SIMPLE HPLC METHOD FOR THE DETERMINATION OF THYMOQUINONE IN BLACK SEED OIL (NIGELLA SATIVA LINN)

摘要

A simple and reliable isocratic normal phase HPLC method for the determination of thymoquinone in black seed oil (Nigella Sativa Linn, Ranculaceae) is described. After oil extraction with methanol, thymoquinone is analyzed using Econosphere CN column. The mobile phase consists of hexane:2 propanol (99:1 v/v), thymoquinone is monitored by UV detection at 295 nm. This method is quite specific and sufficiently sensitive with a lower limit of 5 nmoles/ml, within day and between-day assays showed variation coefficient below 5%.