Differentiation of Caraway, Coriander, and Cumin by Study of Their Volatile Oils, Using Thin Layer Chromatography

Abstract

A rapid thin layer chromatographic test has been developed to differentiate caraway, coriander, and cumin. Samples are steam-distilled and 1% solutions of the volatile oils are chromatographed on silica gel G plates, using benzene- chloroform ( l+l ) as the solvent system. After exposure to iodine vapor, characteristic spots develop which can be used to distinguish and differentiate caraway, coriander, and cumin.