Analysis of phenolic glycosides and saponins in Primula elatior and Primula veris (primula root) by liquid chromatography, evaporative light scattering detection and mass spectrometry.

This paper describes the first liquid chromatographic method suitable for the simultaneous determination of bioactive compounds, saponins and phenolic glycosides, present in Primula elatior and Primula veris, including the NMR data of primulaverin and primeverin. Optimum separations were obtained with a Synergi 4mum Fusion RP 80A column, using 0.025% TFA in water and 5% acetonitrile in methanol as mobile phase. Saponins were detected by evaporative light scattering detection (ELSD), whereas the phenolic glycosides were monitored by UV at 210 nm. The method was validated for repeatability (sigma(rel) or=97.1%) and sensitivity (LOD