Direct identification of phenolic constituents in Boldo Folium (Peumus boldus Mol.) infusions by high-performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection and electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry

Isolation, NMR Characterization, and Bioactivity of a Flavonoid Triglycoside from Anthyllis henoniana Stems: Antioxidant and Antiproliferative Effects on MDA-MB-231 Breast Cancer Cells

Plant extracts are considered as a large source of active biomolecules, especially in phytosanitary and pharmacological fields. Anthyllis henoniana is a woody Saharan plant located in the big desert of North Africa. Our previous research paper proved the richness of the methanol extract obtained from the stems in flavonoids and phenolic compounds as well as its remarkable antioxidant activity. In this research, we started by investigating the phytochemical composition of the methanol extract using high performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Among the 41 compounds identified, we isolated and characterized (structurally and functionally) the most abundant product, a flavonoid triglycoside (AA770) not previously described in this species. This compound, which presents no cytotoxic activity, exhibits an interesting cellular antioxidant effect by reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and an antiproliferative action on breast cancer cells. This study provides a preliminary investigation into the pharmacological potential of the natural compound AA770, isolated and identified from Anthyllis henoniana for the first time.

Potential Surviving Effect of Cleome droserifolia Extract against Systemic Staphylococcus aureus Infection: Investigation of the Chemical Content of the Plant

The increasing rates of morbidity and mortality owing to bacterial infections, particularly Staphylococcus aureus have necessitated finding solutions to face this issue. Thus, we elucidated the phytochemical constituents and antibacterial potential of Cleome droserifolia extract (CDE). Using LC-ESI-MS/MS, the main phytoconstituents of CDE were explored, which were kaempferol-3,7-O-bis-alpha-L-rhamnoside, isorhamnetin, cyanidin-3-glucoside, kaempferide, kaempferol-3-O-alpha-L-rhamnoside, caffeic acid, isoquercitrin, quinic acid, isocitrate, mannitol, apigenin, acacetin, and naringenin. The CDE exerted an antibacterial action on S. aureus isolates with minimum inhibitory concentrations ranging from 128 to 512 µg/mL. Also, CDE exhibited antibiofilm action using a crystal violet assay. A scanning electron microscope was employed to illuminate the effect of CDE on biofilm formation, and it considerably diminished S. aureus cell number in the biofilm. Moreover, qRT-PCR was performed to study the effect of CDE on biofilm gene expression (cna, fnbA, and icaA). The CDE revealed a downregulating effect on the studied biofilm genes in 43.48% of S. aureus isolates. Regarding the in vivo model, CDE significantly decreased the S. aureus burden in the liver and spleen of CDE-treated mice. Also, it significantly improved the mice's survival and substantially decreased the inflammatory markers (interleukin one beta and interleukin six) in the studied tissues. Furthermore, CDE has improved the histology and tumor necrosis factor alpha immunohistochemistry in the liver and spleen of the CDE-treated group. Thus, CDE could be considered a promising candidate for future antimicrobial drug discovery studies.

Optimization and Validation of Procyanidins Extraction and Phytochemical Profiling of Seven Herbal Matrices of Nutraceutical Interest

Several medicinal herbal plants are extensively used as sources of bioactive compounds with beneficial effects on human health. This study assessed the procyanidin and polyphenol profiles together with the antioxidant potential of seven herbal medical matrices. To achieve this aim, procyanidin extraction from grape pomace was optimized and validated by monitoring monomeric-trimeric procyanidins. The proposed quantification method was applied to the seven medical herbs, and it proved to be a very efficient protocol for procyanidin-rich extracts analysis. In addition, the Paullinia cupana Kunth. seed was identified as a very rich source of procyanidins (about 5 mg/g dry matrix of each dimeric and about 3 mg/g dry matrix trimeric) with high antioxidant properties. The polyphenolic profile was assessed by HPLC-HESI-MS/MS analysis. The in vitro antioxidant activity was evaluated by DPPH assay to explore the antioxidant properties of the extracts, which were substantially higher in Peumus boldus Molina leaves extracts (935.23 ± 169 μmol of Trolox equivalent/g of dry weight) concerning the other matrices. Moreover, a high Pearson coefficient value was observed between the total flavonoid content (TFC) and DPPH in comparison with the total polyphenol content (TPC) and DPPH, indicating flavonoids as the principal bioactive with antioxidant activity in the extracts.

Changes in phenolic profile and anti-inflammatory activity of Baccharis beebread during gastrointestinal digestion/intestinal permeability in vitro

Knowledge about the fate of beebread bioactive compounds throughout the human gastrointestinal tract are scarce. The present study aimed at assessing the effects of gastrointestinal digestion followed by intestinal permeability in vitro on phenolic profile and anti-inflammatory activity of Baccharis beebread. Palynological analysis confirmed the beebread is predominantly composed by pollen grains from Baccharis species, which are endemic in south and southeast Brazil. Flavonols and phenylamides were found in beebread hydroalcoholic extract by HPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS analysis. Moreover, simulated digestion lead to compounds' breakage, releasing both aglycones from glycosylated flavonols and p-coumaric acid, but not caffeic acid from phenylamides. Only spermidines crossed the Caco-2 cell monolayer, possibly due to spermine oxidation. Free p-coumaric acid was released after digestion, and epithelial transport. Concomitantly, NF-κΒ activation and TNF-α level was decreased by beebread even after Caco-2 transport, which indicates spermidines conjugated with p-coumaric acid may be bioavailable compounds with anti-inflammatory activity.

Antioxidant capacity and inhibition of metabolic syndrome-associated enzymes by Cryptocarya alba fruits

The fruits of the native tree Cryptocarya alba Mol. (Lauraceae), known as "peumo" were consumed by the Mapuche Amerindians in Chile both raw and after boiling. The aim of this work was to compare the content of phenolic, procyanidins, antioxidant capacity and inhibition of enzymes related with metabolic syndrome (α-glucosidase, α-amylase and pancreatic lipase) from the phenolic enriched extracts (PEEs) of peumo fruits. Fruits were collected during two years in three different places in central Chile and were investigated raw, boiled, and after separation into cotyledons and peel. The water resulting from the fruit decoction was also analyzed. The composition of the PEE was assessed by HPLC-DAD-MS/MS and the main compounds were quantified by HPLC. The strong inhibitory effect on α-glucosidase, with IC50 values below 1 µg/mL for several samples, was related, at least in part, to the content of 3-caffeoylquinic acid, 5-caffeoylquinic acid and (-)-epicatechin. The effect of the PEE on pancreatic lipase is of interest and can be partially explained by the (-)-epicatechin content. PCA analyses showed a clear separation of the samples according to the fruit parts and processing. However, no differences by geographic origin were observed. The activity of peumo PEEs on enzymes related to metabolic syndrome and its antioxidant capacity support further studies on the health promoting properties of this native Chilean food plant.

Eremophila purpurascens: Anti-oxidant, Anti-hyperglycemic, and Hepatoprotective Potential of Its Polyphenolic Rich Leaf Extract and Its LC-ESI-MS/MS Chemical Characterization and Standardization

The genus Eremophila, despite comprising more than 250 species, has scarce literature studies that could be traced concerning the chemical profile and bioactivity of Eremophila purpurascens. The current study targets the investigation of the in vitro and in vivo anti-oxidant, anti-hyperglycemic, and hepatoprotective potential of the polyphenol-rich leaf extract of E. purpurascens (EP). EP showed promising total anti-oxidant capacity with IC50 values of 106 and 114 μg/mL in 2,2'-azinobis [3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid]-diammonium salt (ABTS) and diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assays, respectively, with total anti-oxidant capacities of 331, 245, and 1767 μmol/g in ABTS, DPPH, and ferric reducing anti-oxidant power assays, respectively. In HepG2 cells, pre-treated with CCl4, a dose of 100 μg/mL EP ameliorated the reduced superoxide dismutase and glutathione levels and total anti-oxidant capacity with values of 312.5 U/mL, 15.47 mg/dL, and 1.03 nmol/mL, respectively. In vitro anti-diabetic evaluation using 3T3-L1 adipocyte culture showed that at a dose of 30 μg/mL, the EP extract elicited a 6.3% decrease in the concentration of glucose (22.4 mmol/L), showing significant amelioration with regard to pioglitazone and insulin. EP also demonstrated elevated serum insulin by 77.78% with a marked reduction in fasting blood glucose level by 64.55% relative to the streptozotocin diabetic rats in vivo. EP also relieved the liver stress markers both in vitro in CCl4 and in vivo in tamoxifen (TAM) models. EP markedly decreased TAM toxicity, as demonstrated by the decline in the liver stress markers, ALT and AST, by 36.1 and 51.1%, respectively. It also relieved the oxidative stress triggered by TAM, as revealed by the reduction in the levels of TBARs and TNF-α by 21.4 and 40%, respectively. Liquid chromatography electrospray ionization mass spectrometry of EP revealed a total of twelve peaks belonging to phenylpropanoids, lignans, and phenolics, where verbascoside and pinoresinol-4-O-β-d-glucoside represented the most abundant secondary metabolites. The docking experiment showed that tri-O-galloyl-hexoside had the best fitting within the NADPH oxidase active sites with binding energy (ΔG = -81.12 kcal/mol). Thus, the plant can be of beneficial value in the control of hyperglycemia in diabetic patients, besides its prophylactic potential against hepatic complications.

Lychee pulp phenolics fermented by mixed lactic acid bacteria strains promote the metabolism of human gut microbiota fermentation in vitro

Lychee pulp phenolics possess excellent biological activities, however, changes in phenolic substances after microbial treatments are unknown. Herein, lychee pulp was fermented by Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, and a mixed strain of the two, followed by an investigation of the products' colonic fermentation. In comparison to single-strain fermentation, mixed-strain fermentation significantly increased catechin and quercetin. In addition, lychee phenolics fermented by mixed strains were more conducive to the growth of gut microbiota. The results of HPLC-DAD showed that colonic fermentation further promoted the release of lychee phenolics. There was a notable increase in the content of gallic acid and quercetin, while multiple phenolics were degraded. Quercetin-3-O-rutinose-7-O-α-L-rhamnoside (QRR) and rutin were catabolized into quercetin by gut microbiota, and 4-hydroxybenzoic acid was produced from the metabolism of QRR and procyanidin B2. Lychee phenolics fermented by mixed lactic acid bacteria were easily metabolized and transformed by gut microbiota. These findings indicate that lychee pulp fermented by mixed lactic acid bacteria possesses probiotic potential, which is of great significance for the development of functional probiotic products.

Non-volatile constituents from Monimiaceae, Siparunaceae and Atherospermataceae plant species and their bioactivities: An up-date covering 2000-2021

The Monimiaceae, Siparunaceae, and Atherospermataceae, formerly included in the broad ''old'' Monimiaceae family, have long been known for their uses in traditional medicine and have proven to be rich sources of chemically diverse specialized metabolites with numerous potent biological and therapeutical properties. The progress made recently has expanded their phytochemistry and pharmacology albeit to different extents. This review focuses on the non-volatile constituents isolated from the three plant families during the last two decades and their emerging therapeutic potential. Based on the data collected from multiple databases without statistical analysis, approximately 93 components, of which 35 undescribed compounds including γ-lactones, alkaloids, terpenoids, flavonoids, and homogentisic acid derivatives, have been reported. Moreover, diverse biological activities of pure isolated compounds such as anticancer, antioxidant, antiparasitic, antiviral, and antibacterial activities have been evidenced. Besides offering new important perspectives for different diseases' management, the chemical and biological diversities among the isolated compounds, open promising avenues of research and contribute to renewed interest in these families needing further studies. This review provides an updated overview of their potential as sources of leads for drug discovery, while also highlighting ongoing challenges and future research opportunities.

Impact of Geraniol and Geraniol Nanoemulsions on Botrytis cinerea and Effect of Geraniol on Cucumber Plants’ Metabolic Profile Analyzed by LC-QTOF-MS

In the present study, the bioactive substance geraniol was tested in vitro and in planta against B. cinerea on cucumber plants, and the changes in the metabolic profile of cucumber plants inoculated with the pathogen and/or treated with geraniol were monitored by a novel LC-QTOF-MS method employing target and suspect screening. The aforementioned treatments were also studied for their impact on membrane lipid peroxidation calculated as malondialdehyde (MDA) content. Additionally, geraniol-loaded nanoemulsions (GNEs) were synthesized and tested against B. cinerea as an integrated formulation mode of geraniol application. The EC₅₀ values calculated for geraniol and GNEs against B. cinerea were calculated at 235 μg/mL and 105 μg/mL, respectively. The in planta experiment on cucumber plants demonstrated the ability of geraniol and GNEs to significantly inhibit B. cinerea under greenhouse conditions. The LC-QTOF-MS analysis of the metabolic profile of the cucumber plants treated with geraniol demonstrated an increase in the concentration levels of myricetin, chlorogenic acid, and kaempferol rhamnoside, as compared to control plants and the presence of B. cinerea caused an increase in sinapic acid and genistein. These compounds are part of important biosynthetic pathways mostly related to responses against a pathogen attack.

Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activities of Erodium arborescens Aerial Part Extracts and Characterization by LC-HESI-MS2 of Its Acetone Extract

The phytochemical analysis of antioxidant and antibacterial activities of Erodium arborescens aerial part extracts constitute the focus of this research. The chemical composition of an acetone extract was investigated using LC-HESI-MS², which revealed the presence of 70 compounds. The major identified components were tannin derivatives. Total polyphenol and total flavonoid contents were assessed in plant extracts (hexane, ethyl acetate, acetone and methanol). The results showed that the acetone extract exhibited the highest contents of polyphenols and flavonoids, 895.54 and 36.39 mg QE/g DE, respectively. Furthermore, when compared to other extracts, Erodium arborescens acetone extract was endowed with the highest antioxidant activity with 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) tests. In addition, the four extracts of Erodium arborescens showed variable degrees of antimicrobial activity against the tested strains, and the interesting activity was obtained with acetone and methanol extracts.

A practical technique for rapid characterisation of ent-kaurane diterpenoids in Isodon serra (Maxim.) Hara by UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS

INTRODUCTION

The diterpenoids are the most important active constituents that contribute to the pharmacological efficacy of Isodon serra (Maxim.) Hara. Clinical studies have revealed that diterpenoids possess multiple features, e.g. antitumour, antitubercular and anti-ischemic activities. Therefore, the identification and detection of diterpenoids may be equally important for understanding the pharmacological basis of diterpenoids and enhancing the product quality control of I. serra.

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to develop a practical analysis approach of rapid characterisation using ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS) for the structure characterisation of the ent-kaurane diterpenoids from I. serra.

METHODOLOGY

The analytical strategy was as follows: first, ent-kaurane diterpenoids were detected by a novel on-line data acquisition approach, i.e. sequential window acquisition of all theoretical fragment-ion spectra (SWATH). Second, the MS of eight ent-kaurane diterpenoids was explored, and their mass spectrum cleavage pathways were summarised and determined. Finally, the methanol extract of I. serra was studied using SWATH and identified by extracted ion chromatography (XIC).

RESULTS

Compared to the traditional information-dependent acquisition (IDA) method, SWATH significantly improved the hit rate of ent-kaurane diterpenoids. With support from UHPLC separation and specific detection by tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS), 48 ent-kaurane diterpenoids were successfully characterised and classified as ent-kaurane diterpenoids from a complex matrix.

CONCLUSIONS

These combined qualitative methods were used to provide a potential approach for the characterisation of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and its preparations. Meanwhile, the SWATH provided a novel and reliable method for the structural characterisation of ent-kaurane diterpenoids from other complicated TCMs.

Potential Effects of Boldine on Oxidative Stress, Apoptosis, and Inflammatory Changes Induced by the Methylprednisolone Hepatotoxicity in Male Wistar Rats

Background

Synthetic glucocorticoid therapeutic agent methylprednisolone (MPL), when used for an extended period of time at high dose, promotes the development of reactive oxygen species (ROS)-induced liver toxicity. This study investigated the role of boldine, a natural antioxidant with anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory properties, against MPL-induced hepatoxicity in male Wistar rats.

Methods

120 rats were divided into eight equal groups: G1 (control), G2, 3, and 4 (rats orally administered 5, 10, and 50 mg boldine/kg b.w./day; respectively, for 28 days), G5 (rats intramuscularly injected with 100 mg MPL/kg b.w. only on the last three days), G6, 7, and 8 (rats administered boldine + MPL). After the last MPL injection, rats were sacrificed at intervals of 1, 24, and 48 h.

Results

There was a significant decrease in WBCs, RBCs count, and HGB levels, as well as an increase in PLT count, ALT, AST, TG, and LDL levels, and a decrease in HDL level in serum. Oxidative stress markers levels increased at all times, and gene expression of antioxidant enzymes increased at 24h. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that cytochrome c levels significantly increased after MPL treatment. The COMET assay revealed detectable DNA lesions. There was no immune reactivity of IL-6 expressions as an inflammatory response marker.

Conclusions

Oral administration of boldine has a modulatory protective, antioxidant, and anti-apoptotic effect against free radicals.

Infusions prepared with Stevia rebaudiana: application of a simplex centroid mixture design for the study of natural sweeteners and phenolic compounds

Three mixture designs were used to characterize herbal formulations for infusions prepared with cedron, boldo, and yerba mate in addition to stevia. This study aimed to investigate if the inclusion of stevia in infusions could affect the recovery of phenolic compounds with antioxidant activity. Infusions with higher phenolic content and higher antioxidant activity were obtained when yerba mate or boldo predominated in the infusion. The highest tannin content was found in mixtures containing yerba mate, boldo, and stevia, while the minimum tannin contents were found in some cedron infusions. The content of steviol glycosides increased as the proportion of stevia increased in the infusions. In general, the recovery of natural sweeteners or phenolic compounds with antioxidant activity exhibited different patterns, depending on the components of the infusions. The presence of stevia and steviol glycosides did not influence the recovery of phenolic compounds with antioxidant activity.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

The online version of this article (10.1007/s13197-021-04979-9).

Ethnopharmacology, Phytochemistry and Biological Activities of Native Chilean Plants

The native flora of Chile has unique characteristics due to the geographical situation of the country, with the vast desert in the North, Patagonia in the South, the Andean Mountains on the east and the Pacific Ocean on the west. This exclusivity is reflected in high concentrations of phytochemicals in the fruits and leaves of its native plants. Some examples are Aristotelia chilensis (Molina), Stuntz (maqui), Berberis microphylla G. Forst. (calafate), Peumus boldus Molina (boldo), Ribes magellanicum Poir. (Magellan currant), Ugni molinae Turcz. (murtilla), Rubus geoides Sm. (miñe miñe), Drimys winteri J.R.Forst. & G.Forst. (canelo), Luma apiculata (DC.) Burret (arrayán) distributed throughout the entire Chilean territory. Some of these Chilean plants have been used for centuries in the country's traditional medicine. The most recent studies of phytochemical characterization of parts of Chilean plants show a wide spectrum of antioxidant compounds, phenolic components, terpenoids and alkaloids, which have shown biological activity in both in vitro and in vivo studies. This manuscript covers the entire Chilean territory characterizing the phytochemical profile and reporting some of its biological properties, focusing mainly on antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, chemopreventive and cytotoxic activity, and potential against diabetes, metabolic syndrome and gastrointestinal disorders.

Aldose reductase inhibitor form Cassia glauca: A comparative study of cytotoxic activity with Ag nanoparticles (NPs) and molecular docking evaluation

UPLC-MS/MS profiling of Cassia glauca leaves extract revealed the identification of 10 flavonoids. Kaempferol 3-O-β-D-rutinoside was isolated and studied for its cytotoxic activity. It showed high cytotoxic effects against MCF-7 (IC50 of 4.6±0.038 μg/ml) and HepG-2 (IC50 of 8.2±0.024 μg/ml) cancer cell lines, compared to the leaves extracts, their Ag nanoparticles, and doxorubicin. Moreover, Kaempferol 3-O-β-D-rutinoside exerted a synergistic cytotoxic effect with doxorubicin on MCF-7 cell lines. It was discovered as kinases and aldose reductase inhibitor while rationalizing its cytotoxic activity through molecular docking study. Thus, it is expected that the cardiotoxic effects of doxorubicin can be also decreased by using Kaempferol 3-O-β-D-rutinoside due to its aldose reductase inhibitory effect. These findings suggested that Kaempferol 3-O-β-D-rutinoside could be used in combination with chemotherapeutic drugs to increase the sensitivity to their cytotoxic activity and protect against their side effects.

Phenolic Fingerprinting, Antioxidant, and Deterrent Potentials of Persicaria maculosa Extracts

Persicaria maculosa (Polygonaceae) (known as lady’s thumb) is an annual morphologically variable weed that is widely distributed in Chile. The purpose of this study was to investigate the antifeedant potential of methanolic (MeOH), ethanolic (EtOH), and dichloromethane (DCM) extracts from the aerial parts of this plant collected in the Valparaíso and Curicó provinces (Chile) and relate this activity to the antioxidant capacity and the presence of phenolic compounds in the extracts. A phenolic profile based on HPLC-ESI-MS/MS allowed the identification of 26 phenolic compounds, most of them glycosyl derivatives of isorhamnetin, quercetin, and kaempferol. In addition, the total phenolic content (TP), total flavonoids (TF), and antioxidant activity measured by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), superoxide anion scavenging (O₂⁻), ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and cupric-reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC) of the extracts are reported. The antifeedant potentials of the plant extracts were tested against Epilachna paenulata, Pseudaletia adultera, Macrosiphum euphorbiae, and Diaphorina citri insects for the first time. The activity against the aphid M. euphorbiae was significant for the DCM extracts of plants from Valparaíso and Curicó (settling % = 23% ± 4% and 23% ± 5%, respectively). The antifeedant activities against the beetle E. paenulata and the lepidoptera P. adultera were significant for Valparaíso extracts, especially when tested against E. Paenulata (IFP = 1.0 ± 0.0). Finally, the MeOH and EtOH extracts from Valparaíso plants reduced the diet consumption of the psilid D. citri (p < 0.05). The results showed that P. maculosa is a good source of flavonoids with some antioxidant capacities and has potential interest as botanical eco-friendly alternative with deterrent activity.

Cytotoxic, Antimicrobial, Antioxidant Properties and Effects on Cell Migration of Phenolic Compounds of Selected Transylvanian Medicinal Plants

Medicinal plants are widely used in folk medicine but quite often their composition and biological effects are hardly known. Our study aimed to analyze the composition, cytotoxicity, antimicrobial, antioxidant activity and cellular migration effects of Anthyllis vulneraria, Fuchsia magellanica, Fuchsia triphylla and Lysimachia nummularia used in the Romanian ethnomedicine for wounds. Liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was used to analyze 50% (v/v) ethanolic and aqueous extracts of the plants’ leaves. Antimicrobial activities were estimated with a standard microdilution method. The antioxidant properties were evaluated by validated chemical cell-free and biological cell-based assays. Cytotoxic effects were performed on mouse fibroblasts and human keratinocytes with a plate reader-based method assessing intracellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP), nucleic acid and protein contents and also by a flow cytometer-based assay detecting apoptotic–necrotic cell populations. Cell migration to cover cell-free areas was visualized by time-lapse phase-contrast microscopy using standard culture inserts. Fuchsia species showed the strongest cytotoxicity and the highest antioxidant and antimicrobial activity. However, their ethanolic extracts facilitated cell migration, most probably due to their various phenolic acid, flavonoid and anthocyanin derivatives. Our data might serve as a basis for further animal experiments to explore the complex action of Fuchsia species in wound healing assays.

Green Extraction of Alkaloids and Polyphenols from Peumus boldus Leaves with Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents and Profiling by HPLC-PDA-IT-MS/MS and HPLC-QTOF-MS/MS

Peumus boldus Mol., is a Chilean medicinal tree used for gastrointestinal and liver diseases. Such medicinal properties are associated with the presence of bioactive flavonoids and aporphine alkaloids. In this study, a new green and efficient extraction method used seven natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES) as extraction media. The extraction efficiency of these NADES was assessed, determining the contents of boldine and total phenolic compounds (TPC). Chemical profiling of P. boldus was done by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to photo diode array detector and electrospray ion-trap mass spectrometry (HPLC-PDA-ESI-IT/MS) and electrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight high-resolution mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS). Among the NADES tested, NADES4 (choline chloride-lactic acid) and NADES6 (proline-oxalic acid) enable better extraction of boldine with 0.427 ± 0.018 and 2.362 ± 0.055 mg of boldine g^-1 of plant, respectively. Extraction of boldine with NADES4 and NADES6 was more efficient than extractions performed with methanol and water. On the other hand, the highest TPC were obtained using NADES6, 179.442 ± 3.79 mg of gallic acid equivalents (GAE g^-1). Moreover, TPC in extracts obtained with methanol does not show significant differences with NADES6. The HPLC-PAD-MS/MS analysis enable the tentative identification of 9 alkaloids and 22 phenolic compounds. The results of this study demonstrate that NADES are a promising green extraction media to extract P. boldus bioactive compounds and could be a valuable alternative to classic organic solvents.

Characterization of metabolite profiles of white and green spears of asparagus officinalis L. from Caoxian, East China

China is the largest planting country of asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.) in the world. Caoxian, as the famous asparagus township in China, enjoys a reputation for producing asparagus with high yield and good quality, due to its unique geological characteristic. In this study, a method of reverse-phase ultraperformance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray tandem mass spectrometry (RP-UPLC-ESI-MS/MS) was established for profiling metabolites from three segments (tip, mid, and base) of 'Caoxian white and green Asparagus'. A total of 114 metabolites were identified, among them, 43 were found for the first time in this vegetable. Principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) was applied to provide an overview of the metabolite profiles of Caoxian asparagus and to separate different segments of spears. The variables most decisive to discriminate among segments included 9 of the metabolites tentatively identified. This study will help to improve the protection of Caoxian asparagus geographical indication.

UPLC-MS2 Profiling of Blackthorn Flower Polyphenols Isolated by Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction

Ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) was optimized for fast and effective isolation of blackthorn flower polyphenols. The effects of ethanol concentration (50% and 70%) in extraction solvent, ultrasound amplitude (50%, 75%, and 100%) and extraction time (3, 6, and 9 min) were evaluated. UPLC-MS² was used to determine phenolic profile of blackthorn flowers extracts. A total of 28 different phenolic compounds were identified, belonging to the classes of hydroxycinnamic acids, flavonol glycosides and flavanols. Kaempferol and quercetin derivatives were the most abundant compounds represented by kaempferol-pentoside and rhamnoside in concentrations up to 494.94 and 436.62 mg/100 g and quercetin-pentoside in concentration up to 226.75 mg/100 g. Observed parameters of UAE did not affect the qualitative phenolic composition of blackthorn flower extracts. On the contrary, the concentration of polyphenols increased with higher ethanol concentration in solvent, higher ultrasound amplitude and prolongation of extraction time. The established conditions for optimal extraction of blackthorn flower polyphenols using ultrasound were: 70% ethanol as extraction solvent, 75% of ultrasound amplitude and 9 min extraction time, resulting in extract rich in polyphenols with a great potential for use in pharmaceutical and food industry. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: In this study, ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) was optimized in order to establish fast and effective method for production of crude blackthorn flower extract rich in polyphenols. UPLC-MS² analysis showed 28 different phenolic compounds belonging to the classes of hydroxycinnamic acids, flavonol glycosides, and flavanols with quercetin and kaempferol glycosides in the highest concentrations, implicating high potential of blackthorn flowers' extract for use in food and pharmaceutical industries.

Antimutagenic evaluation of traditional medicinal plants from South America Peumus boldus and Cryptocarya alba using Drosophila melanogaster

Peumus boldus Mol. ("Boldo") and Cryptocarya alba Mol. Looser ("Peumo") are medicinal shrubs with wide geographical distribution in South America. Their leaves and fruits are commonly used in traditional medicine because they exhibit natural medicinal properties for treatment of liver disorders and rheumatism. However, there are no apparent data regarding potential protective effects on cellular genetic components. In order to examine potential mutagenic and/or antimutagenic effects of these medicinal plants, the Drosophila melanogaster (D. melanogaster) wing-spot test was employed. This assay detects a wide range of mutational events, including point mutations, deletions, certain types of chromosomal aberrations (nondisjunction), and mitotic recombination. Qualitative and quantitative analyses of phenolic and anthocyanin compounds were carried out using biochemical and high-performance liquid chromatography methodologies. In addition, the antioxidant capacity of P. boldus and C. alba leaf extracts was also analyzed. P. boldus and C. alba extracts did not induce significant mutagenic effects in the D. melanogaster model. However, simultaneous treatment of extracts concurrently with the mutagen ethyl methane sulphonate showed a decrease of mutant spots in somatic cells of D. melanogaster, indicating desmutagenic effects in this in vivo model. Flavonoids and anthocyanins were detected predominantly in the extracts, and these compounds exerted significant antioxidant capacity. The observed antimutagenic effects may be related to the presence of phytochemicals with high antioxidant capacity, such as flavonoids and antohocyanins, in the extracts.

Evaluation of antioxidant potential, enzyme inhibition activity and phenolic profile of Lathyrus cicera and Lathyrus digitatus: Potential sources of bioactive compounds for the food industry

The genus Lathyrus has great importance in terms of food and agricultural areas. In this study, the in vitro antioxidant activity (phosphomolybdenum, DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, CUPRAC and metal chelating) and enzyme inhibitory activity evaluation (acetylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase, α-amylase and α-glucosidase) of L. cicera and L. digitatus were investigated, as well as their phytochemical profiles. The screening of the main phytochemical compounds in aerial parts of L. cicera and L. digitatus was carried out by high-performance liquid chromatography with electrospray ionization mass spectrometric detection (HPLC-ESI-MSⁿ), observing that flavonoids represent the highest percentage of identified compounds, with abundance of tri- and tetra-glycosilated flavonoids, including acylated ones, especially in L. cicera. Generally, L. digitatus exhibited stronger antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory activities in correlation with its higher level of phenolics. The high number of phenolic compounds and the results of the antioxidant and enzyme assays suggest that these plants may be further used as sources of bioactive compounds, and for the preparation of new nutraceuticals.

Contribution to the characterization of Opuntia spp. juices by LC-DAD-ESI-MS/MS

Opuntia spp. fruits are considered as health promoting foods due to the diversity of bioactive molecules found in these fruits. The composition in organic acids, flavonols and betalains in the Opuntia ficus-indica juice from a region of Portugal was accomplished for the first time by liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry using an electrospray ionization source operating in negative and positive mode. The methodology used allowed the detection of 44 compounds, from which 32 were identified. Isorhamnetin derivatives were the dominant flavonol glycosides. A total of 9 betalains including 6 betaxanthins and 3 betacyanin were also detected in the fruit juice samples and indicaxanthin, betanin and isobetanin were the major pigments. Phenolic acid and phenylpyruvic acid derivatives were also identified. To our knowledge, it is the first time derivative compounds from piscidic acid, phenolic compounds and betalains are characterized in cactus pear juice using a single LC-DAD-ESI-MS/MS method.

Lathyrus aureus and Lathyrus pratensis: characterization of phytochemical profiles by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, and evaluation of their enzyme inhibitory and antioxidant activities

This study suggest that Lathyrus species may be further used in phytopharmaceuticals or food industry applications.

Alkaloids from Peumus boldus and their Acetylcholinesterase, Butyrylcholinesterase and Prolyl Oligopeptidase Inhibition Activity

Eleven isoquinoline alkaloids (1–11) were isolated from dried leaves of Peumus boldus Mol. by standard chromatographic methods. The chemical structures were elucidated by MS, and 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic analysis, and by comparison with literature data. Compounds isolated in sufficient amount were evaluated for their acetylcholinesterase, and butyrylcholinesterase inhibition activity using Ellman's method. In the prolyl oligopeptidase assay, Z-Gly-Pro- p-nitroanilide was used as substrate. Promising butyrylcholinesterase inhibition activities were demonstrated by two benzylisoquinoline alkaloids, reticuline (8) and N-methylcoclaurine (9), with IC50 values of 33.6 ± 3.0 μM and 15.0 ± 1.4 μM, respectively. Important prolyl oligopeptidase inhibition activities were shown by N-methyllaurotetanine (6) and sinoacutine (4) with IC50 values of 135.4 ± 23.2 μM and 143.1 ± 25.4 μM, respectively. Other tested compounds were considered inactive.

In vitro inhibitory potential of Cynara scolymus, Silybum marianum, Taraxacum officinale, and Peumus boldus on key enzymes relevant to metabolic syndrome

Boldocynara®, a proprietary dietary supplement product consisting of the plants Cynara scolymus, Silybum marianum, Taraxacum officinale, and Peumus boldus, used to promote functions of the liver and the gallbladder. It was the aim of the present study to look from a different perspective at the product by investigating the in vitro potential of Boldocynara® as a combination product and its individual extracts on key enzymes relevant to metabolic syndrome. Peumus boldus extract exhibited pronounced inhibitory activities on α-glucosidase (80% inhibition at 100 µg/ml, IC50: 17.56 µg/ml). Silybum marianum had moderate pancreatic lipase (PL) inhibitory activities (30% at 100 µg/ml) whereas Cynara scolymus showed moderate ACE inhibitory activity (31% at 100 µg/ml). The combination had moderate to weak effects on the tested enzymes. In conclusion, our results indicate some moderate potential of the dietary supplement Boldocynara® and its single ingredients for the prevention of metabolic disorders.

Phenolic profiling of the South American "Baylahuen" tea (Haplopappus spp., Asteraceae) by HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS

The aerial parts of several Haplopappus species (Asteraceae), known under the common name "baylahuen", are used as herbal teas in Chile and Argentina. In Chile, "baylahuen" comprises H. multifolius, H. taeda, H. baylahuen and H. rigidus. Little is known about the chemical identity of the infusion constituents in spite of widespread consumption. The aim of the present work was the characterization of phenolics occurring in the infusions and methanol extracts of "baylahuen" by HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS. A simple HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS method was developed for the fast identification and differentiation of Haplopappus spp. used as a tea source, based on the phenolics from the tea and methanol extracts. Some 27 phenolics were tentatively identified in the infusions and methanol extract, including 10 caffeoyl quinic and feruloyl quinic acid derivatives and 17 flavonoids. The HPLC patterns of the Haplopappus tea and methanol extract allow a clear differentiation at the species level. The occurrence of hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives and flavonoids can explain the reputed nutraceutical and health beneficial properties of this herbal tea.

Rapid detection and characterization of major phenolic compounds in Radix Actinidia chinensis Planch by ultra-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry

Radix Actinidia chinensis Planch is a traditional Chinese herb, and its decotion had been widely used clinically to treat several types of cancer. In our study, the phenolic compounds constituting the major water soluble components of Radix A. chinensis were profiled and characterized by ultraperformance liquid chromatography electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry. A total of 50 compounds were identified or tentatively characterized, including caffeic acid, p-coumaric acid, 29 catechin derivatives, 12 quinic acid derivatives and 7 coumarin derivatives. Most of the identified compounds were firstly reported from A. chinensis. Among them, scopoletin, scoplin, isofraxoside and quinic acid derivatives have not ever been reported from genus Actinidia previously. These phenolic compounds might be responsible for the antitumor activity of the water extract of radix A. chinensis, and the established analytical method could be applied to further study of quality evaluation and active components of Radix A. chinensis.

Simultaneous microwave extraction and separation of volatile and non-volatile organic compounds of boldo leaves. From lab to industrial scale

Microwave extraction and separation has been used to increase the concentration of the extract compared to the conventional method with the same solid/liquid ratio, reducing extraction time and separate at the same time Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) from non-Volatile Organic Compounds (NVOC) of boldo leaves. As preliminary study, a response surface method has been used to optimize the extraction of soluble material and the separation of VOC from the plant in laboratory scale. The results from the statistical analysis revealed that the optimized conditions were: microwave power 200 W, extraction time 56 min and solid liquid ratio of 7.5% of plants in water. Lab scale optimized microwave method is compared to conventional distillation, and requires a power/mass ratio of 0.4 W/g of water engaged. This power/mass ratio is kept in order to upscale from lab to pilot plant.

Boldine and Related Aporphines: From Antioxidant to Antiproliferative Properties

Plant and folk medicine represent nowadays a source of either new therapeutic substances or substrates for drug synthesis. One such promising group for possible further exploitation is the family of aporphine alkaloids containing boldine and related compounds. In this mini-review we focus on boldine and its newly described effects, which predominantly arise from its antioxidant properties. Moreover, we try to compare its antiproliferative properties with other better known members of the aporphine group.