UHPLC-MS/MS determination of anthraquinone derivatives in food supplements containing Aloe vera

Aloe vera, a monocotyledonous succulent plant, has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. It is widely used in dermatology and cosmetics as well as a part of beverages and food supplements marketed to support functions of the digestive system. Anthraquinone derivatives from aloe are used as laxatives. Due to the proven carcinogenic effects of anthraquinone derivatives, the FDA and EMA set limits of 1 ppm for these substances in food and food supplements. The aim of this study was to develop a method suitable for the determination of aloin A and B, aloe-emodin and emodin in capsules, tablets, and drinks containing Aloe vera. The first step was to optimise the extraction of analytes from complex matrices like various food supplements containing different amounts of aloe vera, as well as other components. The liquid-liquid extraction using ethyl acetate and solid phase extraction methods were used for sample processing. A UHPLC-MS/MS method was developed for the analysis, using a C18 column for the chromatographic separation of the analytes. The detection was performed on a triple-quadrupole mass spectrometer with negative mode electrospray ionisation. The developed method was used for the analysis of six beverages and four types of capsules containing Aloe vera. Aloin A and B were the most abundant anthraquinone derivatives detected in studied samples, with one product exceeding the set limit.

Conflict of Interest

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Publication History

Article published online:
16 November 2023