Quantitative Estimation of Flavonoid Quercetin from Borassus flabellifer (L) Germinated Sprout using Validated HPTLC Method

Introduction: Borassus flabellifer L. known as Tal in West Bengal belongs to the Arecaceae family. In the present experiment, we used the endosperm part (germinated sprout). The edible sprout part is a familiar food of the people. However, its flavonoid profiling is not yet reported. Aim: This study aimed to explore the presence of quercetin and its quantitative analysis in the endosperm of Borassus flabellifer. Method: TLC was carried out with an established solvent system toluene: ethyl acetate: formic acid (5:4:0.2, v/v/v), to detect quercetin. A validated HPTLC method was devolved by using silica gel plates with the established solvent system used in TLC.HPTLC analysis was carried out with the same solvent system toluene: ethyl acetate: formic acid (5:4:0.2, v/v/v). Quantitative estimation was done from the AUC obtained in the plot. Results: The method was confirmed to be specific, and accurate across different measurements. Recovery studies showed recovery 108.50 with RSD (relative standard deviation) % 0.84 of quercetin is retrieved accurately. The germinated sprout was found 0.98mg/100g of quercetin. Conclusion: The HPTLC is an efficient and sensitive tool for the analysis of quercetin in the sample extracts in available products. This is the first-ever described method for this specific purpose, potentially paving the way for quality control and standardization of herbal products of B. flabellifer.