Application of semipreparative RP-18 HPLC for the purification of sesamin and sesamolin

A relatively simple chromatographic protocol was established to provide good separation of the unsaponifiable constituents from the seed oil of Sesamum indicum Linn. The protocol employs classical column chromatography using alumina and petroleum ether to collect furofuran lignans from sesame oil. Semipreparative RP-18 HPLC was used to separate the sesamin and sesamolin constituents in high purity (> 99%). The purity and identity of the separated compounds was confirmed by rechromatography using an analytical HPLC set up and GC-MS, respectively. The method described offers a means to isolate and collect sesamin and sesamolin in high purity for use as standards in furofuran lignan studies of sesame seed oil.