A simple, easy to operate, and low-cost method has been developed
for capsaicinoids determination in chilli by using TLC-PAD based on
Folin-Ciocalteu colorimetric detection. The samples could be effectively
extracted by ethanol with ultrasonic assistance within a very short
period (15 min), and separated using a TLC with (50:50, v/v) hexaneethyl
acetate as the mobile phase. Under the optimal conditions, the
proposed method offered a linear detection range of capsaicinoids from 50 to 1000 mg L−1. The proposed method also provided high recovery
(90–109%) with the detection limit as low as 50 mg L−1. The results
obtained by the proposed method were in good agreement with those
from the HPLC method. This developed method provides advantages of
rapidity, simplicity, cost effectiveness and accuracy, and hence suitable
for use as a screening test of capsaicinoids in raw chilli and its
products.