LIQUID-CHROMATOGRAPHY ELECTROSPRAY MASS-SPECTROMETRIC ANALYSIS OF CURCUMINOIDS AND SESQUITERPENOIDS IN TURMERIC (CURCUMA-LONGA)

On-line high-performance liquid chromatography-UV diode-array and elec trospray mass spectrometry have been used simultaneously to analyze cu rcuminoids and sesquiterpenoids in a fresh turmeric (Curcuma longa) ex tract. Five major components: curcumin (1), demethoxycurcumin (2), bis demethoxycurcumin (3), ar-turmerone (5) and curlone (6) have been unam biguously identified, based on their UV spectra, mass spectra and rete ntion times in comparison with the data of standard compounds. This me thod provides a reliable fingerprint for turmeric, distinguishing it f rom other Curcuma species. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights r eserved.