Dosage of quinoline derivatives (quinine, cinchonine)

Quinoline derivatives constitute a family of heterocyclic alkaloids naturally present in several plant species, notably cinchona (Cinchona sp.). Among them, quinine and cinchonine are the best known for their pharmacological and aromatic properties.

Quinine has historically been used for its antipyretic and antimalarial effects, but it is also an ingredient in bitter drinks such as tonics and some nutraceutical products. Cinchonine, a related natural isomer, shares similar chemical characteristics, while exhibiting distinct biological activity.

The dosage of these compounds is crucial to ensure regulatory compliance of products, avoid overdosing, and ensure the traceability and safety of formulations based on plants or bitter extracts.

Objectives of the analysis

The analysis of quinoline derivatives allows us to:

• Identify and quantify quinine and cinchonine in plant matrices or finished products.
• Check compliance with applicable regulatory thresholds (particularly in beverages).
• Standardize the alkaloid content in cinchona extracts or nutraceutical formulations.
• Control the purity and origin of natural or synthetic bitter flavors.
• Detect potential cross-contamination in extraction processes.

Analytical methods

Quinoline derivatives are mainly quantified by liquid chromatography, depending on the matrix analyzed and the desired precision.

High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC-UV)
This method is based on the separation of alkaloids on a C18 column and their detection by UV absorption. It offers excellent reproducibility and is suitable for routine quality control of beverages, extracts, and plant powders.

Liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (LC-MS or LC-MS/MS)
allows for precise structural identification and quantification at very low concentrations. It is preferred for regulatory analyses, metabolism studies, or the detection of quinine derivatives in complex matrices.

Substances analyzed

• Quinine (CAS 130-95-0)
• Cinchonine (CAS 485-71-2)
  Other derivatives such as cinchonidine, quinidine or quinidine sulfate can also be quantified upon request.

Affected matrices

• Quinine extracts and bitter herbal formulations
• Tonic drinks, syrups and flavored products
• Dietary supplements and nutraceutical powders
• Pharmaceutical or natural cosmetic samples
• Extraction solutions and hydroalcoholic matrices

Industrial applications

• Quality control and regulatory compliance of beverages and flavourings.
• Evaluation of the standardization of natural quinine extracts.
• Studies of the stability and degradation of alkaloids in formulation.
• Authenticity verification in products based on natural quinine.
• Research and development in the field of nutraceuticals and phytotherapy.

Recommended Related Analyses

To complement the phytochemical or sensory profile analysis, YesWeLab recommends:
Caffeine analysis – to monitor stimulant alkaloids in beverages and plant extracts.
Limonene analysis – to characterize terpenes in aromatic extracts.
Total polyphenol and flavonoid analysis – to assess the antioxidant potential of extracts.
Methyleugenol analysis – to identify regulated volatile compounds in oils and natural flavorings.

Why choose YesWeLab?

YesWeLab provides a network of expert partner laboratories in chromatography and alkaloid analysis, accredited to ISO 17025 and equipped with the latest HPLC and LC-MS technologies.

Our scientific team will assist you in defining the analytical plan best suited to your objectives: regulatory control, product development, ingredient validation or raw material authentication.

Thanks to the YesWeLab digital platform, you can centralize your requests, track your samples in real time and get your results quickly, with personalized support at every stage.