DEVELOPING HPLC-DAD METHODS FOR SIMULTANEOUSLY DETERMINING CONTENT OF LYCOPENE AND β-CAROTENE IN GAC SEED ARIL USING EXTERNAL STANDARDS AND QAMS

Momordica cochinchinensis (Lour.) Spreng., commonly known as Gac, is a plant native to Vietnam with a range of reported health benefits, including cardioprotective, antioxidant activity, improving eyesight, nourishing skin, and cancer prevention. This study developed and validated two methods suitable for the quality control of its seed aril. First, a high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detection (HPLC-DAD) method was developed and validated according to ICH guidelines. Linearity was demonstrated with correlation coefficients (R2) ranging from 0.9989 to 0.9996. Second, a Quantitative Analysis of Multi-components by Single-Marker (QAMS) method was developed, using β-carotene as an internal standard and calculating a relative correction factor (RCF) for lycopene determination. Comparison of the QAMS method with the external standard method (ESM) showed a bias of < 5%. The developed methods are suitable for quality control of Gac seed aril.