Dosage of lapachol and lawsone (naphthoquinone)

The assay of lapachol and lawsone allows for the measurement of the concentration of these naphthoquinone compounds in plant extracts, powders, or finished formulations. These two natural molecules are of increasing interest in the nutraceutical, cosmetic, and phytotherapy fields due to their antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties.

This analysis is carried out by HPLC or LC-MS/MS , reference techniques for the separation and quantification of phenolic and quinonic compounds in complex plant matrices.

Naphthoquinones: bioactive pigments of plant origin

Naphthoquinones are a family of oxygenated aromatic compounds, often responsible for the red, orange, or brown coloration of certain plants. They play an important biological role in plant defense against pathogens and are sought after for their beneficial effects in humans.

Among them, lapachol and lawsone stand out due to their bioactive properties and specific botanical origins:

• Lapachol : isolated from the wood of Tabebuia avellanedae (pau d'arco), a South American tree, used in traditional herbal medicine for its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and immunostimulating properties.
• Lawsone : the main pigment of henna ( Lawsonia inermis ), known for its coloring, antifungal and antioxidant properties.

These two compounds belong to the same chemical family but differ in their activity profile and industrial applications.

Objectives and benefits of the dosage

The dosage of lapachol and lawsone allows us to:

• to precisely quantify the naphthoquinone content in plant extracts or formulations,
• verify the conformity and standardization of raw materials,
• to evaluate the stability of active compounds in finished products,
• to guarantee the quality and traceability of natural ingredients used in the nutraceutical and cosmetic sectors,
• to support claims of functional or cosmetic claims (antibacterial, antioxidant, purifying).

The analysis can be carried out on various matrices: plant powders, hydroalcoholic extracts, oils, capsules or topical products based on henna or pau d'arco.

Analytical methods used

The quantification of lapachol and lawsone relies on high-precision chromatographic techniques, adapted to quinone compounds:

• HPLC (high-performance liquid chromatography) : used to separate and quantify naphthoquinones based on their UV-visible absorption spectrum. This method is ideal for routine controls on standardized extracts.

• LC-MS or LC-MS/MS (liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry) : allows ultra-sensitive identification and quantification of compounds, even in trace amounts, in complex or pigmented matrices.

These methods can be combined with DAD (diode array detector) detection for the simultaneous determination of several naphthoquinones.

For an in-depth analysis of the phytochemical profile, this service can be combined with other tests offered by YesWeLab, such as the measurement of total polyphenols , the measurement of flavonoids , or the measurement of quercetin .

Industrial and scientific applications

The dosage of lapachol and lawsone is particularly relevant for the following sectors:

• Nutraceuticals and phytotherapy : control of extracts of Tabebuia avellanedae (pau d'arco) and Lawsonia inermis (henna) used for their antioxidant, antifungal and purifying effects.
• Natural cosmetics : standardization of henna extracts to guarantee the lawsone content responsible for the coloring power and antimicrobial properties.
• Phytochemical research : identification and quantification of naphthoquinones in new plant sources and study of their stability.
• Formulation of natural products : validation of the dosage of active compounds in finished products to ensure consistent and documented effectiveness.

These analyses can be combined with additional services such as the measurement of juglone , another naphthoquinone present in walnut hulls ( Juglans regia ), or the measurement of resveratrol, for a broader characterization of the antioxidant potential of natural extracts.

Carrying out analyses at YesWeLab

YesWeLab entrusts the quantification of lapachol and lawsone to partner laboratories specializing in chromatography and phytochemistry. These laboratories are equipped with high-performance HPLC and LC-MS/MS equipment, guaranteeing the reliability, reproducibility, and conformity of the results.

The majority of partners are certified or accredited according to the ISO 17025 standard and the COFRAC reference framework, ensuring the quality and traceability of the analyses.

The YesWeLab scientific team supports its clients at every stage: choosing the analytical method, interpreting the results, studying stability, and optimizing extraction processes. Thanks to its digital platform, analysis management is seamless and centralized, from the initial quote request to receiving test reports.

Since 2020, many players in the cosmetic, nutraceutical and plant research industries have trusted YesWeLab for the characterization and validation of their extracts rich in bioactive compounds.

Technical data

• CAS number: Lapachol (84-79-7) / Lawsone (83-72-7)
• Methods: HPLC, LC-MS/MS
• Expertise: Physicochemical, nutritional
• Business sectors: Nutraceuticals, plants, natural cosmetics
• Measured parameters: Lapachol, lawsone and other associated naphthoquinones

For any specific request, contact our team to obtain a personalized quote and analytical advice tailored to your plant extracts and formulations.