[Chemical constituents from stems and leaves of Cratoxylum cochinchinense and their inhibitory effects on proliferation of synoviocytes in vitro]

The chemical constituents from the stems and leaves of Cratoxylum cochinchinense were isolated and purified using silica gel, ODS gel, and Sephadex LH-20 gel column chromatography, as well as preparative HPLC. The chemical structures of all isolated compounds were identified on the basis of their physicochemical properties, spectroscopic analyses, and the comparison of their physicochemical and spectroscopic data with the reported data in literature. As a result, 21 compounds were isolated from the 90% ethanol extract of the stems and leaves of C. cochinchinense, which were identified as cratocochine(1), 1-hydroxy-3,7-dimethoxyxanthone(2), 1-hydroxy-5,6,7-trimethoxyxanthone(3), ferrxanthone(4), 3,6-dihydroxy-1,5-dimethoxyxanthone(5), 3,6-dihydroxy-1,7-dimethoxyxanthone(6), 1,2,5-trihydroxy-6,8-dimethoxyxanthone(7), securixanthone G(8), gentisein(9), 3,7-dihydroxy-1-methoxyxanthone(10), pancixanthone B(11), garcimangosxanthone A(12), pruniflorone L(13), 9-hydroxy alabaxanthone(14), cochinchinone A(15), luteolin(16), 3,5'-dimethoxy-4',7-epoxy-8,3'-neolignane-5,9,9'-triol(17), N-benzyl-9-oxo-10E,12E-octadecadienamide(18), 15-hydroxy-7,13E-labdadiene(19), stigmasta-4,22-dien-3-one(20), and stigmast-5-en-3β-ol(21). Among these isolates, compound 1 was a new xanthone, compounds 2-5, 7, 8, 12, and 16-21 were isolated from the Cratoxylum plant for the first time, and compounds 11 and 13 were obtained from C. cochinchinense for the first time. Furthermore, all isolated compounds 1-21 were appraised for their anti-rheumatoid arthritis activities by MTS method through measuring their anti-proliferative effect on synoviocytes in vitro. As a result, xanthones 1-15 displayed notable anti-rheumatoid arthritis activities, which showed inhibitory effects on the proliferation of MH7A synoviocytes with the IC_(50) values ranging from(8.98±0.12) to(228.68±0.32) μmol·L~(-1).

Isolation, optimized extraction, and ultra-high performance liquid chromatography with photodiode array method for quantitative analysis of chiratol in Swertia paniculata

The global natural product-based industry is growing fast with the introduction of new phytochemicals and herbal extract products from different geographical regions. Swertia paniculata is a well-known plant with medicinal properties; however, the quality control for its major phytochemical constituents from the Himalayan geographical region is nevertheless reported. Therefore, the first objective of this investigation was to characterize and optimize the extraction process while the second objective was to validate a quantitative analytical method for chiratol from S. paniculata herbal extract. The chiratol was characterized with spectral analysis. The optimum extraction condition for the highest yield of metabolite was realized in chloroform as a solvent system under ultrasonication. The ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with photodiode array detection method for analytical quantification was validated for specificity, linearity, limits of detection, limits of quantification, precision, repeatability, recovery, and robustness using Eclipse Plus C18 column (100 mm × 4.6 mm × 3.5 μm id). The gradient elution of water/acetonitrile as mobile phase was used at a flow rate of 0.5 ml/min. The recovery percentage was very satisfactory with values within specification. The robustness parameters showed no substantial influence of evaluated parameters by the Youden test. The developed method was ascertained to be appropriate for the proposed purpose.

Extraction of Tropical Fruit Peels and Development of HPMC Film Containing the Extracts as an Active Antibacterial Packaging Material

In recent years, instead of the use of chemical substances, alternative substances, especially plant extracts, have been characterized for an active packaging of antibacterial elements. In this study, the peels of mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana), rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum), and mango (Mangifera indica) were extracted to obtain bioactive compound by microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) and maceration with water, ethanol 95% and water–ethanol (40:60%). All extracts contained phenolics and flavonoids. However, mangosteen peel extracted by MAE and maceration with water/ethanol (MT-MAE-W/E and MT-Ma-W/E, respectively) contained higher phenolic and flavonoid contents, and exhibited greater antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Thus, both extracts were analyzed by liquid chromatograph-mass spectrometer (LC-MS) analysis, α-mangostin conferring antibacterial property was found in both extracts. The MT-MAE-W/E and MT-Ma-W/E films exhibited 30.22 ± 2.14 and 30.60 ± 2.83 mm of growth inhibition zones against S. aureus and 26.50 ± 1.60 and 26.93 ± 3.92 mm of growth inhibition zones against E. coli. These clear zones were wider than its crude extract approximately 3 times, possibly because the film formulation enhanced antibacterial activity with sustained release of active compound. Thus, the mangosteen extracts have potential to be used as an antibacterial compound in active packaging.

A new xanthone dimer and cytotoxicity from the stem bark of Calophyllum canum

A phytochemical investigation of the stem bark of Calophyllum canum resulted in the isolation of a new xanthone dimer identified as biscaloxanthone (1), together with four compounds; trapezifoliaxanthone (2), trapezifolixanthone A (3), taraxerone (4) and taraxerol (5). The structures of these compounds were determined via spectroscopic methods of IR, UV, MS and NMR (1D and 2D). The cytotoxicity of compounds 1-3 were screened against A549, MCF-7, C33A and 3T3L1 cell lines, wherein weak cytotoxic activities were observed (IC₅₀ > 50 μm).

Simultaneous Identification and Quantification of Three Xanthones and Two Polyisoprenylated Benzophenones in Eight Indian Garcinia Species Using a Validated UHPLC-PDA Method

Background: Xanthones and polyisoprenylated benzophenones (PIBs) are two important classes of plant secondary metabolites with a wide range of bioactivities. Garcinia species synthesize numerous xanthones and PIBs. As per the literature, no data claiming simultaneous identification and quantification of three xanthones, α-mangostin, β-mangostin, γ-mangostin, and two PIBs, xanthochymol, isoxanthochymol, were found. Methods: A validated ultra-HPLC (UHPLC)-photodiode array (PDA) method for the simultaneous identification and quantification of five compounds in different extracts of eight Indian Garcinia species was developed. The compounds were separated on a Waters ACQUITY™ UPLC H-Class column using a mobile phase consisting of solvents 0.1% formic acid in water (A) and methanol (B) in gradient elution mode. The total run time was 9 min. Results: From fruit rinds of eight Indian Garcinia species, namely Garcinia cambogia, G. cowa, G. indica, G. loniceroides, G. mangostana, G. morella, G. pedunculata, and G. xanthochymus, extracts were prepared using solvents of varying polarity. These extracts were analyzed for five biologically important compounds, namely α-mangostin, β-mangostin, γ-mangostin, xanthochymol, and isoxanthochymol. The results revealed that there is a wide variation in concentration of these compounds in extracts of Garcinia species. Conclusions: The developed and validated UHPLC-PDA method could be used for simultaneous identification and quantification of these five compounds for bioprospection of other Garcinia species.

Mangifera indica L. Leaf Extract Induces Adiponectin and Regulates Adipogenesis

Natural bioactive compounds may be used in obese patients because of their ability to impact on various key mechanisms involved in the complex pathophysiological mechanisms of such condition. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a Mangifera indica L. leaf extract (MLE) on adipogenic differentiation of murine preadipocyte cells. 3T3-L1 cells were treated during their differentiation with various concentrations of (Mangifera indica L.) leaves extract (MLE) (750, 380, 150, 75 and 35 μg) in order to assess their lipid content, adiponectin production, expression profile of genes involved in lipid metabolism, oxidative stress and inflammation. Our results showed that MLE was particularly enriched in polyphenols (46.30 ± 0.083 mg/g) and that pharmacological treatment of cells resulted in a significant increase of adiponectin levels and reduction of intracellular lipid content. Consistently with these results, MLE resulted in a significant decrease of the expression of genes involved in lipid metabolism (FAS, PPARG, DGAT1, DGAT2, and SCD-1). In conclusion, our results suggest that MLE may represent a possible pharmacological tool for obese or metabolic syndrome patients.

Regulation of the levels of health promoting compounds: lupeol, mangiferin and phenolic acids in the pulp and peel of mango fruit: a review

There is a demand for feasible methodologies that can increase/maintain the levels of health-promoting phytochemicals in horticultural produce, due to strong evidence that these compounds can reduce risk of chronic diseases. Mango (Mangifera indica L.), ranks fifth among the most cultivated fruit crops in the world, is naturally rich in phytochemicals such as lupeol, mangiferin and phenolic acids (e.g. gallic acid, chlorogenic acid and vanillic acid). Yet, there is still much scope for up-regulating the levels of these compounds in mango fruit through manipulation of different preharvest and postharvest practices that affect their biosynthesis and degradation. The process of ripening, harvest maturity, physical and chemical elicitor treatments such as low temperature stress, methyl jasmonate (MeJA), salicylic acid (SA) and nitric oxide (NO) and the availability of enzyme cofactors (Mg²⁺ , Mn²⁺ and Fe²⁺ ) required in terpenoid biosynthesis were identified as potential determinants of the concentration of health-promoting compounds in mango fruit. The effectiveness of these preharvest and postharvest approaches in regulating the levels of lupeol, mangiferin and phenolic acids in the pulp and peel of mango fruit will be discussed. In general spray application of 0.2% iron(II) sulphate (FeSO₄ ) 30 days before harvest, harvest at sprung stage, storage of mature green fruit at 5 °C for 12 days prior to ripening, fumigation of mature green fruit with 10^-5  mol L^-1 and/or 10^-4  mol L^-1 MeJA for 24 h or 20 and/or 40 µL L^-1 NO for 2 h upregulate the levels of lupeol, mangiferin and phenolic acids in pulp and peel of ripe mango fruit. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.

A comparison of several second-order algorithms for simultaneous determination of neomangiferin and mangiferin with severe spectral overlapping in Anemarrhenae Rhizoma

This work presents a greener approach for simultaneous determination of neomangiferin and mangiferin, the major bioactive constituents with severe spectral overlapping in Anemarrhenae Rhizoma, combining the sensitivity of molecular fluorescence and the selectivity of chemometric multivariate calibration algorithms. In this study, we compared the analytical performance of two group chemometric algorithms including trilinear algorithms such as parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC), alternating trilinear decomposition (ATLD), self-weighted alternating trilinear decomposition (SWATLD) and alternating penalized trilinear decomposition (APTLD), and PLS-based methods such as unfolded partial least-squares or the multi-dimensional partial least-squares, both combined with residual bilinearization (U-PLS/RBL, N-PLS/RBL). The statistical parameters for the validation set of the second calibration were evaluated through the relative error of prediction (REP%), the average recovery (Rec%), and the root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP). Prediction results for the validation set by trilinear algorithms showed that the values were satisfactory for neomangiferin, and higher and not acceptable values for mangiferin, while U-PLS and N-PLS predictions were very successful for two analytes. Therefore, U- and N-PLS/RBL were chosen to determine neomangiferin and mangiferin in more complex real samples simultaneously, and U-PLS/RBL algorithm showed the best performance. The predicted concentrations by proposed methods were satisfactorily compared with those obtained using high performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection.

From the Front or Back Door? Quantitative analysis of direct and indirect extractions of α-mangostin from mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana)

The pulp and pericarp of mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana) fruit are popular food, beverage and health products whereby 60% of the fruit consist of the pericarp. The major metabolite in the previously neglected or less economically significant part of the fruit, the pericarp, is the prenylated xanthone α-mangostin. This highly bioactive secondary metabolite is typically isolated using solvent extraction methods that involve large volumes of halogenated solvents either via direct or indirect extraction. In this study, we compared the quantities of α-mangostin extracted using three different extraction methods based on the environmentally friendly solvents methanol and ethyl acetate. The three solvent extractions methods used were direct extractions from methanol (DM) and ethyl acetate (DEA) as well as indirect extraction of ethyl acetate obtained via solvent partitioning from an initial methanol extract (IEA). Our results showed that direct extraction afforded similar and higher quantities of α-mangostin than indirect extraction (DM: 318 mg; DEA: 305 mg; IEA: 209 mg per 5 g total dried pericarp). Therefore, we suggest that the commonly used method of indirect solvent extraction using halogenated solvents for the isolation of α-mangostin is replaced by single solvent direct extraction using the environmentally friendly solvents methanol or ethyl acetate.

Botryane Sesquiterpenoids, Cyclopentadepsipeptides, Xanthones, and Trichothecenes from Trichoderma oligosporum

Five new botryane sesquiterpenes (1: -5: ), one new cyclopentadepsipeptide (9: ), and two new xanthones (11:  - 12: ), together with 11 known compounds, were isolated from Trichoderma oligosporum. The structures of the new compounds were identified by comprehensive spectroscopic methods including nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectrometry. The cytotoxicity of 1: -19: was evaluated against K562, A549, and ASPC cell lines. Compounds 5, 8, 11, 17: , and 18: showed cytotoxicity against the K562 cell line with more than 50% inhibition at 12.5 µM. As to A549 cell line, compound 8: showed the strongest cytotoxicity with approximately 50% inhibition at 25.0 µM. No compounds showed cytotoxicity against the ASPC cell line.

Xanthones Content in Swertia multicaulis D. Don from Nepal

The medicinal plant Swertia multicaulis D. Don was collected in Rasuwa District (Nepal) and the xanthone content of its ethyl acetate extracts was studied. The total amount of xanthones in S. multicaulis determined by HPLC reaches almost 13 g of xanthones per 1 kg of dry matter. The identification of xanthones in S. multicaulis was achieved by a combination of HPLC, LC–MS and LC–NMR. The final assignment of the individual chemical structures was provided by NMR, supported by preparative HPLC. In eight chromatographic peaks, four major xanthones were identified—1,3-dihydroxy-5,8-dimethoxyxanthone, 1-hydroxy-3,5,8-trimethoxyxanthone, bellidifolin (1,5,8-tri-hydroxy-3-methoxyxanthone), and decussatin (1-hydroxy-3,7,8-trimethoxyxanthone).

Illumination on "Reserving Phloem and Discarding Xylem" and Quality Evaluation of Radix polygalae by Determining Oligosaccharide Esters, Saponins, and Xanthones

The root of Polygala tenuifolia Willd. or Polygala sibirica L. exhibits protective effects on the central nervous system and is frequently used to treat insomnia, amnesia, and other cognitive dysfunction. In our study, we studied nine bioactive compounds spanning oligosaccharide esters, saponins, and xanthones by using a sensitive, efficient, and validated method established on ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with triple quadrupole mass spectrometry. The quantified result of interesting compounds proved that accumulation of those compounds were found in phloem rather than in xylem. By taking the standardized result of nine compound contents into account, the “Spider-web” analytical result of xylem and phloem from Radix polygalae (RP) unveiled the rationality of RP’s classical use in clinic including discarding the xylem and reserving the phloem. Moreover, the remarkable variation was also revealed from the quantitative result of 45 samples with different diameters from the different origins, which did not significantly correlate with the variation of RP’s diameter. Our study could shed the light on the quality assessment of RP for further research and illustrate the scientific connotation of the processing method of “discarding the xylem and reserving the phloem”.

Dynamics in the concentrations of health-promoting compounds: lupeol, mangiferin and different phenolic acids during postharvest ripening of mango fruit

BACKGROUND

Mango fruit (Mangifera indica L.) is renowned for its pleasant taste and as a rich source of health beneficial compounds. The aim of this study was to investigate the changes in concentrations of health-promoting compounds, namely ascorbic acid, carotenoids, antioxidants, lupeol, mangiferin, total phenols and individual phenolic acids, as well as ethylene production and respiration rates during climacteric ripening in 'Kensington Pride' and 'R2E2' mango fruit.

RESULTS

The climacteric ethylene and respiration peaks were noted on the third day of the fruit ripening period. The concentrations of total carotenoids in the pulp, total antioxidants in both pulp and peel, and total phenols of the peel, lupeol and mangiferin were significantly elevated, whereas the concentration of ascorbic acid declined during post-climacteric ripening. Gallic, chlorogenic and vanillic acids were identified as the major phenolic acids in both pulp and peel of 'Kensington Pride' and 'R2E2' mangoes. The concentrations of phenolic acids (gallic, chlorogenic, vanillic, ferulic and caffeic acids) also increased during the post-climacteric phase. The concentrations of all phenolic compounds were several-fold higher in the peel than pulp.

CONCLUSION

Mangoes at post-climacteric ripening phase offer the highest concentrations of health-promoting compounds. Peel, at this stage of fruit ripening, could be exploited as a good source for extraction of these compounds. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

DPPH-HPLC-MS assisted rapid identification of endothelial protective substances from Xiao-Ke-An

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Xiao-Ke-An formula (XKA) is a Chinese medicine widely used for treating diabetes and associated complications. Endothelial protection is thought to be one of its therapeutic mechanisms. However, the protective effect of XKA on endothelial cells remains unclear, especially in oxidative injury induced endothelial dysfunction.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A novel strategy to rapidly screen and identify potential endothelial protective substances from XKA was established by combining the 2,2'-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl high performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (DPPH-HPLC-MS) approach with cell-based verification. Firstly, the DPPH-HPLC-MS approach was employed to identify the antioxidants in XKA. Then, the potent endothelial protective effect of XKA, and the potential active substances and mechanism of action were revealed in EA.hy926 cells injured by tert-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BHP).

RESULTS

XKA exhibited potent antioxidant activity and endothelial protective effect. Phenolic acids derived from Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge, root and rhizome, xanthones from Anemarrhena asphodeloides Bunge, rhizome, and acteoside from Rehmannia glutinosa (Gaertn.) DC., root, were identified as the major endothelial protective components in XKA.

CONCLUSIONS

An efficient method for rapid identifying endothelial protective substances from complex mixtures was developed and used to identify the major endothelial protective components in XKA. This method would help reveal the material base of herbal medicine with endothelial protective effect, and could also be applied to discover novel natural-origin endothelial protective substances.

Comparative Evaluation of Chemical Profiles of Pyrrosiae Folium Originating from Three Pyrrosia Species by HPLC-DAD Combined with Multivariate Statistical Analysis

Pyrrosiae Folium (PF) is a commonly used Chinese herb medicine originating from three Pyrrosia species for the treatment of urinary infection and urolithiasis. According to Chinese medicine practice, different specie origins led to some variations in the therapeutic effects of PF. To ensure the safety and efficacy of PF in clinical practice, it is necessary to establish a reliable and integrative method to distinguish PF occurring from the three species. In the present paper, a HPLC–DAD method was developed and applied to simultaneously analyze five major compounds in PF. Afterwards, multivariate statistical analyses including principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) were applied for specie discrimination and integrative quality evaluation based on quantitative data. The chemical determination and pattern recognition results of 35 batches of PF samples indicated that PF samples from three species showed different chemical profiles and could be discriminated clearly. In conclusion, the present method is rapid and reliable for the quality assessment and species discrimination of PF.

Regiospecific Prenylation of Hydroxyxanthones by a Plant Flavonoid Prenyltransferase

C-Prenylated xanthones are pharmacologically attractive specialized metabolites that are distributed in plants and microorganisms. The prenylation of xanthones often contributes to the structural diversity and biological activities of these compounds. However, efficient regiospecific prenylation of xanthones is still challenging. In this study, the regiospecific prenylation of a number of structurally different hydroxyxanthones (3-10) by MaIDT, a plant flavonoid prenyltransferase with substrate flexibility from Morus alba, is demonstrated. Among the enzymatic products, 2-dimethylallyl-1,3,7-trihydroxyxanthone (3a) effectively attenuated glutamate-induced injury in SK-N-SH neuroblastoma cells. These results suggest a potential approach for the synthesis of bioactive prenylated xanthones by a substrate-relaxed flavonoid prenyltransferase.

Observation of Emerging Photoinitiator Additives in Household Environment and Sewage Sludge in China

Photoinitiators (PIs) are widely used additives in industrial polymerization process, the contamination of which through migration into foodstuffs has been subjected to increasing public scrutiny. Nevertheless, little attention has been paid to the PI residue levels and potential exposure pathways from other environmental compartments. In the present study, the occurrence of PI additives with discrete molecular structures, that is, nine benzophenones (BZPs), four thioxanthones (TXs), and eight amine co-initiators (ACIs), was investigated in commercial products, indoor dust and sewage sludge samples. Nine PI compounds were positively detected in ultraviolet curable resins with concentrations of ∑PIs (sum of the detected PIs) up to 2.51 × 10(4) ng/g, and 20 PIs can be found in food contact materials with concentrations of ∑PIs varying from 65.9 to 6.93 × 10(3) ng/g. The wide usage of PIs in commercial products led to the occurrence of 19 PIs in indoor dust, with concentrations of ∑PIs in the range of 245-5.68 × 10(3) ng/g. Meanwhile, all 21 targeted PIs could be identified in the sewage sludge, with concentrations from 67.6 to 2.03 × 10(3) ng/g. Distinct PI composition profiles were observed in different investigated compartments, and BZPs were the dominant homologues in all samples. Most of the target PIs were further identified as class III chemicals by toxic hazard estimation algorithm (Toxtree), which indicates the compounds might be of significant toxicity or have reactive functional groups.

Phenolic compounds of the genus Iris plants (Iridaceae)

This article presents the results of testing of phenolic compounds (flavonoids, isoflavonoids, xanthones, phenolcarboxylic acids, tannins, coumarins, etc.) in the rhizomes of four Iris species (Iris sibirica L., Iris pseudacorus L., Iris imbricatа Lindl., Iris hungarica Waldst. et Kit.). With the use of paper and thin-layer chromatography, fifteen phenolic compounds were identified: gallic, coumaric, cinnamic, chlorogenic, neochlorogenic, ferulic, caffeic acids; kaempferol, quercetin, hispidulin, daidzein, genistein, formononetin, mangiferin and isomangiferin. Quantitative contents of flavonoids (1.2-3.7%), hydroxycinnamic acids (0.6-6.5%), γ-pyrones (0.01-0.8%), tannins (6-14%), isoflavonoids (1-2%), polyphenolic compounds (up to 3%) in the rhizomes of the Iris species were determined. Chosen plants belong to natural flora and have been often cultivated. However, this phytochemical analysis for the main groups of the biologically active substances shows a perspective use of the Iris species in medicine.

KEY WORDS

Iris species Iridaceae phenolic compounds chromatography qualitative analysis quantitative contents.

[Chemical Constituents in Petroleum Ether Extract of Mongolian Medicine Halenia corniculata]

OBJECTIVE

To study the chemical constituents of Mongolian medicine Halenia corniculata.

METHODS

Positive phase and reversed phase silica gel, as well as Sephadex LH-20 methods were used to separate and purify. The structure of the isolated constituents was identified according to the NMR spectroscopy data and the literature data.

RESULTS

Nine compounds were isolated from 95% ethanol extracts of petroleum ether part of Halenia corniculata and identified as: 1-hydroxy-2,3,4,6-tetramethoxyxanthone (1), 1-hydroxy-2,3, 5-trimethoxyxanthone (2) 1-hydroxy-3,7-dimethoxyxanthone (3), 1-hydroxy-3,5,6,7,8-pentamethoxyxanthone (4), 1-hydroxy-2,3,4, 7-tetramethoxyxanthone (5), 1-hydroxy-3,5-dimethoxyxanthone (6),1-hydroxy-2,3,4,5,7-pentamethoxyxanthone (7), palmitic acid (8) and β-sitosterol (9).

CONCLUSION

Compounds 3, 4 and 8 are isolated from this genus for the first time, Compound 1 is isolated from this plant for the first time.

Contents of therapeutic metabolites in Swertia chirayita correlate with the expression profiles of multiple genes in corresponding biosynthesis pathways

Swertia chirayita, an endangered medicinal herb, contains three major secondary metabolites swertiamarin, amarogentin and mangiferin, exhibiting valuable therapeutic traits. No information exists as of today on the biosynthesis of these metabolites in S. chirayita. The current study reports the expression profiling of swertiamarin, amarogentin and mangiferin biosynthesis pathway genes and their correlation with the respective metabolites content in different tissues of S. chirayita. Root tissues of greenhouse grown plants contained the maximum amount of secoiridoids (swertiamarin, 2.8% of fr. wt and amarogentin, 0.1% of fr. wt), whereas maximum accumulation of mangiferin (1.0% of fr. wt) was observed in floral organs. Differential gene expression analysis and their subsequent principal component analysis unveiled ten genes (encoding HMGR, PMK, MVK, ISPD, ISPE, GES, G10H, 8HGO, IS and 7DLGT) of the secoiridoids biosynthesis pathway and five genes (encoding EPSPS, PAL, ADT, CM and CS) of mangiferin biosynthesis with elevated transcript amounts in relation to corresponding metabolite contents. Three genes of the secoiridoids biosynthesis pathway (encoding PMK, ISPD and IS) showed elevated levels (∼57-104 fold increase in roots), and EPSPS of mangiferin biosynthesis showed an about 117 fold increase in transcripts in leaf tissues of the greenhouse grown plants. The study does provide leads on potential candidate genes correlating with the metabolites biosynthesis in S. chirayita as an initiative towards its genetic improvement.

[HPLC Fingerprint and Active Components Determination of Polygala tenuifolia Root Bark and Root]

OBJECTIVE

To compare the difference between Polygala tenuifolia root bark and root using HPLC fingerprint analysis and active components determination.

METHODS

Three main characteristic components including tenuifolin, polygalaxanthone III, and 3, 6'-disinapoly sucrose in different Polygala tenuifolia samples were determined by HPLC. The fingerprint methods were optimized. Then, the similarity evaluation and multivariate statistical analysis were applied in the post-processing data analysis.

RESULTS

There was a high similarity in 15 batches of Polygala tenuifolia samples and its similarity coefficient was greater than 0. 9. The Polygala tenuifolia root bark and root could be clearly separated by the cluster analysis and/or the principal component analysis due to significant differences of the contents of polygalaxanthone III and 3 ,6'-disinapoly sucrose. In addition, the result of scatter plot showed that there was a high variation of tenuifolin content among all samples. The contents range of polygalaxanthone III and 3,6'-disinapoly sucrose in root bark varied relatively slight,while the content range of polygalaxanthone III in roots varied largely. Moreover,the stacked plots suggested that it was not reasonable to evaluate the quality of Polygala tenuifolia only by a single ingredient. Conclusion:The content of 3 ,6'-disinapoly sucrose varies more largely than the other two active components in Polygala tenuifolia root bark and root. Polygala tenuifolia root bark and root should be selected for different clinical treatment to ensure the accuracy of its clinical use.

[Simultaneous determination of benzophenones and xanthone in leaves of Aquilaria sinensis by RP-HPLC-UV]

This study is to develop a sensitive method by using reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography coupled with UV detector (HPLC-UV) to simultaneously determine four bioactive compounds, iriflophenone 3-C-beta-D-glucoside, iriflophenone 3,5-C-beta-D-diglucoside, mangiferin, and iriflophenone 2-O-alpha-L-rhamnoside in the leaves of Aquilaria sinensis. An Agilent Zorbax SB-C, column (4, 6 mm x 250 mm, 5 microm) was used, and the gradient elution was performed with mobile phase of 0.1% aqueous phosphoric acid and acetonitrile at a flow rate of 1 mL x min(-1). The detection wavelength was 280 nm, and the column temperature was 25 degrees C. The four marker compounds were well separated with good linearity (R2 > 0.9990), precision, stability and repeatabili y. The-recovery rates were in the range of 98.80%-101.39%. For 15 branch of the leaves, the contents of iriflophenone 3-C-beta-D-gluoside, iriflophenone 3,5-C-beta-D-diglucoside, mangiferin, and iriflophenone 2-O-alpha-L-rhamnoside were between 0.41-14.48, 0.72-3.85, 4.30-29.07, 0.24-5.06 mg, respectivley. This method is precise, accurate and reliable, which provides an efficient way for the quality control of the leaves of A. sinensis. This will promote the comprehensive usage of this plant.

Isoprenylated xanthone and benzophenone constituents of the pericarp of Garcinia planchonii

A new xanthone, planchoxanthone (1), together with six known compounds, garcinianone A (2), cowanin (3), rubraxanthone (4), f-mangostin (5), dulcisxanthone B (6), and guttiferone Q (7), were isolated from an n-hexane extract of the pericap of Garcinia planchonii. Their structures were elucidated using spectroscopic methods. Antioxidant activity of the isolated compounds was tested using the DPPH free radical scavenging assay.

Chemometric analysis of chromatographic fingerprints shows potential of Cyclopia maculata (Andrews) Kies for production of standardized extracts with high xanthone content

Cyclopia species are used for the production of honeybush tea and food ingredient extracts associated with many health benefits. A species-specific high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method for Cyclopia maculata, developed and validated, allowed quantification of the major compounds in extracts from "unfermented" and fermented C. maculata. Two xanthones were tentatively identified for the first time in a Cyclopia species, whereas an additional four compounds were tentatively identified for the first time in C. maculata. "Fermentation" (oxidation) decreased the content of all compounds, with the exception of vicenin-2. Similarity analysis of the chromatographic fingerprints of unfermented C. maculata aqueous extracts showed extremely low variation (r ≥ 0.97) between samples. Some differences between wild-harvested and cultivated seedling plants were, however, demonstrated using principal component analysis. Quantitative data of selected compounds confirmed the low level of variation, making this Cyclopia species ideal for the production of standardized food ingredient extracts.

The hepatoprotective effect and chemical constituents of total iridoids and xanthones extracted from Swertia mussotii Franch

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Total iridoids and xanthones (TIXS) were extracted from Swertia mussotii Franch, one of the most important eight Tibetan medicines in China, which was recorded in the book of Jingzhu Bencao and used for clinical treatment of cholestatic hepatitis for many years. Our aim was to study the hepatoprotective effect and chemical constituents of the TIXS.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Crude extracts were prepared using 90% ethanol, and individual fractions were collected following HPD-300 macroporous resin column chromatography. HPLC/MS was applied to qualitatively and quantitatively analyze the TIXS. Then, the alpha-naphthylisot hiocyanate-induced liver damage model was used to assess the hepatoprotective effect of the TIXS.

RESULTS

A total of 12 compounds were identified by the fingerprint chromatography of the TIXS, and swertiamarin and swertianolin were shown to be its two main components. Oral administration of the TIXS at a dose of 35, 70 or 140 mg kg(-1), swertiamarin at a dose of 20 mg kg(-1) or swertianolin at a dose of 20 mg kg(-1), for 7 days in mice significantly reduced the alpha-naphthylisot hiocyanate-induced levels of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and the total and direct bilirubins, and increased the bile flow (P<0.01).

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that the TIXS exhibits significant hepatoprotective effect in the liver damage model induced by alpha-naphthylisot hiocyanate. Its active constituents include swertiamarin and swertianolin.

Mangiferin has an additive effect on the apoptotic properties of hesperidin in Cyclopia sp. tea extracts

A variety of biological pro-health activities have been reported for mangiferin and hesperidin, two major phenolic compounds of Honeybush (Cyclopia sp.) tea extracts. Given their increasing popularity, there is a need for understanding the mechanisms underlying the biological effects of these compounds. In this study, we used real-time cytotoxicity cellular analysis of the Cyclopia sp. extracts on HeLa cells and found that the higher hesperidin content in non-fermented "green" extracts correlated with their higher cytotoxicity compared to the fermented extracts. We also found that mangiferin had a modulatory effect on the apoptotic effects of hesperidin. Quantitative PCR analysis of hesperidin-induced changes in apoptotic gene expression profile indicated that two death receptor pathway members, TRADD and TRAMP, were up regulated. The results of this study suggest that hesperidin mediates apoptosis in HeLa cells through extrinsic pathway for programmed cell death.

Antimalarial and vasorelaxant constituents of the leaves ofAllanblackia monticola(Guttiferae)

Phytochemical investigation of the leaves of Allanblackia monticola led to the isolation and characterisation of five prenylated xanthones [1,6-dihydroxy-3,7-dimethoxy-2-(3-methylbut-2-enyl)xanthone 1, alpha-mangostin 2, tovophyllin A 3, allanxanthone C 4 and 1,7-dihydroxy-3-methoxy-2-(3-methylbut-2-enyl)xanthone 5], two biflavonoid derivatives (amentoflavone 6 and podocarpusflavone A 7) and one pentacyclic triterpene (friedelan-3-one 8). The structures of these compounds were established on the basis of homo- and hetero-nuclear, one- and two-dimensional, nuclear magnetic resonance. Compounds 2-8 and a crude methanolic extract of A. monticola leaves were each tested for antimalarial activity in vitro, using the chloroquine-sensitive F32 and chloroquine-resistant FcM29 strains of Plasmodium falciparum; the median inhibitory concentrations (IC(50)) recorded varied from 0.7 to 83.5 mug/ml. The cytotoxicities of the compounds and crude extract, against cultures of human melanoma cells (A375), were then investigated, and cytotoxicity/antimalarial IC(50) ratios of 0.6-16.75 were recorded. In tests involving aortic rings from guinea pigs, a crude extract of the leaves of A. monticola was found to induce concentration-dependent vasorelaxation, causing up to 82% and 42% inhibition of noradrenaline- and KCl-induced contractions, respectively. The corresponding values for compounds 2 and 6 when tested against noradrenaline-induced contractions were approximately 18% and 35%, respectively.

Qualitative and quantitative analysis of phenolic compounds in the leaves of aquilaria sinensis using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry

INTRODUCTION

The leaves of Aquilaria sinensis traditionally have been used in China for a century. Phenolic compounds were investigated to be the major active compounds in them.

OBJECTIVE

To establish a method that will simultaneously determine the phenolic compounds in Aquilaria sinensis leaves and identify their characteristic fragmentation patterns, and to make a comparison of A. sinensis leaf samples from different areas of China.

METHODS

High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled with mass spectrometry (MS) and photodiode array detection (DAD) were used for the qualitative and quantitative analysis.

RESULTS

Twenty-one compounds, including xanthones, benzophenones and flavones, were identified or tentatively characterised. The fragmentation patterns of xanthones and benzophenones were also described. Also, eight components in the herbal samples from different regions were determined by HPLC-DAD.

CONCLUSION

The method developed is suitable for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of phenolic constituents in the leaves of A. sinensis.

Three new xanthones from the resin of Garcinia hanburyi

Three new xanthones, 22,23-dihydroxydihydrogambogenic acid (1), 12-hydroxygambogefic acid A (2), and hanburixanthone (3), along with thirteen known compounds were isolated from the resin of Garcinia hanburyi. The structures of the new compounds were determined by detailed analysis of 1D and 2D NMR spectra and by comparison with related model compounds. All compounds were tested for their cytotoxicities against A549, HCT116, and MDA-MB-231, and most of them showed significant effects on the cell lines.

Pharmacokinetic properties of pure xanthones in comparison to a mangosteen fruit extract in rats

The xanthones α-mangostin and γ-mangostin are the major bioactive compounds in Garcinia mangostana (mangosteen) fruit extracts. Previously, we reported the pharmacokinetic properties of α-mangostin in rats. The purpose of this follow-up study was to compare the pharmacokinetic characteristics of α-mangostin and γ-mangostin in rats if administered as either a pure compound or as a component of a mangosteen fruit extract. The absolute bioavailability of γ-mangostin when administered as a pure compound was determined by giving male Sprague Dawley rats 2 mg/kg γ-mangostin intravenously or 20 mg/kg orally. A 160 mg/kg aliquot of mangosteen fruit extract was administered, containing α- and γ-mangostin doses equal to 20 mg/kg and 4.5 mg/kg of each pure compound, respectively. Plasma samples were collected for both pharmacokinetic studies, and compound concentrations were measured by LC-MS/MS. The pharmacokinetic of γ-mangostin after intravenous administration followed a two-compartment body model. The half-life of the distribution phase was 2.40 min, and that of the elimination phase was 1.52 h. After oral administration, both α- and γ-mangostin underwent intensive first-pass metabolism, and both compounds were conjugated rapidly after oral administration. When given as an extract, the total absorption of α- and γ-mangostin was not increased, but the conjugation was slower, resulting in increased free (unconjugated) compound exposure when compared to pure compound administration. Since reported beneficial biological activities of mangosteen xanthones are based on the free, unconjugated compounds, food supplements containing mangosteen fruit extracts should be preferred over the administration of pure xanthones.

[Content determination of two isomers containd in Garcinia hanburyi by HPLC]

OBJECTIVE

To establish a method for determing the content of two isomers containd in Garcinia hanburyi by HPLC.

METHOD

Chromatographic column of SunFire (Waters) C8 (2.1 mm x 150 mm, 3.5 microm) was adopted, with acetonitrile-methanol-0.3% trifluoroacetic acid (36: 37:27) as the mobile phase. The detection wavelength was 360 nm,the flow rate was 0.3 mL x min(-1), and the column temperature was 28 degrees C.

RESULT

The linear regression equation of r-gambogic acid was Y = 2.87 x 10(6) X - 2.24 x 10(5), r = 0.999 9. The linear regression equation of S-gambogic acid was Y = 3.31 x 10(6) X - 1.44 x 10(5), r = 0.999 9. The average recoveries were 100.0% and 100.9%, with RSD being 2.1% and 2.5% (n = 6), respectivley. The average contents of two gambogic acid in G. hanburyi were 30.06% and 21.45%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The method was so convenient and stable that it can be used for identification and content determination of two isomers containd in G. hanburyi.

A survey of mangiferin and hydroxycinnamic acid ester accumulation in coffee (Coffea) leaves: biological implications and uses

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The phenolic composition of Coffea leaves has barely been studied, and therefore this study conducts the first detailed survey, focusing on mangiferin and hydroxycinnamic acid esters (HCEs).

METHODS

Using HPLC, including a new technique allowing quantification of feruloylquinic acid together with mangiferin, and histochemical methods, mangiferin content and tissue localization were compared in leaves and fruits of C. pseudozanguebariae, C. arabica and C. canephora. The HCE and mangiferin content of leaves was evaluated for 23 species native to Africa or Madagascar. Using various statistical methods, data were assessed in relation to distribution, ecology, phylogeny and use.

KEY RESULTS

Seven of the 23 species accumulated mangiferin in their leaves. Mangiferin leaf-accumulating species also contain mangiferin in the fruits, but only in the outer (sporophytic) parts. In both leaves and fruit, mangiferin accumulation decreases with ageing. A relationship between mangiferin accumulation and UV levels is posited, owing to localization with photosynthetic tissues, and systematic distribution in high altitude clades and species with high altitude representatives. Analyses of mangiferin and HCE content showed that there are significant differences between species, and that samples can be grouped into species, with few exceptions. These data also provide independent support for various Coffea lineages, as proposed by molecular phylogenetic analyses. Sampling of the hybrids C. arabica and C. heterocalyx cf. indicates that mangiferin and HCE accumulation may be under independent parental influence.

CONCLUSIONS

This survey of the phenolic composition in Coffea leaves shows that mangiferin and HCE accumulation corresponds to lineage recognition and species delimitation, respectively. Knowledge of the spectrum of phenolic accumulation within species and populations could be of considerable significance for adaptation to specific environments. The potential health benefits of coffee-leaf tea, and beverages and masticatory products made from the fleshy parts of Coffea fruits, are supported by our phenolic quantification.

[Optimize technique of extracting alpha-mangostin from pericarp of Garcinia mangostana by supersonic wave using central composite design-response surface methodology]

OBJECTIVE

To optimize the extraction technique for alpha-mangostin from pericarp of Garcinia Mangostana.

METHODS

The effects of ethanol concentration, ultrasonic extraction time, the liquid to solid ratio and their interaction on extraction rate were studied by central composite design. The predictive model and reliability were developed by SAS software and response surface analysis. The optimal ultrasonic extraction conditions were achieved.

RESULTS

The optimal ultrasonic extraction conditions were as follows: ethanol concentration 67.8%, ultrasonic extraction time 85.9 min, the liquid to solid ratio 24.2 mL/g. Under the optimum conditions, the extraction yield of alpha-mangostin was 5.53%.

CONCLUSION

This study provides an effective method for the industrial extraction of alpha-mangostin.

[Chemical constituents of Halenia elliptica]

OBJECTIVE

To study the chemical constituents of Halenia elliptica.

METHOD

The air-dried whole plants of Halenia elliptica were extracted with 90% EtOH. The EtOH extract was condensed to a small amount of volume and extracted with petroleum ether, EtOAc and n-BuOH, successively. The compounds were isolated and purified by column chromatography from the EtOAc fraction, and identified based on spectral analyses (MS, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR).

RESULT

12 compounds were isolated from H. elliptica, and characterized as 8-hydroxy-2-methylchromone (1), 5-methoxy-2-methylchromone (2), 7-epi-vogeloside (3), coniferl aldehyde (4), sinapaldehyde (5), norbellidifolin (6), 1-hydroxyl-2,3,4,6-tetramethoxyxanthone (7), 1-hydroxyl-2,3,4,7-tetramethoxyxanthone (8), 1-hydroxyl-2,3,5-trimethoxyxanthone (9), together with azelaic acid, beta-sitosterol, and oleanolic acid.

CONCLUSION

Compounds 1, 2 were new natural compounds and compounds 3-6, 10 were obtained from H. elliptica for the first time and compound 6 showed inhibitory activities against HBsAg and HBeAg secretion with IC50 value of 0.77 and < 0.62 mmol x L(-1), respectively.

[Studies on identification and secondary metabolites of endophytic fungi strain E8 from Curcuma wenyujin]

OBJECTIVE

To identify the endophyte strain E8 with high activity from Curcuma wenyujin and study its secondary metabolites.

METHOD

The strain E8 was identified by morphological observation and ITS sequence analysis. Manifold chromatographic methods were used to separate and purify the chemical constituents of fermentation broth from strain E8, and their structures were identified by physiochemical properties and spectral data.

RESULT

The strain E8 belongs to P. oxalicum. Four compounds were isolated from the fermentation broth of this strain and elucidated as chrysophanol, emodin, secalonic acid A and beta-sitosterol.

CONCLUSION

The endophyte P. oxalicum was isolated from medicinal plant Curcuma wenyujin for the first time. Four compounds were first isolated from endophytic fungus in C. wenyujin. Thus, microbial fermentation is a new access for these compounds production.

Detection, characterization and identification of major constituents in Zhimu-Baihe herb-pair extract by fast high-performance liquid chromatography and time-of-flight mass spectrometry through dynamic adjustment of fragmentor voltage

This work describes a novel methodology for unequivocal identification of chemical constituents in Zhimu-Baihe herb-pair (ZMBHHP). Compounds were removed from ZMBHHP by ultrasonic extraction with 70% ethanol, and then analyzed by fast high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled with time-of-flight mass spectrometry (TOFMS). The accurate-mass capability of the TOF analyzer allowed reliable confirmation of the identity of the detected compounds, normally with mass errors below 3 ppm in routine analysis. This mass accuracy was sufficient to verify the elemental compositions of the chemical constituents in ZMBHHP. With dynamic adjustment of fragmentor voltage in TOFMS, an efficient ion transmission was achieved to obtain the best sensitivity and abundant fragmentation. By accurate mass measurements for each molecular ion and subsequent fragment ions, a reliable identification and differentiation of 24 saponins, 3 xanthones, 1 anthraquinone and 2 alkaloids was described here, including four groups of isomers. It is concluded that this fast and sensitive HPLC/ESI-TOFMS technique is powerful in qualitative analysis of complex herbal medicines in terms of sensitivity, selectivity, resolving power, time savings and lower solvent consumption. Furthermore, the data gathered in this study may be helpful for understanding the synergistic nature of this herb pair in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and further pharmacokinetic studies of ZMBHHP.

[Determination of xanthones in Tibetan herb Jiadiranguo (Herba Haleniae)]

A HPLC method was developed for simultaneous determination of 1-hydroxy-2, 3, 4, 7-trimethoxyxanthone (1), 1-hydroxy-2,3, 7- trimethoxyxanthone (2), 1-hydroxy-2, 3, 4, 5-trimethoxyxanthone (3), and 1-hydroxy-2, 3, 5- trimethoxyxanthone (4) in Halenia elliptica. The analytical column was Welchrom C18 column (4.6 mm x 250 mm, 5 microm). The mobile phase was acetonitrile- water (43:57). The detection wavelength was 265 nm. The flow rate was 1 mL x min(-1) and the column temperature was set at 40 degrees C. There was good linearity between the peak areas and concentration at the ranges of 0.414-16.6, 1.73-69.6, 5.89-117, 3.01-120.5 mg x L(-1) for 1, 2, 3 and 4 respectively. The average recoveries (n = 6) of 1, 2, 3 and 4 were 102.5%, 100.5%, 97.9% and 101.2%. Those four xanthones in thirty samples of H. elliptica. were determined by this method. The method is simple, accurate, repeatable, which could be used for the quality evaluation of H. elliptica. The total content of those four xanthones in H. elliptica should not less than 1.80% by comprehensive analysis.

Phytochemical and antioxidant studies of Laurera benguelensis growing in Thailand

The aim of this study was to investigate metabolites of the lichen Laurera benguelensis. A high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method has been developed for the characterization of xanthones and anthraquinones in extracts of this lichen. Lichexanthone, secalonic acid D, norlichexanthon, parietin, emodin, teloschistin and citreorosein were detected in the lichen samples, which were collected from two places in Thailand. Components of the lichen were identified by relative retention time and spectral data. This is the first time that a detailed phytochemical analysis of the lichen L. benguelensis was reported and this paper has chemotaxonomic significance because very little has been published on the secondary metabolites present in Laurera species. Some of the metabolites were detected for the first time in the family Trypetheliaceae. The results of preliminary testing of benzene extract and its chloroform and methanol fractions showed that all samples showed a weak radical scavenging activity. The chloroform extract showed the highest antioxidant activity.

[Determination of chlorogenic acid and mangiferin in Folium Pyrrosiae from different habitats and species by HPLC]

An HPLC method for simultaneous determination of chlorogenic acid and mangiferin in original medicinal materials and decoction pieces of Pyrrosiae Folium was developed. The assay was performed on a Diamonsil C18 (4.6 mm x 250 mm, 5 microm) column eluted with a mobile phase consisted of acetonitrile and 0.5% phosphoric acid solution in gradient elution at a flow rate of 1.0 mL x min(-1). The column temperature was set at 25 degrees C. The detection wavelength was 320 nm. The results showed that The linear ranges of chlorogenic acid and mangiferin were 5.2-130 mg x L(-1) (r = 0.9999) and 1.2-18 microg x mL(-1) (r = 0.9999), and the average recoveries (n=6) were 97.9% (RSD 1.9%) and 99.6% (RSD 2.9%), respectively. The method was simple, reproducible and valid. It can be used for quality evaluation and control of original medicinal materials and decoction pieces of Pyrrosiae Folium.

[Xanthones of Comastoma pedunlulatum]

The xanthones in the ethyl acetate extract of Comastoma pedunlulatum were investigated. The chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques were used to isolate and identify the constituents. Nine xanthones were isolated from the active parts of the ethyl acetate portion of the 70% ethanolic extract of C. Pedunlulatum, which possess the protective activity against hepatocyte damage caused by DL-GalN, and identified as 1,8-dihydroxy-2,6-dimethoxyxanthone (1), 8-hydroxy-1,2,6-trimethoxyxanthone (2), 1,6,8-trihydroxy-2-methoxyxanthone (3), 1,8-dihydroxy-3,5-dimethoxyxanthone (4), 1-hydroxy-3,5,8-trimethoxyxanthone (5), 1 -hydroxy-3,7-dimethoxyxanthone (6), 1,2,6,8-tetrahydroxyxanthone (7), 1,3,7-trihydroxy4- methoxyxanthone (8), 6,8-dihydroxy-1, 2-dimethoxyxanthone (9). Among them, compounds 6-9 were isolated from the genus Comastoma for the fist time.

Free radical scavenging and anti-acne activities of mangosteen fruit rind extracts prepared by different extraction methods

The ethanol extracts of mangosteen fruit rinds prepared by several extraction methods were examined for their contents of bioactive compounds, DPPH-scavenging activity, and anti-acne producing bacteria against Propionibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus epidermidis. The dried powder of the fruit rind was extracted with 95% ethanol by maceration, percolation, Soxhlet extraction, ultrasonic extraction, and extraction using a magnetic stirrer. Soxhlet extraction promoted the maximum contents of crude extract (26.60% dry weight) and alpha-mangostin (13.51%, w/w of crude extract), and also gave the highest anti-acne activity with MIC 7.81 and 15.63 microg/mL and MBC 15.53 and 31.25 microg/mL against P. acnes and S. epidermidis, respectively. Ethanol 70% and 50% (v/v) were also compared in Soxhlet extraction. Ethanol 50% promoted the extract with maximum amounts of total phenolic compounds (26.96 g gallic acid equivalents/100 g extract) and total tannins (46.83 g tannic acid equivalents/100 g extract), and also exhibited the most effective DPPH-scavenging activity (EC(50) 12.84 microg/mL). Considering various factors involved in the process, Soxhlet extraction carried a low cost in terms of reagents and extraction time. It appears to be the recommended extraction method for mangosteen fruit rind. Ethanol 50% should be the appropriate solvent for extracting free radical-scavenging components, phenolic compounds, and tannins, while 95% ethanol is recommended for extraction of alpha-mangostin, a major anti-acne component from this plant.

Influences of harvest date and location on the levels of beta-carotene, ascorbic acid, total phenols, the in vitro antioxidant capacity, and phenolic profiles of five commercial varieties of mango (Mangifera indica L.)

Mango (Mangifera indica L.) is a tropical fruit grown worldwide with excellent nutritional value and widely attributed health-promoting properties. Extensive studies have been made of the high concentrations of phenolic antioxidants in mango peels, seeds, and leaves, yet less is known about the phenolic antioxidants of mango fruit pulp. Five varieties of mangoes from four countries were evaluated with multiple harvests over 1 year to compare the beta-carotene, ascorbic acid, and total phenolic contents and antioxidant capacities of the fruit pulp and to compare the phenolic profiles of the individual varieties. To minimize ripeness variability, only soft fruit (0.5-1 N compression) with a minimum of 10% soluble solids were used for these measurements. Ascorbic acid ranged from 11 to 134 mg/100 g of pulp puree, and beta-carotene varied from 5 to 30 mg/kg among the five varieties. Total phenolic content ranged from 19.5 to 166.7 mg of gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/100 g of puree. The varieties Tommy Atkins, Kent, Keitt, and Haden had similar total phenolic contents, averaging 31.2+/-7.8 mg GAE/100 g of puree, whereas the variety Ataulfo contained substantially higher values. Similar trends were observed in the DPPH radical scavenging activities among the five varieties. In contrast, the country of origin and harvest dates had far less influence on these parameters. Ataulfo mangoes contained significantly higher amounts of mangiferin and ellagic acid than the other four varieties. Large fruit-to-fruit variations in the concentrations of these compounds occurred within sets of mangoes of the same cultivar with the same harvest location and date.

Bioavailability and antioxidant effects of a xanthone-rich Mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana) product in humans

Oxidative damage is involved in many chronic diseases including those cited as the major causes of death in Western societies such as cardiovascular disorders and cancer. Antioxidants may prevent these degenerative processes by various mechanisms including the scavenging of free radicals. Intake of antioxidant supplements is associated with preventing oxidative damages. This study investigated the absorption and antioxidant effects of a xanthone-rich mangosteen liquid in healthy human volunteers after the acute consumption of 59 mL of the supplement. The liquid contained mangosteen, aloe vera, green tea, and multivitamins. Results indicated that alpha-mangostin and vitamins B(2) and B(5) were bioavailable, with observed C(max) at t(max) of around 1 h. The antioxidant capacity measured with the oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) assay was increased with a maximum effect of 18% after 2 h, and the increased antioxidant level lasted at least 4 h. Overall, this study demonstrated the bioavailability of antioxidants from a xanthone-rich mangosteen product and its in vivo antioxidant effects.

[Determination of six active components in three species of genus Swertia by HPLC multiwavelength with detection]

OBJECTIVE

To develop an HPLC method for the quantification of six active components in three species (Swertia davidi, S. nervosa and S. mussotii) .

METHOD

The determination was performed on a Hypersil BDS colunm (4. 6 mm x 200 mm, 5 microm). Acetonitrile and 0.5% phosphoric acid solution were used as the mobile phases with a gradient elution. The flow rate was 1.0 mL x min(-1). The UV detection wavelength was at 240, 274, 325 and 334 nm. The column oven temperature was at 25 degrees C.

RESULT

Six components were separated commendably in 60 minutes. The calibration curves of swertiamarin, gentiopicroside, norswertianolin, swertianolin, demethylbellidifolin and bellidifolin were in good linearity over the range of 0.520-20.8, 0.202-8.06, 0.107-4.28, 0.097-3.86, 0.094-3.77, 0.101-4.02 microg, respectively (r = 0.999 9). The average recoveries were 98.7%, 98.1%, 98.3%, 98.8%, 98.1% and 98.6%, respectively, and the RSD were less than 3.0% (n = 6).

CONCLUSION

The method is accurate,simple and reproducible, and can be used to control the quality of Swertia.

Bioassay and ultraperformance liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry guided isolation of apoptosis-inducing benzophenones and xanthone from the pericarp of Garcinia yunnanensis Hu

Bioassay and ultraperformance liquid chromatography/photodiode array/mass spectrometry (UPLC/PDA/MS) guided isolation of the apoptosis-inducing active metabolites on HeLa-C3 cells from the pericarp of Garcinia yunnanensis (Guttiferae) yielded five active compounds, including the new garciyunnanins A (1) and B (2). The structures of the compounds were elucidated by comprehensive nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectrometry analysis. Garciyunnanin B (2), featured with a natural tetracyclic xanthone skeleton derived from a polyisoprenylated benzophenone, is structurally interesting since it can be seen as an evidence of the previously described cyclization of garcinol by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). Garciyunnanin A (1) contains a 3-monohydroxy benzophenone skeleton, which is rarely found in Garcinia species. Both new compounds induce HeLa-C3 cells into apoptosis after 72 h of incubation at 15 microM. It is noteworthy that oblongifolin C (4), the major constituent of this plant, has proved to be the most active one among the isolates for inducing apoptotic cell death in cervical cancer derived HeLa-C3 sensor cells.

Simultaneous determination of bioactive xanthone glycosides and norlignans from ethanolic extract of Anemarrhena asphodeloides by liquid chromatography

The rhizomes of Anemarrhena asphodeloides Bunge (Liliaceae) are prescribed as crude drugs in herbal medication for the treatment of various diseases such as diabetes, inflammation, and platelet aggregation inhibition. A simple, sensitive, and precise reversed-phase liquid chromatographic method was developed to study the quantitative determination of 5 bioactive compounds from these rhizomes, namely, neomangiferin, mangiferin, isomangiferin, nyasol, and methylnyasol. Chromatographic analysis was performed on Capcell Pak C18 column (150 x 4.6 mm, 3 microm) with a mobile phase consisting of acetonitrile, methanol, and 0.1% formic acid at a flow rate of 1.00 mL/min. Quantitation was performed using a UV-visible detector at 260 nm. The method for the determination of reported medicinal agents was accurate and reproducible. Excellent linear behavior was observed over the investigated concentration range of 2.5-100.0 microg/mL for neomangiferin; 1.5-60.0 microg/mL for mangiferin; 0.5-20.0 microg/mL for nyasol; and 0.2-20.0 microg/mL for methylnyasol; correlation coefficient > 0.99. The intraday and interday precision over the concentration range of compounds was < 6.6% (relative standard deviation) and accuracy was between 94.9 and 109.3%. This method can be successfully applied for the analysis of medicinal compounds from the ethanolic extract of A. asphodeloides Bunge.

Thin-layer chromatography-densitometric analysis of alpha-mangostin content in Garcinia mangostana fruit rind extracts

The fruit rinds of mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana Linn.) have long been used as traditional medicines for treatment of skin infections, wounds, and diarrhea. A simple thin-layer chromatography (TLC)-densitometric method has been developed for the simultaneous quantification of alpha-mangostin in the extracts from unripe and ripe fruit rinds of G. mangostana. It was found in the ranges of 10.48 +/- 0.83 and 16.65 +/- 0.38% (w/w) in the dried unripe and ripe fruit rinds, respectively. The method was validated for linearity, precision, accuracy, limit of detection (LOD), and limit of quantitation (LOQ). The linearity was found over the range of 100-500 ng/spot with regression coefficient 0.999. Intraday and interday precision studies showed the relative standard deviation was <2%. Accuracy of the method was determined by a recovery study conducted at 3 different levels, and the average recovery was 99.49%. The LOD and LOQ were 40 and 100 ng, respectively. The proposed TLC-densitometric method was found to be simple, precise, specific, sensitive, and accurate. This method can be used for routine quality control of raw material of G. mangostana fruit rind, extract, and its products. It also can be applied in quantifying this marker compound in other drugs.

[Analysis of xanthones in gamboge by HPLC-PDA-ESI/MS]

The MS and multi-MS spectra of gambogic acid and gambogenic acid in positive ion detection mode were analyzed by electrospray ion trap mass spectrometry (ESI-QITMS) and their cleavage patterns were summarized. Gamboge samples were separated by a Kromasil C18 column and analyzed by HPLC-PDA and MS. Sixteen xanthones could be separated and detected, A collision induced dissociation (CID) experiment was carried out. Molecular weight and UV spectra with of these compounds were obtained. Ten xanthone compounds in Gamboge were identified by online photodiode array detection-MS(n) and by comparing with data from literature. It is expected to develop a comprehensive quality control method for this kind of compounds in commonly used herbal preparation especially in structure analysis of trace substances.