Microwave-Assisted Extraction of Cynodon dactylon Linn. Whole Plant and Simultaneous Analysis of Four Phenolics by Diode Array Detection with RP-HPLC

Economical and simple microwave-assisted extraction of Cynodon dactylon whole plant and simultaneously quantitative analysis of four phenolics viz., 4-hydroxy benzoic acid (1), vanillic acid (2), 4-hydroxy benzaldehyde (3) and ferulic acid (4) have been carded out by diode array detection with RP-HPLC. Ethanol as a solvent and microwave's irradiation time 120 s were found to be most favourable for maximum extraction of desired compounds 1-4. The samples were separated on Eclipse XDB-C18 column with gradient elution of acetonitrile and water: trifluoroacetic acid (99.5:0.05, v/v, pH 2.9) at a flow rate 1.0 mL/min and detected at 280 nm. All calibration curves showed good linearity (r(2) > 0.999). The LOD and LOQ were found in the range 0.12-0.27 and 0.40-0.89 mu g/mL, respectively. Good recoveries were achieved (92.56-104.89%) within range. Compound 1 was found in maximum quantity (= 10.312 mu g/mL) while compound 4 was found in least quantity (3.621 mu g/mL). This method will be useful for quality control and assessment of C. dactylon containing product.