Development of a high-speed and ultrasensitive UV/Vis-CM for detecting total triterpenes in traditional Chinese medicine and its application

• Published in: Heliyon 2024-06, Vol.10 (11), p.e32239-e32239, Article e32239
• Main Authors: Guo, Yuanyuan, Han, Zhe, Zhang, Jingwei, Lu, Yue, Li, Chunfeng, Liu, Guiyan
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: 2-Hydroxy-5-methylbenzaldehyde; Colorimetric method; HPLC area normalisation method; Sulfuric acid colorimetry; Total triterpenes; Ultraviolet/visible spectrophotometry
• ISSN: 2405-8440; 2405-8440
• DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e32239

This study proposes a novel colorimetric method based on the ultraviolet/visible spectrophotometry-colorimetric method (UV/Vis-CM) for detecting and quantifying total triterpenoids in traditional Chinese medicine. By incorporating the colourants 2-hydroxy-5-methylbenzaldehyde and concentrated sulfuric acid, triterpenoid compounds colour development became more sensitive, and the detection accuracy was significantly improved. 2-hydroxy-5-methylbenzaldehyde and concentrated sulfuric acid were incorporated in a 1:3 vol ratio at room temperature to react with the total triterpenes for 25 min, incorporated to an ice bath for 5 min, and then detected at the optimal absorption wavelength. The accuracy and reliability of this method were verified by comparison with high-performance liquid chromatography and four other colorimetric methods. Additionally, this approach has the advantages of not requiring heating during operation, high sensitivity, short usage time, low solvent usage, and low equipment costs. This study not only offers a reliable method for detecting total triterpenes in traditional Chinese medicine but also offers a rapid detection tool for on-site testing and large-scale screening, laying a foundation for the modernization of traditional Chinese medicine research, quality control, and drug development. •A rapid UV/Vis-CM using 2-hydroxy-5-methylbenzaldehyde and sulfuric acid as reagents enhances detection sensitivity.•This method improves efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and environmental impact over traditional methods.•The method matches HPLC accuracy, ensuring reliability in analyzing low-content, high-purity medicinal materials.•This technique enables rapid testing and large-scale screening, enhancing herbal medicine research and quality control.•Improved triterpene analysis helps understand pharmacological properties and quality of traditional Chinese medicines.