Analytical Methodology for Determining Glucosinolate Composition and Content

Abstract New analytical techniques and instrumentation and increased knowledge of the diversity and distribution of glucosinolates, the diversity of their enzymatically released products, and factors influencing their release, have led to significant advances in methodology for analysis of glucosinolates over the past three decades. However, many of the methods have been developed for specific agricultural crops or commodities and their particular glucosinolate compositions. They can only be applied to certain types of plant material or can detect and quantitate only certain glucosinolates or their products. Other methods have been designed to meet specific research, regulatory, or quality control requirements. This had necessitated sacrifice of either speed, simplicity, accuracy, precision, or the ability to distinguish different glucosinolates or their products. This review examines the methods available for sample preparation, identification, and quantitation of glucosinolates in light of current knowledge of their diversity, distribution, and chemistry. Consideration is given to the suitability of methods for rapid screening or precise, discriminating measurement, and to the standardization of methodology and reporting of results.