Direct analysis in real time mass spectrometry (DART-MS) for rapid screening of Carpaine in Carica papaya leaf products.

Carpaine, a major alkaloid present in Carica papaya leaves, has been shown to increase platelet counts in patients suffering from thrombocytopenia. Numerous commercial papaya leaf products are available, but few provide proper bioactive ingredient information. We present herein a technique for rapid screening of carpaine in these products using DART-MS.