Analytical techniques for the determination of lactones in Piper methysticum forst.

The development and comparison of two analytical methods (HPLC in reversed phase and normal phase mode and GC) for the determination of six major lactones in P. methysticum is described in this paper. By all methods, a satisfying separation of these compounds could be achieved. Each method shows distinct advantages to previously published ones, regarding separation quality, time or conditions. Several kava samples were analyzed by these new or modified methods, and the qualitative and quantitative results obtained were comparable. Primary differences in separation times and detection limits were observed, so that each method might be preferable, depending on the requirements.