Use of bergenin as an analytical marker for standardization of the polyherbal formulation containing Saxifraga ligulata

BACKGROUND: Bergenin is the principle constituent of the well-known medicinal plant Saxifraga ligulata. Bergenin has anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, antiviral, immunostimulant, antihyperglycemic, and antioxidant properties. In this study, the presence of bergenin in Saxifraga ligulata and the formulations was identified using high performance thin layer chromatograpy fingerprinting technique. OBJECTIVE: To develop a novel quantitative method for the estimation of bergenin using high performance liquid chromatography. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The compound was separated, characterised and quantified using authentic reference standard. The method was validated per ICH guidelines for the parameters of accuracy, precision, linearity, limit of detection, limit of quantification and robustness. RESULTS: The method was found to be accurate, linear (r2 = 0.998) and precise (%RSD <2%). The limits of detection (0.001%) and quantification (0.002%) were found to be suitable for detection and quantification of bergenin in commercial formulations. CONCLUSION: The developed methods are suitable for the quality control applications of Saxifraga ligulata containing formulations.