Advances in the quality control of fenugreek seeds using chromatographic, spectroscopic and DNA‐based techniques: A comprehensive review

Abstract

Introduction Fenugreek has been used in traditional remedies since ancient times. It has a long history of use against medical ailments as an antidiabetic, anticarcinogenic, hypocholesterolemic, antioxidant, antibacterial, hypoglycemic, gastric stimulant, and anti‐anorexia agent. The major active constituents include alkaloids, fibres, saponins, proteins, and amino acids. Objectives To provide a comprehensive overview of the application of chromatographic and spectroscopic methods, in addition to DNA‐profiling methods to assess the quality of fenugreek. Also, to highlight the recent application of chemometrics combined with quality control methods during the last two decades. Methodology A literature search conducted from January 2000 up to December 2020 using various scientific databases (e.g., Scopus, Medline, PubMed, EBSCO, JSTOR, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, Web of Science and Egyptian Knowledge Bank, Academic Journals, and Springer Link); general web searches were also undertaken using Google applying some related search terms. Studies involving the application of quality control analyses were classified into three categories according to the conducted analysis method including chromatographic [high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), high‐performance thin‐layer chromatography (HPTLC), and gas chromatography (GC)], spectroscopic [ultraviolet (UV), infrared (IR), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)], and DNA‐based markers. Results This review shed the light on relevant studies covering the past two decades, presenting the application of spectroscopic and chromatographic methods and DNA profiling in the quality control of fenugreek. Conclusion The reviewed chromatographic and spectroscopic methods combined with chemometrics provide a powerful tool that could be applied widely for the quality control of fenugreek.

Three-tiered authentication of herbal traditional Chinese medicine ingredients used in women’s health provides progressive qualitative and quantitative insight

“…The development of complex chromatographic, spectroscopic and hyphenated methods has contributed to the expansion and development of pharmacopoeial monographs, and responded to regulatory demands and expectations of herbal quality on the market ( Fitzgerald et al, 2019 ). HPTLC is the most advanced and robust form of thin-layer chromatography (TLC) in applied herbal quality control ( Velho-Pereira et al, 2011 ; Nicoletti et al, 2013 ; Booker et al, 2016 ; 2014 ; Nandanwadkar et al, 2016 ; Raclariu et al, 2018 ; Kandil et al, 2022 ). It offers good resolution, detection sensitivity, and enhanced in situ densitometric quantification compared to conventional TLC ( Ram et al, 2011 ; Sonia, 2017 ; Bhusan Champati et al, 2023 ) and can be applied simultaneously in an efficient and economical manner ( Kunle, 2012 ; Sonia, 2017 ; Kandil et al, 2022 ).…”

“…HPTLC is the most advanced and robust form of thin-layer chromatography (TLC) in applied herbal quality control ( Velho-Pereira et al, 2011 ; Nicoletti et al, 2013 ; Booker et al, 2016 ; 2014 ; Nandanwadkar et al, 2016 ; Raclariu et al, 2018 ; Kandil et al, 2022 ). It offers good resolution, detection sensitivity, and enhanced in situ densitometric quantification compared to conventional TLC ( Ram et al, 2011 ; Sonia, 2017 ; Bhusan Champati et al, 2023 ) and can be applied simultaneously in an efficient and economical manner ( Kunle, 2012 ; Sonia, 2017 ; Kandil et al, 2022 ). Furthermore, emerging research trends are centered around gas chromatography (GC), mass spectroscopy (MS), UV/visible spectrophotometric techniques, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and tandem approaches ( Booker et al, 2014 ; 2016 ; Liang et al, 2018 ), which allow for a more complex analysis and characterization of single compounds into parts per billion range (MS) and give detailed fingerprints of metabolites across varying polarities (NMR) ( Fitzgerald et al, 2019 ).…”

A Multifaceted Review of Eurycoma longifolia Nutraceutical Bioactives: Production, Extraction, and Analysis in Drugs and Biofluids

“…High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) offers several advantages for the authentication of natural products including advanced reproducibility in both identification of active constituents and their quantitative determinations. Besides, analysis is generally nondestructive and could be achieved in a relatively short period of time. , A study conducted by Abubakar et al evaluated the extent of adulteration in E . longifolia herbal medicinal products via DNA barcoding followed by further validation using HPLC analysis .…”

“…Besides, analysis is generally nondestructive and could be achieved in a relatively short period of time. 47 , 48 A study conducted by Abubakar et al evaluated the extent of adulteration in E . longifolia herbal medicinal products via DNA barcoding followed by further validation using HPLC analysis.…”

“…Besides, analysis is generally nondestructive and could be achieved in a relatively short period of time. 47,48 A study conducted by Abubakar et al evaluated the extent of adulteration in E. longifolia herbal medicinal products via DNA barcoding followed by further validation using HPLC analysis. 49 Results revealed that 37% of the tested herbal medicinal products were authentic as revealed by DNA barcoding, whereas 27% were adulterated.…”