The use of capillary zone electrophoresis for analysis of ephedrine and pseudoephedrine in food supplements

A simple method based on capillary zone electrophoresis was proposed for th e analysis of ephedrine and pseudoephedrine in various commercial food supp lements. The proposed method is suitable for a rapid identification and det ermination of ephedrine and pseudoephedrine in complex matrix of analyzed s amples. The described extraction into 5 mM aqueous HCl proved right for a c omplete release of ephedrine and pseudoephedrine from the analyzed substanc e. An acidic carrier electrolyte (pH 3.6) containing beta-alanine, aspartic acid and heptakis(2,6-di-O-methyl)-beta-cyclodextrin) is the method of cho ice for complete resolution of both alkaloids.