Development and validation of a novel high‑performance thin‑layer chromatography method for the quantitative estimation of zingerone

A high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) method was developed for the estimation of zingerone from ginger tablets. A CAMAG Linomat 5 sample applicator was used for the application of the sample. Chromatographic separation of the marker was performed over thin-layer chromatography (TLC) plates precoated with silica gel 60 F₂₅₄ using toluene‒ethyl acetate (6:4, V/V) as the mobile phase via a linear ascending technique in a twin-trough chamber. Detection and quantification were carried out at a wavelength of 280 nm using a CAMAG TLC Scanner 4. This method showed good peak symmetry for the marker with a retention factor (R_F) of 0.43 ± 0.03 for zingerone. The calibration curve was linear in the range of 200‒2000 ng/spot for zingerone, and the correlation coefficient (r²) was 0.9836. The method was validated according to the International Council for Harmonisation (ICH) Q2(R1) guidelines for linearity, limit of detection, limit of quantification, precision, accuracy (recovery), and robustness. In conclusion, the developed method is simple, reliable, and specific for the identification and quantification of zingerone.