Application of semipreparative RP-18 HPLC for the purification of sesamin and sesamolin

A relatively simple chromatographic protocol was established to provide goo d separation of the unsaponifiable constituents from the seed oil of Sesamu m indicum Linn. The protocol employs classical column chromatography using alumina and petroleum ether to collect furofuran lignans from sesame oil. S emipreparative RP-18 HPLC was used to separate the sesamin and sesamolin co nstituents in high purity (> 99%). The purity and identity of the separated compounds was confirmed by rechromatography using an analytical HPLC set u p and GC-MS, respectively. The method described offers a means to isolate a nd collect sesamin and sesamolin in high purity for use as standards in fur ofuran lignan studies of sesame seed oil.