Dosage of lapachol and lawsone (naphthoquinone)

The determination of lapachol and lawsone allows the concentration of these naphthoquinone compounds to be measured in plant extracts, powders, or finished formulations. These two natural molecules are of growing interest in the fields of nutraceuticals, cosmetics, and phytotherapy, 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 quinone 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 coloring 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 for 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 immunostimulant properties.
• Lawsone : 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 interest of the dosage

The dosage of lapachol and lawsone allows:

• precisely quantify the naphthoquinone content in plant extracts or formulations,
• check the conformity and standardization of raw materials,
• assess the stability of active compounds in finished products,
• guarantee the quality and traceability of natural ingredients used in the nutraceutical and cosmetic fields,
• support 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 is based on high-precision chromatographic techniques, suitable for quinone compounds:

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

• LC-MS or LC-MS/MS (liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry) : allows ultra-sensitive identification and quantification of compounds, even at trace levels, 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 dosage of total polyphenols , the dosage of flavonoids , or the dosage 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 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 associated with complementary services such as the dosage of juglone , another naphthoquinone present in walnut husk ( Juglans regia ), or the dosage of resveratrol, for a broader characterization of the antioxidant potential of natural extracts.

Carrying out analyses at YesWeLab

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

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

The YesWeLab scientific team supports its clients every step of the way: choosing the analytical method, interpreting results, studying stability, and optimizing extraction processes. Thanks to its digital platform, analysis management is seamless and centralized, from requesting quotes to receiving test reports.

Since 2020, many players in the cosmetics, 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
• Sectors of activity: 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.