Myrcene Analysis Service

What is Myrcene?

Myrcene, scientifically known as β-myrcene, is a monoterpene hydrocarbon with the chemical formula C₁₀H₁₆. It is characterized by its distinct earthy, musky, and herbal aroma. This compound is commonly found in the essential oils of various plants, including hops, lemongrass, and cannabis. Myrcene is believed to contribute to the "sedative" or "couch-lock" effects often associated with certain cannabis strains.

The need for qualitative and quantitative analysis of myrcene arises due to its widespread applications in different sectors. In industries such as perfumery and flavoring, the precise characterization of myrcene content is essential for developing fragrances and flavors with consistent profiles. In the pharmaceutical industry, myrcene plays a crucial role in the formulation of drugs and is essential for quality control and regulatory compliance.

Creative Proteomics offers a comprehensive suite of myrcene analysis services designed to meet the specific needs of various industries.

Myrcene Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis Services Offered by Creative Proteomics

• Myrcene Qualitative Analysis: We employ cutting-edge analytical techniques to confirm the presence of myrcene in various samples, ensuring accurate identification.
• Myrcene Quantitative Analysis: Our team provides precise quantification of myrcene content, delivering detailed measurements of its concentration in different sample types.
• Isomeric Analysis: We can differentiate between isomeric forms of myrcene, offering a deeper understanding of its structural variations.
• Sample Matrix Compatibility: Our experts are skilled in adapting myrcene analysis to various sample matrices, ensuring versatility in our analytical approach.
• Customized Analysis Solutions: We offer tailored analysis solutions to accommodate unique client requirements, allowing for flexibility in addressing specific research objectives.

Myrcene Analytical Techniques

Analyzing myrcene using mass spectrometry is a highly effective approach due to its ability to provide precise identification and quantification. We are equipped with the following instrumentation:

1. Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS)

Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) is a widely employed technique for the analysis of myrcene. It combines the separation power of gas chromatography with the specificity of mass spectrometry. The following are examples of instrument models commonly used in GC-MS myrcene analysis:

• Agilent 7890B Gas Chromatograph coupled with Agilent 5977A Mass Spectrometer: This high-performance GC-MS system is equipped with a highly sensitive mass spectrometer, enabling the identification and quantification of myrcene in complex mixtures.
• Thermo Fisher Trace 1310 Gas Chromatograph with Thermo Fisher ISQ LT Mass Spectrometer: This GC-MS system offers robust performance for myrcene analysis, providing accurate results for both qualitative and quantitative assessment.

2. Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS)

Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS) is a versatile technique suitable for the analysis of myrcene in liquid samples. Below are examples of instrument models frequently utilized in LC-MS myrcene analysis:

• Waters Acquity UPLC coupled with Waters Xevo TQ-XS Triple Quadrupole Mass Spectrometer: This LC-MS system is equipped with a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer, enabling highly sensitive and specific analysis of myrcene in liquid samples.
• Shimadzu Nexera X2 UHPLC coupled with Shimadzu LCMS-8060 Triple Quadrupole Mass Spectrometer: This LC-MS system offers exceptional analytical performance, making it well-suited for myrcene analysis in various applications.

List of Analyzed Myrcenes, including but not limited to

Creative Proteomics offers comprehensive limonene analysis services, not limited to D-limonene but extending to various limonene derivatives and isomers. Here is a list of some limonene variants we can analyze:

Sample Requirements for Myrcene Assay

Applications of Myrcene Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis

Perfumery and Flavoring

• Consistent Fragrance Profiles: Myrcene analysis enables perfumers and flavorists to maintain the consistency and quality of fragrances and flavors, ensuring that products have the desired aromatic profiles.
• Formulation Development: Myrcene content data aids in the development of new scents and flavors, allowing for the creation of unique and appealing fragrance combinations.

Pharmaceuticals

• Drug Formulation: Myrcene is used as an ingredient in pharmaceutical formulations. Qualitative and quantitative analysis ensures that pharmaceutical products meet regulatory standards and quality control requirements.
• Therapeutic Potential: Myrcene analysis supports research on the therapeutic potential of myrcene in drug development, including anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.

Agriculture

• Crop Improvement: Analyzing myrcene content in crops helps in the selection and development of plant strains with desirable aromas, flavors, and improved resistance to pests.
• Plant Physiology Research: Researchers can use myrcene analysis to gain a better understanding of the role of myrcene in plant physiology and its impact on plant growth.

Food and Beverage

• Enhancing Aroma and Taste: Myrcene content analysis contributes to the enhancement of aroma and taste in various food and beverage products, including spirits, liqueurs, and confectionery.

Research and Botany

• Botanical Studies: Myrcene analysis is essential for botanical research to understand its distribution in the plant kingdom and its ecological and physiological roles.
• Environmental Studies: It is used in environmental studies to evaluate the impact of myrcene-producing plants on local ecosystems.

If you would like to analyze other terpenes or learn more, please contact us. We look forward to working with you.

Case: Comparative Analysis of Brazilian and American Cascade Hops: Chemical Composition and Antioxidant Activity

Background

Hops, specifically the Cascade variety, are commonly used in the beer industry for bitterness, aroma, and shelf life enhancement. Hops have been explored for their potential use in medicine, as well as in various products like shampoos and flavored waters. The chemical composition of hops includes a range of phenolic compounds, terpenes, and essential oils.

Samples

The study analyzed samples of Cascade hops from Brazil (BH) and the USA (UH). BH samples were harvested in São Bento do Sapucaí, Brazil, and were in the form of cones. UH samples were in the form of pellets. Various physicochemical properties were analyzed, and the content of phenolic compounds was assessed.

Technical Methods

• Physicochemical analysis included measuring moisture, protein content, lipids, ash, crude fiber, and carbohydrate.
• Identification and quantification of phenolic compounds were performed using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry.
• The essential oil composition of hops was determined through gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.
• Antioxidant activity was assessed using DPPH and ABTS radical inhibition assays.

Results

• Physicochemical analysis revealed significant differences between BH and UH in terms of carbohydrate, crude fiber, lipid, protein, ash, and moisture content.
• The study identified and quantified various phenolic compounds in both samples, with protocatechuic acid, isoquercitrin, and ferulic acid being major constituents.
• The essential oil profile for Brazilian Cascade hops (BHO) included trans-b-farnesene as a major compound.
• Both BHO and UHO exhibited high antioxidant activity, with BHO showing nearly double the antioxidant capacity compared to UHO. This was attributed to the higher concentration of phenolic compounds in BHO.

Reference

1. da Rosa Almeida, Aline, et al. "Brazilian grown cascade hop (Humulus Lupulus L.): LC-ESI-MS-MS and GC-MS analysis of chemical composition and antioxidant activity of extracts and essential oils." Journal of the American Society of Brewing Chemists 79.2 (2021): 156-166.