations. |
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2007
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829
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