Simultaneous estimation of four different biomarkers in Cinnamomum verum J. Presl bark using a validated high-performance thin-layer chromatography method

A high-performance thin-layer chromatography method for the simultaneous quantitative determination of salicylic acid, kaempferol, gallic acid, and protocatechuic acid in hydro-alcoholic fractions of Cinnamomum verum J. Presl bark was developed for the first time in this species. For achieving good separation, a mobile phase of toluene‒ethyl acetate‒formic acid (5:4:1, V/V ) was used. Densitometric determination was carried out at specified wavelengths for different standard compounds in reflection/absorption mode. The calibration curves were linear in the range of 100‒600 ng per spot for salicylic acid, kaempferol, gallic acid, and protocatechuic acid. During the analysis, defatted hydro-alcoholic fraction from C. verum J. Presl bark showed the presence of salicylic acid (0.098% w/w ), kaempferol (0.24% w/w ), gallic acid (0.01% w/w ), and protocatechuic acid (0.27% w/w ). The proposed method is simple, precise, specific, and accurate. The statistical analysis of the data obtained proves that the method is reproducible and selective and can be used for the routine analysis of the reported phenolic compounds in crude drug and extracts. The simultaneous quantification of these biomarkers has not yet been reported in C. verum J. Presl which may be utilized for the proper standardization of the drug. Research also provides new herbal options for different medicinally valuable secondary metabolites in polar categories with different therapeutic potentials. Exploration of bioactive metabolites in C. verum J. Presl bark can also increase its industrial value, which may promote its cultivation and may create a good commercial option for our farmers.