Optimization of an Analytical Method for Indoxacarb Residues in Fourteen Medicinal Herbs Using GC–μECD, GC–MS/MS and LC–MS/MS

Abstract

Pesticide residue analysis in medicinal herbs is a challenging task because of the matrix effect and its influence on quantitative analysis despite the continuous development of several new analytical methods and instrumentations. In this study, a modified QuEChERS method was developed for the analysis of indoxacarb residue in medicinal herbs by using the conventional instrument, gas chromatography micro-electron-capture-detector (GC–μECD), and comparing it with gas chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (GC–MS/MS) and liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS). Samples were extracted with acetonitrile and purified using an NH2 cartridge. The optimized method efficiently removes the co-extractives and offered a limit of quantification of 0.01 mg kg−1. The GC–μECD analysis results of indoxacarb in seven medicinal herbs out of fourteen species at a fortification level of 0.01 mg kg−1 showed a recovery range of 79.7–117.6%, while the rest showed recovery > 120%. Similarly, the recovery of indoxacarb by GC and LC–MS/SM were 74.1–105.9 and 73.0–99.0%, respectively, with a relative standard deviation of <20%. Matrix effects for the majority of medicinal herbs analyzed by GC–MS/MS were >±20%. Whereas the results for LC–MS/MS were <20%, which was within the acceptable range according to the SANTE/11312/2021 guidelines. Considering the performance of the method and alignment with the regulatory guidelines, LC–MS/MS is recommended for the analysis of indoxacarb in selected medicinal herbs.

Optimization and Validation of Dispersive Liquid–Liquid Microextraction for Simultaneous Determination of Aflatoxins B1, B2, G1, and G2 in Senna Leaves and Pods Using HPLC-FLD with Pre-Column Derivatization

“…The determination of mycotoxins in dried medicinal herbs involves specific problems, because the herbs contain various pigments as well as many constituents [40]. The undetected compounds in the sample can affect the measured concentration of the target analytes.…”

Residues and Safety Assessment of Cyantraniliprole and Indoxacarb in Wild Garlic (Allium vineale)

“…Indoxacarb (CAS RN, 144171-61-9) is a broad-spectrum new oxadiazine-type insecticide registered against lepidopteran and sucking insects for various crops, fruits, and vegetables. It generally acts on the insect nervous system by blocking the movement of sodium ions in nerve cells, causing paralysis and, eventually, the death of pests [ 8 , 13 ]. Numerous studies have investigated the residue behavior and dissipation patterns of cyantraniliprole and indoxacarb in several crops [ 12 , 14 , 15 , 16 ].…”