Determination of gymnemic acid level in Gymnema inodorum leaves using multiple reaction monitoring mass spectrometry

Abstract

Gymnemic acid (GA) is known as the antidiabetic phytoconstituent in Gymnema species, and is used for quality control and standardization of Gymnema products. In Thailand, a number of nutraceutical products of Gymnema inodorum (Lour.) Decne. (GI) are commercially available and this number is increasing. However, standardized GA content information and safety usage guidelines for GI have not been published. The aim of this study was to investigate the amount of GA constituent in GI leaves using mass spectrometry. Leaf samples were randomly collected in the Northern part of Thailand. Total GA was extracted using an ethanolic solution. The calculation of total GA was based on the detection of aglycone gymnemagenin using the liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization mass spectrometry with multiple reaction monitoring. The results showed that GI contained total GA content in range of 0.20-1.44 mg per one kilogram dry leaves.