Aged garlic is one of the most widely used natural ingredients in the nutraceutical industry, known for its cardiovascular, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. These benefits are largely attributed to organosulfur compounds, with S-Allyl-L-Cysteine (SAC) being one of the most important markers.
Ensuring the authenticity and quality of aged garlic requires accurate quantification of SAC. However, until now, there was no clear consensus on which analytical method offers the most reliability.
Comparative study: LC-MS vs. FIA-ESI-MS
A recent study published in the journal Foods addressed this topic by comparing two advanced analytical techniques:
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Liquid Chromatography coupled with Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS)
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Flow Injection Analysis with Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry (FIA-ESI-MS)
The aim was to evaluate which method yields better results for measuring SAC in various commercial aged garlic supplements. The research assessed factors such as sensitivity, reproducibility, ease of use, and applicability in quality control environments.
Both methods proved valid and highly precise. LC-MS performed better in more complex matrices, while FIA-ESI-MS stood out for its speed, making it suitable for routine production analysis.
Involvement of Pharmactive’s R&D team
The study was conducted in collaboration with researchers from various institutions, including members of Pharmactive’s R&D department. Their contribution highlights the company’s commitment to scientific innovation and the standardization of high-quality botanical extracts.
Featured by the American Botanical Council
The importance of this research was recognized by the American Botanical Council (ABC), which included it in the latest issue of its Botanical Adulterants Monitor. This publication is part of the international Botanical Adulterants Prevention Program (BAPP), a key initiative promoting transparency and the fight against ingredient adulteration in the botanical and nutraceutical industries.
📄 Read the full study here:
🔗 https://www.mdpi.com/2304-8158/13/17/2645
