Qualitative Analysis of Triglyceride and Ethyl Ester in Saw Palmetto Extract Using Thin Layer Chromatography

Abstract

Qualitative analysis was conducted using thin layer chromatography (TLC) to determine the presence of other oils containing triglyceride structures that were mixed in four imported saw palmetto extracts. Two different eluting solvents were used to distinguish between ethyl ester and triglyceride components and to identify triglyceride spots. Solvent A was made by mixing [hexane: ethyl ether: acetic acid = 90: 10: 1] and [hexane: ethyl ether: methanol: acetic acid = 85: 15: 3: 2] in a ratio of 1:1. Solvent B was made with toluene: ethyl ether: acetic acid = 70: 30: 1. In solvent A, both triglyceride and ethyl ester were detected in the standard saw palmetto extract, but weak spots were detected. In contrast, strong triglyceride spots were observed in the four imported extracts. In solvent B, similarly to solvent A, weak spots were confirmed in the standard saw palmetto extract and strong triglyceride spots were confirmed in four imported extracts. These results suggest the possibility of these four imported extracts being mixed with other oils and fats containing triglyceride structures. This data is valuable for verifying the accuracy of import declarations involving saw palmetto extract and assessing the potential adulteration with other oils and fats. It serves as a foundational dataset for further analysis.