RESUMEN
ABSTRACT A validated method for the identification and authentication of tingenone and pristimerin was developed using HPLC. The chromatographic profile analysis was combined with simultaneous quantification in Crossopetalum rhacoma Crantz, Cassine xylocarpa Vent, Semialarium mexicanum (Miers) Mennega (known as cancerina), and Maytenus phyllanthoides Benth, through microwave-assisted extraction. The HPLC profiles of the four analyzed species showed three similar signals, which corresponded to the main chemotaxonomic markers of the Celastraceae family: quinonemethide triterpenes. HPLC profile analysis was used as a tool to identify the relationship with the quinonemethide triterpenes, for establishing the taxonomic position of some species whose placement in, or within, the Celastraceae family is uncertain.