Analysis of furanocoumarins in vegetables (Apiaceae) and citrus fruits (Rutaceae)

Several alternative approaches applicable for the analysis of furanocoumarins, toxic components occurring in some fruits and vegetables representing both Apiaceae and Rutaceae families, were tested in our study. Limits of detection (LODs) for angelicin, psoralen, bergapten, xanthotoxin, trioxsalen, isopimpinellin, sphondin, pimpinellin and isobergapten obtained by GC/MS (SIM) were in the range 0.01–0.08 μg g−1. Slightly higher LODs (0.02–0.20 μg g−1) were achieved by LC/MS–MS. The latter is the only alternative for analysis of bergamottin (LOD = 0.01 μg g−1) in citrus fruits because this furanocoumarin is unstable under GC conditions. Regardless of the determination step used, the repeatability of the measurements (expressed as RSD) did not exceed 10%. As shown in our study the levels of furanocoumarins in celery, celeriac, parsnip, carrot, lemon and other foods obtained at a retail market varied over a wide range; the highest contents were determined in parsnip, while the levels of these toxins in carrots and citrus pulps were relatively low.  2007 Society of Chemical Industry