Development of a Simultaneous Analysis Method for 3-Carene, Limonene, and Terpinolene in Health Functional Foods Pine Needle Distilled Concentrate

Abstract

This study aimed to develop a simultaneous analysis method for 3-carene, limonene, and terpinolene in health functional foods. The purpose was to ensure compliance with the specifications of a pine needle distillate concentrate, which is used as a functional ingredient, when included in ｢Health Functional Food Code｣. These three components are the main constituents of monoterpene, a functional compound found in pine needles. The standardized test method uses a gas chromatograph/flame ionization detector (GC-FID) for simultaneous analysis. The method used a column filled with 100% polyethylene glycol after hexane extraction. Validation of the test method revealed a correlation coefficient (R 2 ) of 0.999 or higher within the linear quantification range. The detection limits for 3-carene, limonene, and terpinolene were 2.7, 2.6, and 2.4 μg/mL, respectively. The quantitation limits for 3-carene, limonene, and terpinolene were 8.0, 7.9, and 7.3 μg/mL, respectively. The precision and accuracy were confirmed to be suitable according to the AOAC validation guidelines. A simultaneous analysis method for 3-carene, limonene, and terpinolene was developed. In addition, evaluation of various products confirmed that this test method could effectively measure the levels of 3-carene, limonene, and terpinolene simultaneously. The standardized test method established in this study is expected to increase consumer confidence in managing product specifications when distributing health functional foods containing pine needle distillation concentrate.