Chromatography Research InternationalVolume 2012 (2012), Article ID 356216, 7 pagesdoi:10.1155/2012/356216

Research Article

Stability-Indicating RP-TLC/Densitometry Determination of Raloxifene Hydrochloride in Bulk Material and in Tablets

A. A. Shirkhedkar, J. K. Rajput, D. K. Rajput, and S. J. Surana

Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, R.C. Patel Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Karwand Naka, Shirpur, Dhule District 425 405, India

Received 15 February 2012; Accepted 16 March 2012

Academic Editor: Sibel A. Ozkan

Copyright © 2012 A. A. Shirkhedkar et al. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Abstract.

A stability-indicating RP-TLC/Densitometry method for analysis of Raloxifene hydrochloride both in bulk material and in tablets was developed and validated. Densitometric analysis of Raloxifene hydrochloride was carried out at 311 nm on TLC aluminium plates precoated with silica gel 60RP-18 S as the stationary phase and methanol : water : ammonia (95 : 05 : 0.1) as mobile phase. Raloxifene hydrochloride was well resolved at 0.55 ± 0.02. The linear regression analysis data for the calibration plots showed good linear relationship with with respect to peak area in the concentration range 100–600 ng per band. The mean value ± SD of slope and intercept was found to be and with respect to peak area. The limits of detection and quantification were 9.27 ng and 27.10 ng, respectively. Raloxifene hydrochloride was subjected to acid and alkali hydrolysis, oxidation, dry heat, and photodegradation. The drug underwent degradation under basic and oxidation conditions. This indicates that the drug is susceptible to alkali hydrolysis and oxidation. The proposed developed RP-TLC/Densitometry method can be applied for identification and quantitative determination of Raloxifene hydrochloride in bulk material and tablets.

1. Introduction

Raloxifene hydrochloride (RLX), [6-Hydroxy-2-(4-hydroxy-phenyl) benzo [b] thien-3-yl] [4-[2-(1-piperidinyl)-ethoxy] phenyl]-methanone-, hydrochloride (Figure 1) is a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) used in the treatment of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women [1]. Clinically, it is effective in the treatment of breast cancer [2, 3].

Figure 1: Chemical structure of Raloxifene hydrochloride (RLX).

Literature survey revealed that RLX was analyzed by HPLC [4–9], Stability-indicating UPLC [10], and several UV-spectrophotometric [11–14] in pharmaceutical formulations. Few methods such as LC-MS-MS [15] and HPLC [16] have been reported for estimation of RLX in biological samples. Although the RP-HPLC and UPLC procedures are accurate and effective means of assaying RLX, they are time and solvent consuming, and therefore, disadvantageous for serial estimation for a large number of samples [17]. However, the prominent application of HPTLC is that many samples can be run simultaneously using a small quantity of mobile phase unlike HPLC, thus reducing the analysis time and cost per analysis. In-reverse phase chromatography, polar mobile phase is used and the stationary phase is nonpolar. It is increasingly being experienced that different components of formulation which could not be resolved using normal-phase TLC could easily be resolved by reverse-phase TLC. Further, in RP-TLC, the impurities either at starting line or near the solvent front can be detected [18].

In view of the above factors, an HPTLC method was well thought-out, to be cheaper, faster, and sometimes more efficient than RP-HPLC and UPLC. From the literature survey, it is revealed that no stability-indicating RP-TLC/Densitometry method has been reported in the literature for analysis of RLX as bulk material or in pharmaceutical formulations.

Hence, the objective of the present investigation was to develop a simple stability-indicating RP-TLC/Densitometry method offering lower analysis time and less cost per analysis for estimation of RLX in bulk material and in tablets and to validate the method according to the ICH guidelines [19, 20].

2. Experimental

2.1. Chemicals and Reagents

Raloxifene hydrochloride (RLX) was procured from Cipla India Ltd, Mumbai, India. All chemicals and reagents used were of Analytical grade and were purchased from Merck Chemicals, India.

2.2. HPTLC Instrumentation

Chromatography was performed on aluminium plates precoated with Silica gel 60 RP-18 F₂₅₄ S (20 × 10 cm, E. Merck, Germany). The plates were prewashed with methanol and activated at 100°C for 10 min prior to chromatography. The samples were spotted in the form of bands of 6 mm width with a Camag microlitre syringe using a Camag Linomat 5 applicator with a constant rate of application, 150 nL per second. Linear ascending development with methanol : water : ammonia (95 : 05 : 0.1 v/v) as mobile phase was performed in a 20 × 10 cm twin-trough glass chamber (Camag), with tightly fitting lid, previously saturated with mobile phase vapour for 25 min at room temperature (25 ± 2°C). The development distance was 8 cm. After development, the plates were dried in current of air by an air dryer. Densitometric scanning was then performed at 311 nm with a Camag TLC Scanner 3 in absorbance mode operated by winCATS software. The source of radiation was a deuterium lamp. Slit dimensions were 5 mm × 0.45 mm and the scanning speed 20 mm per second.

2.3. Preparation of Stock Standard Solution and Linearity Study

Stock standard solution was prepared by dissolving 10 mg of RLX in 10 mL methanol. From it, appropriate volume 0.2–1.2 mL was transferred into six separate 10 mL volumetric flask and volume was made up to the mark with methanol. With the help of linomat 5 applicator, 5 L of each solution was applied on RP-TLC plates to obtain concentration in the range of 100 to 600 ng per band, developed and scanned as described above.

2.4. Preparation of Sample Solution

Twenty tablets (RALISTA, label claim: 60 mg of RLX per tablet) were weighed and crushed into fine powder. The quantity of powdered drug equivalent to 50 mg of RLX was weighed and transferred in 100 mL volumetric flask containing 50 mL methanol, sonicated for 10 min, volume was adjusted to mark and filtered using 0.45 μm filter (Millifilter, Milford, MA). From the filtrate 1.0 mL was further diluted to 10 mL with methanol. Appropriate volume 8 L was spotted for assay of RLX. The RP-TLC plates were developed and scanned as described above.

2.5. Method Validation

2.5.1. Precision

Repeatability of sample application and measurement of peak area were performed using six replicates of the same spot (400 ng per band of RLX). The intra, and interday variation for the estimation of RLX was carried out at three different concentration levels of 200, 300, and 500 ng per band.

2.5.2. Limit of Detection (LOD) and Limit of Quantification (LOQ)

In order to determine detection and quantification limit, RLX concentrations in the lower part of the linear range of the calibration curve were used. From the stock standard solution RLX 100, 120, 140, 160, 180, and 200 ng per band was applied in triplicate on RP-TLC plate. The LOD and LOQ were calculated using equation LOD = 3.3 × N/B and LOQ = 10 × N/B, where “N” is standard deviation of the peak areas of the drugs , taken as a measure of noise, and “B” is the slope of the corresponding calibration curve.

2.5.3. Specificity

The specificity of the method was checked by analyzing drug standard and sample. The band for RLX in sample was confirmed by comparing the Rf values and spectra of the band with that of standard. The peak purity of RLX was assessed by comparing the spectra at three different levels, that is, peak-start (S), peak-apex (M), and peak-end (E) positions of the band.

2.5.4. Ruggedness

Ruggedness of the method was performed by spotting 400 ng of RLX by two different analysts keeping same experimental and environmental conditions.

2.5.5. Accuracy

The preanalysed samples (200 ng per band) were spiked with extra 80, 100, and 120% of the standard RLX, and the mixture was then reanalysed by the proposed method. At each level of the amount, three determinations were performed. This was done to check the recovery of the drug at different levels in the formulations.

2.5.6. Robustness

By introducing small deliberate changes in the mobile-phase composition, the effects on the results were examined. Mobile phases having different composition of methanol : water : ammonia (96 : 4 : 0.1 v/v) and (94 : 6 : 0.1 v/v) were tried and chromatograms were run. The amount of mobile phase was varied in the range of ±2 mL. The plates were prewashed by methanol and activated at 100 ± 5°C for 5 and 15 min prior to chromatography. Time from spotting to chromatography and from chromatography to scanning was varied from 0, 20,40 min.

2.5.7. Stability of Sample Solution in Methanol and Mobile Phase

To assess the stability of RLX in methanol and mobile phase; the sample solutions were separately prepared in methanol and mobile phase and stored at room temperature for 24 (h). The sample solutions were assayed at an interval of 6 (h) for 24 (h).

2.5.8. Stability of Sample Solution on RP-TLC Plate

The sample solution was applied on RP-TLC plate, kept for 72 (h), and scanned at an interval of 12 (h) as described above.

2.6. Forced Degradation of RLX

2.6.1. Acid, Base and Oxidation Degradation

Accurately weighed quantity 10 mg of RLX was separately dissolved in 10 mL methanolic solution of 0.5 M HCl and 0.5 M NaOH and 3%  (v/v) hydrogen peroxide, respectively; solutions were kept for period of 12 (h) at room temperature in dark to avoid likely degradative effect of light. An appropriate volume 1.0 mL of above solution was taken, neutralized, and diluted up to 10 mL with methanol. The resultant solution was applied on RP-TLC plates in triplicates (5 μL each, i.e, 500 ng per band). The chromatogram was developed and scanned as described above.

2.6.2. Dry Heat Degradation

Accurately weighed quantity 10 mg of RLX stored at 80°C for 24 (h) in an oven. It was transferred to 10 mL volumetric flask containing methanol and volume was made up to the mark. The 1.0 mL of above solution was taken and diluted up to 10 mL with methanol. The resultant solution was applied on RP-TLC plate in triplicate (5 μL each, i.e, 500 ng per band). The chromatogram was developed and scanned as described above.

2.6.3. Photodegradation

Accurately weighed quantity 10 mg of RLX was dissolved in 10 mL methanol and solutions was kept for period of 24 (h) in light. An appropriate volume 1.0 mL of above solution was taken and diluted up to 10 mL with methanol. The resultant solution was applied on RP-TLC plate in triplicate (5 μL each, i.e, 500 ng per band). The chromatogram was developed and scanned as described above.

3. Results and Discussion

3.1. Development of Optimum Mobile Phase

For the selection of appropriate mobile phase for RLX, several runs were exercised using mobile phases containing solvents of varying polarity, at different concentration levels. Among the different mobile-phase combinations employed, the mobile phase consisting of methanol : water : ammonia (95 : 05 : 0.1 v/v) gave a sharp and well-defined peak at f value of 0.55 ± 0.02 (Figure 2). Well distinct bands were found when the chamber was saturated with the mobile phase for 25 min at room temperature.

Figure 2: Chromatogram of RLX standard (Rf: 0.55 ± 0.02) at 311 nm, in mobile phase methanol : water : ammonia (95 : 05 : 0.1 v/v).

3.2. Calibration Curve

The linear regression data for the calibration curves showed good linear relationship over the concentration range 100–600 ng per band. Linear regression equation was found to be (Figure 3).

Figure 3: Three dimensional chromatograms of RLX sample (100–600 ng per band).

3.3. Validation of Method

3.3.1. Precision

The precision of the developed method was represented in terms of % relative standard deviation (% RSD) of the peak area. The results depicted indicated high precision of the method are presented in Table 1.

Table 1: Repeatability and Intraday, Interday precision.

Parameters
Concentration ng per band
% Amount found
% RSD

Repeatability
400
100.94
1.67

Intraday
200
99.98
1.27

300
101.44
0.94

400
99.70
0.41

Interday
200
99.50
1.37

300
99.68
1.33

400
101.97
1.35

n: number of determinations.

3.3.2. LOD and LOQ

The LOD and LOQ were determined from the slope of the lowest part of the calibration plot. The LOD and LOQ were found to be 9.27 ng and 27.10 ng, respectively, which indicates the sensitivity of the method is adequate (Figure 4).

Figure 4: Calibration curve containing LOQ value as the lowest point.

3.3.3. Recovery Studies

The recovery studies were executed out at 80%, 100%, and 120% of the test concentration as per ICH guidelines. The % recovery of RLX at all the three levels was found to be satisfactory. The amounts of drug added and determined and the % recovery are listed in Table 2.

Table 2: Recovery studies.

Drug
Initial amount (ng per band)
Amount of drug standard added (%)
% Drug recovered
% RSD

RLX
200
0
100.20
1.2

200
80
99.78
1.2

200
100
99.74
1.4

200
120
100.57
1.5

n: number of determinations.

3.3.4. Specificity

The peak purity of RLX was assessed by comparing the spectra at peak-start, peak-apex, and peak-end positions of the band, that is, and . Good correlation was also obtained between drug standard and drug extracted from tablet formulation (Figure 5).

Figure 5: Peak purity spectra of RLX standard (a) and RLX extracted from tablets (b) scanned at peak-start, peak-apex and peak-end position.

3.3.5. Robustness of the Method

The standard deviation of peak areas was calculated for each parameter and % R.S.D. was found to be less than 2%. The low values of % RSD values indicate robustness of the method; results are shown in Table 3.

Table 3: Robustness of the method.

Parameter
±SD of peak area
% RSD

Mobile-phase composition: methanol : water : ammonia (96 : 04 : 0.1 v/v)
50.89
1.5

Mobile-phase composition: methanol : water : ammonia (94 : 06 : 0.1 v/v)
52.74
1.6

Mobile-phase volume (±2 mL)
47.91
1.4

Development distance (±0.5 cm)
44.03
1.3

Activation of TLC plate (±5 min)
48.84
0.9

Duration of saturation (±5min)
44.97
1.4

Time from spotting to chromatography (±10 min)
40.16
0.9

Time from chromatography to scanning (±10 min)
49.34
1.2

3.3.6. Solution Stability and Mobile Phase Stability

The stability study of RLX in methanol demonstrates no significant change in the chromatogram obtained.

Similarly, the stability study of RLX in mobile phase also does not show any noticeable change in the chromatogram.

3.3.7. Stability on Plate

No major changes were observed in chromagram when plate’s were scanned at 0, 12, 24, 36, 48, 72 (h) interval.

The validation of the method is summarized in Table 4.

Table 4: Summery of validation parameter.

Parameter data
RLX

Linearity range (ng per band)
100–600

Correlation coefficient ()
0.9969

Limit of detection (ng)
9.27

Limit of quantification (ng)
27.10

Recovery
99.74–100.57

Ruggedness (% RSD)

Analyst-I
1.53

Analyst-II
1.33

Precision (% RSD)

Repeatability of application
0.96–1.49

Interday
1.33–1.37

Intraday
0.41–1.27

Robustness
Robust

Specificity
Specific

3.4. Analysis of the Marketed Formulation

A single spot at Rf 0.55 ± 0.02 was observed in the chromatogram of the drug samples extracted from tablets. There was no interference from the excipients which routinely occur in the tablets. The mean % drug content was found to be 100.28% of the label claim.

3.5. Stability-Indicating Property

The results of the forced degradation study of RLX are summarized in Table 5. RLX showed degradation in alkali and oxidative conditions. In the base-induced degradation (0.5 M NaOH) study, RLX showed additional peaks at Rf values 0.32, 0.44, 0.70, and in oxidative degradation (3% (v/v) H₂O₂) RLX showed only one additional peak at Rf 0.64 (Figure 6). The spots of the degraded products were well separated from the drug spots. The peak purity spectra of RLX recovered after degradation in 0.5 M NaOH, 3% (v/v) H₂O2 and RLX standard scanned at peak-start, peak-apex, and peak-end positions of the spot are shown in (Figure 7).

Table 5: Summary of forced degradation studies.

Stress conditions
Time (h)
Recovery (%)
f   of degradants

0.5 M HCl
12
99.5
No degradants formed

0.5 M NaOH
12
80.2
0.32,0.44,0.70

3% (v/v) H₂O₂
12
91.45
0.64

Day light (8 (h)/day)
24
99.9
No degradants formed

Heat (80°C)
24
99.6
No degradants formed

(a)

(b)

Figure 6: RP-TLC chromatogram obtained from forced degradation studies. (a) Base degradation (0.5 M NaOH, 12 (h), RT) showing three degradants at Rf values 0.32, 0.44, and 0.70 for RLX. (b) Oxidative degradation (3% (v/v) H₂O₂, 12 (h), RT) showing one degradant at Rf values 0.64 for RLX.

Figure 7: Peak purity spectra of RLX recovered after degradation in 0.5 M NaOH, 3% (v/v) H₂O₂, degradants, and RLX standard scanned at peak-start, peak-apex, and peak-end positions.

No additional peaks were found in acid, dry heat, and photodegradation. Therefore, RLX is stable in acidic, dry heat, and photoconditions.

4. Conclusion

The developed method was found to be simple, rapid, selective, sensitive, and suitable for determination of Raloxifene hydrochloride in bulk material and pharmaceutical dosage forms without any interference from excipients. As the method is stability-indicating one, it can be used to determine the purity of the drug available from various sources by detecting the related impurities. Furthermore, it can be concluded that the impurities present in the drug could be due to hydrolysis or oxidation during processing and storage of the drug.

The proposed procedure fits precision and accuracy usually requested by official methods and can be used as a convenient alternative to HPLC analysis for quantitation of Raloxifene hydrochloride in both bulk and tablet dosage forms. Therefore, the proposed RP-TLC/Densitometry method can be used as an alternative tool in the drug quality control laboratories for quantitative determination of Raloxifene hydrochloride.

Acknowledgment

The authors are thankful to R.C. Patel Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Shirpur (MS), India, for providing the required facilities to carry out this research work.

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