Proposal of Qualitative Determination of Taxus baccata L. Homeopathic Tincture by applying Rapid Horizontal TLC and LC/MS Procedures

The homeopathic tincture of Taxus baccata L. is monographed in the current German Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia (HAB 2009). Continuing our work on optimization of TLC-analytical investigations for improved Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia monographs we propose a rapid and distinct qualitative TLC determination as well as a distinct qualitative LC/MS procedure. LC/MS procedures are not yet applied for identification in the HAB monograph. The purpose of the following work has been the quali-quantitative analysis by HPLC/DAD/MS of a Taxus extract in order to make characterization of polyphenols compounds. We have found four flavonoids, in particular we identified quercetin 3-O-rutinoside (0.284 mg/ml) and kaempferol 3-O-rutinoside (0.05 mg/ml) as the main flavonols. We have also found three cinnamic acid derivatives and 10-deacetylbaccatin III. Optimising TLC-analytical investigations for an improved Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia monograph of Taxus baccata L. we propose a TLC determination using different sorbens materials and mobile phase mixtures and applying a horizontal chamber. Pre-treatment of the homeopathic tincture by SPE lead to more distinct TLC-bands. By using further reference substances the tested homeopathic tincture could be more peculiarly identified. It was been also measured the antioxidant capacity by DPPH test. Thus, the analyses lead to a proposal of an updated and optimized identification test of Taxus baccata L. homeopathic tincture.