LC/MS characterization of phenolic constituents of mate (Ilex paraguariensis, St. Hil.) and its antioxidant activity compared to commonly consumed beverages

Profiling and characterization by LC-MSn of the chlorogenic acids and hydroxycinnamoylshikimate esters in maté (Ilex paraguariensis)

The chlorogenic acids of mate (Ilex paraguariensis) have been investigated qualitatively by LC-MS(n). Forty-two chlorogenic acids were detected and all characterized to regioisomeric level on the basis of their fragmentation pattern in tandem MS spectra, 24 of them for the first time from this source. Both chlorogenic acids based on trans- and cis-cinnamic acid substituents were identified. Assignment to the level of individual regioisomers was possible for eight caffeoylquinic acids (1-8), five dicaffeoylquinic acids (20-24), six feruloylquinic acids (9-14), two diferuloyl quinic acids (25 and 26), five p-coumaroylquinic acids (15-19), four caffeoyl-p-coumaroylquinic acids (34-37), seven caffeoyl-feruloylquinic acids (27-33), three caffeoyl-sinapoylquinic acids (38-40), one tricaffeoylquinic acid (41), and one dicaffeoyl-feruloylquinic acid (42). Furthermore, four caffeoylshikimates (43-46), three dicaffeoylshikimates (47-49), one tricaffeoylshikimate (51), and one feruloylshikimate (50) have been detected and shown to possess characteristic tandem MS spectra and were assigned by comparison to reference standards.

Methylxanthines and phenolics content extracted during the consumption of mate (Ilex paraguariensis St. Hil) beverages

"Chimarrao" and "terere" are popular beverages consumed in South America prepared using mate (Ilex paraguariensis St. Hil.). "Chimarrao" consists of a partial infusion where hot water is added, while "terere" is a total infusion, with addition of cold water. This study was designed to simulate preparation of these beverages for consumption, in order to estimate the total amount of xanthines and phenolic compounds in aqueous extracts that would be ingested by the consumer. Different commercial types of mate were employed for "chimarrao" preparation (native, smooth, traditional, and course-ground), and these were compared to "terere". In "chimarrao", beverages from coarse-ground mate showed the highest levels of xanthines. However, "terere" presented quantities 2.5 times higher than the beverage of the coarse-ground mate. Considering the total phenolics in "chimarrao", there was no difference between the types of herbs, but in "terere", the extraction of almost all of the phenolics was observed.

Simultaneous determination of phenolic acids and flavonoids in Lycium barbarum Linnaeus by HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS

A high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detection-mass spectrometry method with electrospray ionization mode (HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS) was developed for simultaneous determination of phenolic acids and flavonoids in fruits of Lycium barbarum Linnaeus, a widely used traditional Chinese herb possessing vital biological activity. Both phenolic acids and flavonoids were extracted with 50% ethanol and purified using a polymeric solid phase extraction cartridge followed by HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS analysis. By employing a Vydac C18 column, a total of 52 phenolic acids and flavonoids were separated within 70min using a gradient mobile phase of 0.5% (v/v) formic acid in water and acetonitrile-water (94:6, v/v) with flow rate at 1mL/min, column temperature at 30 degrees C and detection wavelength at 280nm. Of 52 compounds, 15 phenolic acids and flavonoids were positively identified based on both absorption and mass spectra, with the remaining 37 tentatively identified by comparison of absorption spectra with reported values in the literature. Internal standards 3-hydroxybenzoic acid and hesperidin were used for quantitation of phenolic acids and flavonoids, respectively. Among the 15 positively identified compounds, quercetin-rhamno-di-hexoside was present in largest mass fraction (438.6microg/g), followed by quercetin-3-O-rutinoside (281.3microg/g), dicaffeoylquinic acid isomers (250.1microg/g), chlorogenic acid (237.0microg/g), quercetin-di-(rhamnohexoside) (117.5microg/g), quercetin-di-(rhamno)-hexoside (116.8mug/g), kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside (97.7microg/g), isorhamnetin-3-O-rutinoside (72.1microg/g), p-coumaric acid (64.0microg/g), caffeic acid (23.7microg/g) and vanillic acid (22.8microg/g).

Comparison of major phenolic constituents and in vitro antioxidant activity of diverse Kudingcha genotypes from Ilex kudingcha, Ilex cornuta, and Ligustrum robustum

A total of seven Kudingcha genotypes from three plant species (Ilex kudingcha, Ilex cornuta, and Ligustrum robustum) with different geographic origins in China were investigated for their major phenolic compounds, individual and total phenolics contents, and in vitro antioxidant properties (ABTS, DPPH, FRAP, and OH assays). LC-PDA-APCI-MS analysis showed that Kudingcha genotypes from Ilex and Ligustrum had entirely different phenolic profiles. Major phenolics in Kudingcha genotypes from two Ilex species were mono- and dicaffeoylquinic acids, whereas those in a Kudingcha genotype from Ligustrum were phenylethanoid and monoterpenoid glycosides. All Kudingcha genotypes of Ilex exhibited significantly stronger antioxidant capacities than that of Ligustrum. Within six Ilex genotypes, great variation existed in their composition of individual phenolic compounds and their antioxidant properties. The comparative data and LC fingerprints obtained in this study may provide useful information for screening and breeding of better Kudingcha genotypes and also for their authentication and quality control.

HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS/MS analysis and antioxidant activities of nonanthocyanin phenolics in mulberry (Morus alba L.)

Qualitative analysis of the nonanthocyanin phenolics from 2 mulberry cultivars, da-10 and hongguo, was performed by the HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS/MS method. Six nonanthocyanin phenolics compounds were identified (procatechuic acid, chlorogenic acid, 4-caffeolyquinic acid, taxifolin, rutin, quercetin) and 3 others (3,5-diCQA, taxifolin-hexoside, kamepferol-hexoside) were tentatively identified. Quantification of nonanthocyanin phenolic was performed by HPLC-DAD, which revealed that rutin (111.38 and 90.79 microg/g FW) was the major nonanthocyanin phenolics in the 2 mulberry cultivars. Phenolic acids in cultivar da-10 (54.68 microg/g FW) were far more than in cultivar hongguo (14.93 microg/g FW). CQA and its isomers (40.02 microg/g FW) were the major phenolic acid in cultivar da-10. The nonanthocyanin phenolics in the 2 cultivars of mulberry had higher antiradical activities in superoxide anion and DPPH radical and antioxidant activity in beta-CLAMS assay than the Trolox. These results were relevant to not only the control of color stability and organoleptic characteristics of mulberry juice and wine but also the exploitation of the functional foods made from mulberry.

Yerba Maté (Ilex paraguariensis) aqueous extract decreases intestinal SGLT1 gene expression but does not affect other biochemical parameters in alloxan-diabetic Wistar rats

Yerba maté (Ilex paraguariensis) is rich in polyphenols, especially chlorogenic acids. Evidence suggests that dietary polyphenols could play a role in glucose absorption and metabolism. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antidiabetic properties of yerba maté extract in alloxan-induced diabetic Wistar rats. Animals (n = 41) were divided in four groups: nondiabetic control (NDC, n = 10), nondiabetic yerba maté (NDY, n = 10), diabetic control (DC, n = 11), and diabetic yerba maté (DY, n = 10). The intervention consisted in the administration of yerba maté extract in a 1 g extract/kg body weight dose for 28 days; controls received saline solution only. There were no significant differences in serum glucose, insulin, and hepatic glucose-6-phosphatase activity between the groups that ingested yerba maté extract (NDY and DY) and the controls (NDC and DC). However, the intestinal SGLT1 gene expression was significantly lower in animals that received yerba maté both in upper (p = 0.007) and middle (p < 0.001) small intestine. These results indicate that bioactive compounds present in yerba maté might be capable of interfering in glucose absorption, by decreasing SGLT1 expression.

Effect of growing and drying conditions on the phenolic composition of mate teas (Ilex paraguariensis)

Mate tea ( Ilex paraguariensis) has been used for centuries and is widely consumed in Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay. The aim of the present study was to determine how growing and drying conditions affect the phenolic concentration and antioxidant capacity of 15 Mate teas from forest or plantation cultivations, dried either with hot air or wood smoke. The total polyphenol concentration determined with Folin-Ciocalteu ranged from 100.3 +/- 5.5 to 179.7 +/- 3.6 mg equiv chlorogenic acid/g dry leaves. The antioxidant capacity according to the oxygen radical absorbance capacity assay ranged from 1.5 +/- 0.3 to 4.1 +/- 0.1 mmol Trolox equiv/g dry leaves. Ten phenolic compounds were identified and correlated with antioxidant capacity ( R (2) = 0.80). Principle component analysis and multivariate linear regression were conducted to assess the effect of growing and drying conditions. Sun-exposed (plantation grown) Mate teas exhibited higher levels of all polyphenols as compared to shaded (forest grown) Mate teas ( P < 0.05). Lower rainfall, temperature, and drying conditions had varying effects on the phenolics. On average, plantation grown Mate teas had a greater concentration of phenolics than forest grown teas. Thus, plantation grown Mate teas represent better potential sources for their commercial extraction.

Protection of human HepG2 cells against oxidative stress by cocoa phenolic extract

Cocoa is a rich source of flavanols and procyanidin oligomers with antioxidative properties, providing protection against oxidation and nitration. The present study investigated the potential protective effect of a polyphenolic extract from cocoa on cell viability and antioxidant defenses of cultured human HepG2 cells submitted to oxidative stress induced by tert-butylhydroperoxide (t-BOOH). Pretreatment of cells with 0.05-50 microg/mL of cocoa polyphenolic extract (CPE) for 2 or 20 h completely prevented cell damage and enhanced activity of antioxidant enzymes induced by a treatment with t-BOOH. Moreover, lower levels of GSH caused by t-BOOH in HepG2 cells were partly recovered by a pretreatment with CPE. Increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced by t-BOOH was dose-dependently prevented when cells were pretreated for 2 or 20 h with CPE. These results show that treatment of HepG2 in culture with CPE (within the physiological range of concentrations) confers a significant protection against oxidation to the cells.

Chemical characterization of candy made of Erva-Mate (Ilex paraguariensis A. St. Hil.) residue

The aim of this work was to evaluate the chemical properties of the residues from erva-mate processing and also to determine the candy-making performance with addition of residues from erva-mate on consumers' acceptance and purchase intent of this new product. The candies containing different amounts of mate powder were evaluated through overall acceptability test and purchase intent. Mate powder showed high contents of dietary fiber, total ash, and total polyphenols. The total dietary fiber content of the mate candies ranged from 5.7 to 6.29% on a dry matter basis. Supplementation with mate powder caused significant increases in polyphenol and mineral contents of mate candies. The incorporation of mate powder increased the hardness of the candies and produced desirable results in their nutritional characteristics. The sensory tests indicated that mate candies were acceptable and approved in relation to purchase intent.

Chemical characterisation of non-defective and defective green arabica and robusta coffees by electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (ESI-MS)

The coffee roasted in Brazil is considered to be of low quality, due to the presence of defective coffee beans that depreciate the beverage quality. These beans, although being separated from the non-defective ones prior to roasting, are still commercialized in the coffee trading market. Thus, it was the aim of this work to verify the feasibility of employing ESI-MS to identify chemical characteristics that will allow the discrimination of Arabica and Robusta species and also of defective and non-defective coffees. Aqueous extracts of green (raw) defective and non-defective coffee beans were analyzed by direct infusion electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) and this technique provided characteristic fingerprinting mass spectra that not only allowed for discrimination of species but also between defective and non-defective coffee beans. ESI-MS profiles in the positive mode (ESI(+)-MS) provided separation between defective and non-defective coffees within a given species, whereas ESI-MS profiles in the negative mode (ESI(-)-MS) provided separation between Arabica and Robusta coffees.

Yerba Mate Tea (Ilex paraguariensis): a comprehensive review on chemistry, health implications, and technological considerations

Yerba Mate tea, an infusion made from the leaves of the tree Ilex paraguariensis, is a widely consumed nonalcoholic beverage in South America which is gaining rapid introduction into the world market, either as tea itself or as ingredient in formulated foods or dietary supplements. The indigenous people have used it for centuries as a social and medicinal beverage. Yerba Mate has been shown to be hypocholesterolemic, hepatoprotective, central nervous system stimulant, diuretic, and to benefit the cardiovascular system. It has also been suggested for obesity management. Yerba Mate protects DNA from oxidation and in vitro low-density lipoprotein lipoperoxidation and has a high antioxidant capacity. It has also been reported that Yerba Mate tea is associated to both the prevention and the cause of some types of cancers. Yerba Mate has gained public attention outside of South America, namely the United States and Europe, and research on this tea has been expanding. This review presents the usage, chemistry, biological activities, health effects, and some technological considerations for processing of Yerba Mate tea. Furthermore, it assesses in a concise and comprehensive way the potential of Ilex paraguariensis as a source of biological compounds for the nutraceutical industry.

Characterization of active phenolic components in the ethanolic extract of Ananas comosus L. leaves using high-performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection and tandem mass spectrometry

HPLC-DAD-MS was utilized to investigate the phytochemical constituents in ethanolic extract of Ananas comosus L. leaves (EEACL) responsible for antidiabetic, antihyperlipidemic and antioxidative effects. Eight phenylpropane diglycerides, together with two hydroxycinnamic acids, three hydroxycinnamoyl quinic acids, four phenylpropane monoglycerides, three flavones and six phenylpropanoid glycosides were detected, and their proposed structures were elucidated based on HPLC retention time, UV and MS profiles. Meanwhile, a new HPLC-DAD-MS method was established for the identification and characterization of phenylpropane diglycerides in natural plants.

Phytotoxic effects of cyanobacteria extract on the aquatic plant Lemna gibba: microcystin accumulation, detoxication and oxidative stress induction

The occurrence of toxic cyanobacteria in the aquatic environment constitutes a serious risk for the ecological balance and the functioning of ecosystems. The presence of cyanotoxins in ecosystems could have eventual adverse effects on aquatic plants, which play an important biological role as primary producers. The original aim of this study was to investigate microcystin (MC) accumulation, detoxication and oxidative stress induction in the free-floating aquatic vascular plant Lemna gibba (Duckweed, Lemnaceae). Experiments were carried out with a range of MC levels, obtained from toxic Microcystis culture extracts (0.075, 0.15, 0.22 and 0.3 microg equiv.MC-LR mL(-1)). During chronic exposure of the plant to MC, we examined the growth, photosynthetic pigment contents and also the physiological behavior related to toxin accumulation, possible biodegradation and stress oxidative processes of L. gibba. For the last reason, changes in peroxidase activity and phenol compound content were determined. This is a first report using phenol compounds as indicators of biotic stress induced by MC contamination in aquatic plants. Following MC exposure, a significant decrease of plant growth and chlorophyll content was observed. Also, it was demonstrated that L. gibba could take up and bio-transform microcystins. A suspected MC degradation metabolite was detected in treated Lemna cells. In response to chronic contamination with MCs, changes in the peroxidase activity and qualitative and quantitative changes in phenolic compounds were observed after 24h of plant exposure. The physiological effects induced by chronic exposure to microcystins confirm that in aquatic ecosystems plants coexisting with toxic cyanobacterial blooms may suffer an important negative ecological impact. This may represent a sanitary risk due to toxin bioaccumulation and biotransfer through the food chain.