Determination of D-chiro-inositol in tartary buckwheat using high-performance liquid chromatography with an evaporative light-scattering detector

A simple method for rapid determination of D-chiro-inositol (DCI) (a potent mediator of insulin metabolism) contained in tartary buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum L. Gaench) was developed on the basis of high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to an evaporative light scattering detector (ELSD). DCI was separated from an extract of tartary buckwheat on an Alltech Prevail Carbohydrates ES 5 mu m column. During postcolumn detection, DCI was detected by ELSD. The detection limit was 100 ng. This method was sensitive enough for determining DCI in tartary buckwheat and its related products.