Characterization and identification of Labisia pumila by multi-steps infrared spectroscopy

This study investigated the feasibility of employing multi-steps IR spectroscopy combined with chemometrics in the authentication of three closely related varieties of Labisia pumila (L. pumila var. pumila, L. pumila var. alata and L. pumila var. lanceolata). A total of 84 samples consisted of 24 samples of L. pumila var. pumila, 42 samples of L. pumila var. alata and 18 samples of L. pumila var. lanceolata were collected from seven locations throughout Peninsular Malaysia for comparative IR analysis. The IR spectra were further grouped based on their varieties and locations by principal component analysis (PCA). Additionally, the second derivative IR and 2D-IR correlation spectra obtained through thermal perturbation were able to enhance the discriminant analysis of the three varieties more effectively. Consequently, the macroscopic IR spectroscopy associated with chemometrics has been found to be a useful and nondestructive approach in the first stage of quality control to characterize and identify the herbal materials.

► Comparison of the 1D-IR spectra of three closely related varieties of Labisia pumila.
► 1D-IR spectra associated with PCA as a tool for authentication of L. pumila.
► 2D-correlation analysis provided additional information for further differentiation.
► Results provided a new and rapid analysis for the authentication of L. pumila.