Thin Layer Chromatography Methods for Rapid Identity Testing of Morinda citrifolia L. (Noni) Fruit and Leaf

Morinda citrifolia L., commonly known as noni, is a growing global commodity. As such , there is a need for rapid and inexpensive identity tests of noni fruit and leaf products. Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) methods w ere developed for the identification of deacetylasperulosidic acid in noni fruit and leaf products. TLC methods were also developed for the identification of scopoletin in noni fruit products and rutin in noni leaf products. TLC results were supported by High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) analyses. The concentrations of marker compounds detected by HPLC indicate that these TLC methods have good sensitivity and utility in the identification of noni fruit and leaf ingredients from a range of global sources, as well as noni based commercial products. These methods do not require expensive instrumentation or specialized laboratories, and are readily transferable to laboratories operating under a variety of circumstances.