Development of an HPTLC-MS Method for the Differentiation of Celosiae Semen: Celosia argentea Versus C. cristata

TL;DR

This study develops a method using imaging and HPTLC-MS to distinguish between two similar medicinal seeds, CAS and CCS, for better quality control.

Contribution

The study introduces an integrative method combining digital image analysis and HPTLC-MS for accurate differentiation of CAS and CCS.

Findings

CCS has a projection area over twice that of CAS based on digital image analysis.

Celosin F is exclusive to CAS, while celosin H, J, and K are characteristic of CCS.

The method showed high repeatability with low standard deviations for sucrose measurements.

Abstract

Celosiae Argentea Semen (CAS), derived from Celosia argentea L., is traditionally used in Korean and Chinese medicine to treat eye disorders and liver heat and is recognized in official Pharmacopeias. In contrast, Celosiae Cristatae Semen (CCS), despite its frequent presence in the market, is not officially listed. The morphological and chemical similarities between the two pose challenges for accurate identification. This study presents an integrative method combining digital image analysis and high-performance thin-layer chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (HPTLC-MS) to differentiate CAS from CCS. Digital microscopy and ImageJ analysis showed that CCS has a projection area over twice that of CAS. Chemically, an optimized HPTLC method using ethyl acetate, methanol, water, and formic acid revealed distinct fingerprint patterns under UV 366 nm and white light. Notably, celosin F was exclusively detected in CAS, while celosin H, J, and K were characteristic of CCS. ESI-TOF-MS analysis confirmed these markers, resolving an overlap in RF values. Repeatability tests showed total SDs of sucrose for intra-day, inter-day, and inter-analysis precision were 0.006, 0.004, and 0.005, respectively, confirming method reliability. This combined approach offers a rapid, reliable, and practical tool for distinguishing these two medicinal seeds, supporting enhanced quality control and regulatory standardization in pharmaceutical applications.

Figures