Altitudinal variation of valtrate in Valeriana jatamansi D. Don from the Western Himalaya using High-Performance Thin-Layer Chromatography (HPTLC).

Valtrate (C22H30O8), an iridoid ester of the valepotriate group, is the principal bioactive compound of Valeriana jatamansi D. Don responsible for its anxiolytic and nervine properties. In the present study, a rapid and reliable High-Performance Thin-Layer Chromatography (HPTLC) method was developed, optimised, and validated for quantification of valtrate and assessment of variation in valtrate content among geographically distinct populations. Root extracts were analysed on silica gel 60 F254 plates using petroleum-ether (60-80 °C): ethyl methyl ketone (8:2, v/v) as the mobile-phase, with densitometric detection at 254 nm. The method showed good linearity (200-800 ng/spot; R2 = 0.96), and a recovery of 98.2%. Valtrate content varied significantly (0.22-0.78%) across populations, with the highest levels in Hatu Peak, Jalori Pass, and Narkanda, indicating ecological influence on metabolite accumulation. The validated method proved effective for rapid phytochemical profiling and quality control of V. jatamansi.