Optimization of qualitative determination of Mezereon homeopathic tincture by applying rapid horizontal TLC

Daphne mezereum L., Thymelaeaceae, Mezereon or February Daphne is a deciduous shrub up to 150–200cm with spicy-fragrant pink flowers native to Europe as far as Siberia, Caucasus, Western Asia and cultivated in North America [1]. In homeopathy, preparations from fresh bark of branch collected at the beginning of blossom, are used in the treatment of respiratory and skin diseases, indigestions, neuralgia, bone pain, and other pain symptoms [2,3]. Mezereon is monographed in the German Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia, the described TLC-analytical conditions are comperative and might be updated.

Continuing our work on optimization of TLC-analytical investigations for improved homeopathic pharmacopoeia monographs an easy and time and material saving horizontal TLC for Mezereon homeopathic tincture is proposed. Small amounts (2–10µl) of homeopathic tinctures and references (scopoletin, umbelliferone, mezerein, daphnetoxin) are directly tested by using 5×5cm silica gel plates (Si 60-, HPTLC-, RP-material) and applying 2–3ml of various mobile phases containing toluene, ethyl acetate, and formic acid at different proportions. After eluation (2–3min) and drying the plates are detected by vis, UV₂₅₄, and UV₃₆₆. Scopoletin, umbelliferone, and daphnetoxin (in traces) are distinctively identified in the ethanolic tinctures, mezerein was not found in the bark.

The applied procedures may be proposed for an up-dated and optimized TLC identification test of the homeopathic monograph of Daphne mezereum L. easily being performed as a routine qualitative analytical method.

References: [1] Brendler, Th. et al. (2003) Herbal Remedies, medpharm, Scientific Publishers, Stuttgart.

[2] Hagers Handbuch der Pharmazeutischen Praxis (2006) Springer, Heidelberg.

[3] Deutsches Homöopathisches Arzneibuch (HAB 2008), Monograph Daphne mezereum (Edition 2000).