Gas Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry for Quantitative Analysis of Pesticides in Sitopaladi Churna: Multi-Residue Method Development

Abstract

Pesticide residues are a consistent concern for consumers. A method validation study was conducted to analyze pesticide residues in Sitopaladi Churna using gas chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) in a multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode of electron impact (EI) determination. The method employed the QuEChERS (Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, and Safe) approach in compliance with European SANTE standards. Results fell within the specified criteria outlined in the validation guidelines. Validation parameters were assessed to confirm the method's suitability for the intended analysis. The optimized method was applied to detect residues of 55 pesticides in the herbal formulation 'Sitopaladi Churna,' with maximum residue limits (MRLs) defined in the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (API). Notably, the method demonstrated high effectiveness, providing accurate results (70–120.0%) with precision (<20%) at three concentrations (10 μg/kg, 25 μg/kg, and 100 μg/kg). Limits of quantification (LOQs) were 5 μg/kg, and limits of detection (LODs) were 2 μg/kg. The analysis exhibited strong linearity with a regression coefficient exceeding 0.99 for all compounds. Consequently, this method can be employed for the determination of 55 pesticides in Sitopaladi Churna, as well as similar matrices, to analyze pesticide residues.