A rapid HPLC method for determination of major phenolic acids in plant material

The present work describes a simplified, and rapid HPLC method for measurement of phenolic acids in plant material. This procedure allows baseline resolution of major phenolic acids commonly found in plants ( p-hydroxybenzoic, caffeic, syringic, o-coumaric, m-coumaric, p-coumaric, gentisic, ferulic, sinapic, salicylic), it is specific, sensitive, and ensures good reproducibility. The precision and reproducibility obtained using the present approach gave results comparable or better than the more complex, more laborious, and time consuming procedures. The time of HPLC separation of the phenolic acids in the presented procedure was significantly improved by the use of polymer based reverse phase column, and careful attention to the pH of the mobile phase, which allowed turnaround times of approximately 15 min and significantly lower solvent use. The present method allows the possibility for processing of a large number of samples rapidly, efficiently, and at a low cost