Extraction and Quantification of Triterpene Glycosides in Baby Food

Triterpene glycosides are characteristic metabolites of sea cucumbers (Holothuroidea, Echinodermata) and consist of a carbohydrate chain and a triterpene aglycone. Triterpenes are studied for their wide range of biological activities such as antimicrobial, cytotoxic, antitumor, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, and more. The analysis of triterpene glycosides is currently performed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The extraction of triterpene glycosides in baby food samples, previously lyophilized, is carried out with chloroform and methanol. After that, the sample extract is filtered and analyzed. Although the methods used to extract and analyze the sample are simple, some recommendations are given to avoid possible bias.