ISOCRATIC NONAQUEOUS REVERSED-PHASE HIGH-PERFORMANCE LIQUID-CHROMATOGRAPHIC SEPARATION OF CAPSANTHIN AND CAPSORUBIN IN RED-PEPPERS (CAPSICUM-ANNUUM-L), PAPRIKA AND OLEORESIN

A simple, rapid high-performance liquid chromatography method has been devised in order to separate and quantify the xanthophylls capsorubin and capsanthin present in red pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) fruits and preparations made from them (paprika and oleoresin). A reversed-phase isocratic non-aqueous system allows the separation of xanthophylls wit hin a few minutes, with detection at 450 nm, using methyl red as inter nal standard to locate the various carotenoids and xanthophylls found in plant extracts. The selection of extraction solvents, mild saponifi cation conditions, and chromatographic features is evaluated and discu ssed. The method is proposed for rapid screening of large plant popula tions, plant selection, as well as for paprika products and oleoresin, and also for nutrition and quality control studies.