A Simple and Standardized Method for the Determination of Total Solanesol in Potato Leaves and Its Extracts Based on HPLC-MS

Abstract

Abstract Background Solanesol is an important pharmaceutical intermediate raw material, mainly used to synthesize coenzyme Q10, vitamin K2. It can be found prominent in potato stems and leaves. But now potato stems and leaves are always abandoned or discarded as they are not suitable for use as feed in aquaculture or other purposes. These agricultural waste resources can be reutilized as the corresponding extracts. Objective To develop a simple and standardized method for the detection of total solanesol in potato leaves and its extracts. Methods N-hexane was chosen as the extraction solvent for three times in the solanesol extraction from potato leaves. HPLC-MS was used for the detection. Results The LOQ was 0.3 µg/g and the linear range was from 0.1  to 50 µg/mL. The precision and stability were evaluated by the relative standard deviations (RSDs) of three samples (potato leaves, Extract-1, Extract-2) for interday and intraday. The accuracy of the method was evaluated by the recoveries of three different spiked concentrations of solanesol for three samples, and results showed it ranged from 80.7% to 99.0% with RSDs less than 8.7%. Conclusions The method we established can provide a simple and standardized way for the extraction and detection of total solanesol. Highlights The work laid a foundation for the resource reutilization of potato stem and leaf.