The burning tied to consuming or coming into contact with chili peppers is well-documented as stemming from the organic molecule, capsaicin. Capsaicin is widely recognized as the natural defense mechanism of the pepper and has many uses in medicine.1 Research on capsaicin has shown that it and its analogs can help reduce cholesterol, blood lipids, and blood sugar while also offering anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, anti-obesity, and analgesic benefits.2
Despite this, some studies have found that capsaicinoids are carcinogenic. Further research has indicated that the compounds exert apoptotic activity in breast and prostate cancers, thus demonstrating complex interactions.3 To add another layer of complexity, capsaicin has demonstrated its potential to be a chemotherapy-sensitizing agent when combined with 5-Fu, cisplatin, and pirarubicin, thereby improving the effectiveness of these therapeutic strategies.4
In this context, Hamilton began to isolate the major capsaicinoids using the Hamilton PRP-C18 reversed-phase HPLC column (5 μm). Formic acid (0.1 %) was utilized as the aqueous mobile phase owing to its compatibility with mass spectroscopy and UV detection. To test the isocratic method, Bishop's Crown peppers were dried, ground to a fine powder, and extracted with ethanol prior to filtration and injection of the sample. The findings indicated a good correlation with literature values at 10190 Scoville Heat Units.5
The exceptional peak shape resulted from beneficial interactions between the capsaicinoids and the PS-DVB core along with hydrophobic interactions related to the octadecyl alkyl chains conventionally utilized for this separation. As opposed to conventional ODS columns, which cannot typically be reconditioned, the Hamilton PRP-C18 column can be effortlessly regenerated, making the stationary phase an invaluable instrument in the synthetic chemists’ toolbox.
Chromatogram and compound results
Source: Hamilton Company
| Column Information |
| Packing Material |
PRP-C18, 5 μm |
| Dimensions |
150 x 4.6 mm |
| P/N |
79676 |
| Chromatographic Conditions |
| Gradient |
0.0–7.00 min 40 %B
8.01–12.00 min 40–95 %B |
| Temperature |
35 °C |
| Injection Volume |
5 µL |
| Detection |
UV at 280 nm |
| Eluent A |
0.1 % Formic Acid |
| Eluent B |
Acetonitrile |
| Flow Rate |
2.0 mL/min |
Compounds:
- Nordihydrocapsiate
- Capsaicin
- Dihydrocapsaicin
- Capsiate
Image Credit: Hamilton Company
References and further reading
- Srinivasan K. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2016, 56, 1488.
- Zhang, S., Wang, D., Huang, J., Hu, Y., & Xu, Y. J. Clin. Pharm. Ther. 2020, 45, 16-28.
- Bode A M, Dong Z. Cancer Res. 2011, 71, 2809‐2814.
- Zheng L, Chen J, Ma Z, et al. Mol Med Rep. 2016, 13, 881‐887.
- Zamljen, T., Jakopč, J., Hudina, M. et al. Sci Rep 2021, 11, 4932.
About Hamilton Company
Hamilton — The Measure of Excellence
Hamilton Company specializes in the development, manufacturing and customization of precision measurement devices, automated liquid handling workstations, and sample management systems. Hamilton's processes are optimized for quality and flexibility. Whether it's a custom needle with a quick delivery time frame, a special length pH sensor, or a comprehensive solution to fully automate your assay workflow, trust that Hamilton products will always meet your needs.
Hamilton Company has been a leading global manufacturer for more than 60 years, with headquarters in Reno, Nevada; Franklin, Massachusetts; Timișoara, Romania; Bonaduz, Switzerland; and subsidiary offices throughout the world.
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