Influence of Solvent Polarity on Phytocompound Fingerprinting of Cinnamon Bark: Insights from HPTLC Analysis

The polarity of the mobile phase plays a critical role in the chromatographic separation and fingerprinting of phytocompounds. In this study, high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) was employed to investigate the impact of mobile-phase polarity on the separation of phytocompounds extracted from cinnamon bark (Cinnamomum cassia) validated against the Botanical Reference Material procured from American Herbal Pharmacopoeia. Different solvent systems with varying polarities were assessed to enhance the resolution and visibility of distinct chemical profiles in cinnamon extracts obtained through solvents of different polarities. Results showed that the polarity of the mobile phase significantly affected the migration behaviour of different compounds, with more polar solvents providing better separation of hydrophilic compounds, while non-polar phases enhanced the separation of lipophilic constituents. The optimized solvent system yielded well-defined and reproducible fingerprints, providing a reliable method for identifying the key phytocompounds. This study highlights the importance of selecting an appropriate mobile phase polarity based on the nature of the extract in HPTLC fingerprinting, facilitating the accurate identification of bioactive components for use in nutraceutical and pharmaceutical formulations.