Why should you use HPTLC for botanical identification?

• HPTLC is the only single test that allows for 100% botanical ingredient identification.
• HPTLC is the primary chemical test for identification of all pharmacopoeia monographs on botanicals (including USP)
• The acceptance and performance of HPTLC is demonstrated by the China HPTLC Atlas, AHP monographs, and the USP Dietary Supplement Compendium
• HPTLC fingerprints do not just give a correlation coefficient but visually show the similarities and differences between samples and references on the same plate
• In addition to identity an HPTLC fingerprint can also give quantitative information (intensity of bands) about a sample for batch to batch comparison
• HPTLC can also be used for assays (potency), purity (adulteration), and stability studies (shelf life)
• Versus HPTLC, techniques like HPLC are more time consuming and have limited detectability of non UV absorbing compounds
• Unlike HPLC, HPTLC preserves the complete sample for analysis, so nothing is "hidden" if it doesn't elute