UHPLC–QToF‐MS Driven Discovery and HPTLC Driven Validation of Lancerin: A Novel Xanthone From Swertia chirayita

Swertia chirayita , a pivotal species in the Swertia genus, embraces a prominent place in traditional Indian Ayurveda, documented for its historical use in medicinal practices. The present study focuses on unraveling the bioactive constituents of this botanical, with emphasis on xanthones. The key finding of this study is the novel detection of lancerin, a xanthone that has not previously been reported in any species of the genus Swertia . This identification was accomplished using a highly sensitive ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography–quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC–QToF‐MS) analytical platform. Subsequent to lancerin identification, precise quantification was achieved using validated high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) (photodiode array [PDA] detection) and high performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) (UV) methods at 262 nm. These analytical methods were validated as per ICH Q2(R1) guidelines, with demonstrated specificity, suitability, linearity ( r > 0.999), precision, and accuracy. In methanolic extract of S. chirayita aerial parts, lancerin was quantified as 0.49% (w/w) and 0.48% (w/w) using HPLC and HPTLC methods, respectively. The established limits of detection and quantification for lancerin indicated robust method sensitivity. Besides quantitative significance, the presence of lancerin holds vital importance in combating potential adulteration issues, as lancerin could be used as the marker compound in S. chirayita extract's phytochemical specifications. The current cutting‐edge analytical methods help in lancerin identification and quantification and are therefore crucial for conserving the integrity of the invaluable botanical resources, in the realm of traditional medicine.