Analysis of the oral hypoglycemic agent, glibenclamide, in a health food

Abstract

Glibenclamide, a sulfonylurea derivative (SU) antidiabetic agent was detected in a health food by three different methods: TLC, HPLC, and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC.MS). For analysis of SU antidiabetics, the sample was extracted with acetone as a sample solution. TLC analysis of the sample solution showed a specific spot that had the same characteristics as those of glibenclamide standard solution. HPLC analysis monitored using a photo-diode array detector showed that the sample solution had a peak with a unique UV spectrum, with coincided with that of standard glibenclamide. In sample solution, LC.MS analysis in positive and negative modes indicated that the (M+H)+ and (M-H)- ions occurred at m/z 494 and m/z 492, respectively. These results indicate that the monoisotopic mass is 493, coincident with that of glibenclamide. Quantitative HPLC analysis showed that the glibenclamide content in the health food was 0.78 mg/capsule (1.55 mg/g of sample contents). Because the initial dosage of glibenclamide for diabetics is 1.25-2.5 mg per day, this health food has sufficient medicinal effect and also has the potential to cause adverse effects. © 2003 The Pharmaceutical Society of Japan.