Chromatographic analysis of 6-gingerol and 6-shogaol using TLC and HPLC methods

Nowadays spices are known not only for their taste and flavour, but also for their medicinal value. Zingiber officinale Rosc. (Zingiberaceae family) contains a number of bioactive phenolic constituents, which in pure form or it‘s derivates might be potential antioxidants, in the most cases scientists discover 6-gingerol and 6-shogaol as a major constituents of ginger rhizomes.Methods. For this investigation we have chosen four different food supplements, containing ginger and one traditional herbal medicine. The presence of two major ginger constituents in the investigation objects were analysed through TLC analysis, which was performed using CAMAG TLC Visualizer and other method was HPLC analysis, which required a high performance liquid chromatographic system Waters 2695 with fotodiode detector Waters 966 PDA.Results. Our results suggest that ginger-containing food supplements and medicine contain two major constituents which leads to ginger biological active properties. Chromatographic analysis might be useful in providing information about quality of ginger rhizomes and commercial ginger products.Conclusions. Selected chromatography methods are suitable for qualitative and quantitative evaluation of 6-gingerol and 6-shogaol in dietary supplements and other products