Determination of caffeoylquinic acids and flavonoids in Cynara scolymus L. by high performance liquid chromatography

The main phenolic compounds in dried extracts from Cynora scolymus (artichoke) - monocaffeoylquinic acids, dicaffeoylquinic acids, and flavonoids - have been separated by high-performance liquid chromatography By use of a narrow bore C-18 column and an acidic mobile phase this HPLC method enabled improved separation within 31 min with significantly reduced solvent consumption compared with other methods. The method was validated to demonstrate its linearity precision, accuracy, and robustness. Twelve commercial samples were analyzed. Monocaffeoylquinic acids were the most abundant phenolic compounds; the amounts present ranged from 0.48 to 4.24%. The amounts of dicaffeoylquinic acids and flavonoids were smaller - from 0.03 to 0.52%. The method is a good combination of efficiency and economy and should be especially useful for commercial applications.