Abstract

The efficiency of the two extractions (refluxing extraction and heating-block extraction) was compared to develop the simple analytical method for the determination of capsaicinoids, including capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin in red pepper powder. For the method development, the parameters, including particle size,extraction time and sample size, were evaluated using ultra high performance liquid chromatography (u-HPLC). It was found that the most effective extraction time of the refluxing extraction was 3 hr. The higher extraction efficiency was obtained with the fine particle of a mild red pepper powder, while the particle size did not affect the extraction efficiency in case of the hot red pepper powder. The higher extraction efficiency was obtained with the small size of sample taken because of the ratio of the large extracting solvent to sample amount. The extraction efficiency of the refluxing method was 3-9% higher than that of the heating-block method, however, the heating-block method could be applied to the determination of capsaicinoids in the red pepper powder for the purpose of quality control of the product.