Development and validation of a high-performance thin-layer chromatography method for the quantification of α-mangostin in three lesser-known Garcinia species of Assam

This study focusses on the development and validation of a simple, rapid and reliable high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) method for the identification and quantification of α-mangostin in three underutilized Garcinia sp. The optimized mobile phase (chloroform‒methanol, 9:1, V/V) at 317 nm yielded sharp and well-defined peaks of α-mangostin with a constant R_F value of 0.702, ensuring consistent identification and quantification. The regression equation showed a linear function with a correlation coefficient of 0.9997. The method was validated in terms of linearity, limits of detection and quantification (LOD and LOQ), precision, accuracy, repeatability and robustness, following the International Council for Harmonisation guidelines. The low %RSD values confirmed its excellent performance. Low values of LOD (24 ng per band) and LOQ (67.75 ng per band) indicate the sensitivity of the method. Significant quantities of α-mangostin were successfully quantified in all three Garcinia sp. using the developed HPTLC method. The study indicates the three Garcinia sp. of Assam as promising sources of α-mangostin. Overall, this research contributes to scientific knowledge as well as will help in the quality control of herbal drugs and formulations containing α-mangostin.