Determination of Catechin and Epicatechin Content in Chocolates by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography

A simple and sensitive reversed phase high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method has been developed for the determination of catechin and epicatechin in cocoa powder and chocolates. The separation was achieved on a reversed phase C 18 column (TARGA) 5 μm by gradient elution with a flow rate of 1.0 mL/minute with an operating temperature of 30°C and detection with a UV-Visible detector was at 280 nm. The method was validated for linearity, precision, intra- and interday precision, and accuracy. The developed method is successfully applied for the determination of catechin and epicatechin content in chocolates. The Godiva brand chocolate contains high concentration of epicatechin.