Abstract
The present study reports on the use of the flash chromatography for the isolation and purification of oleanolic and maslinic acids from olive leaf extracts. Although the separation and identification of these acids is considered challenging due to the similarity in their structure, oleanolic and maslinic acids were detected, identified, and separated. Solubility prediction was used to help to match compatibility of extraction solvent with targeted triterpenoid acids. Aqueous washing was used, to first selectively remove unwanted interferents from the extraction solvent. The extracts obtained with different solvents and solvent mixtures were fractionated using flash chromatography and then analyzed. HPTLC chromatography was used to assess collected fractions as either semi-pure or pure, and to identify the fractions containing oleanolic and maslinic acids. The yields of oleanolic and maslinic acids reported here are significantly higher than yields obtained in previously reported isolations. The presence and purity of oleanolic and maslinic acid in collected fractions was confirmed by ATR-FTIR and NMR spectrometry.
Highlights
It is well documented that plant secondary metabolites have played a vital part in modern drug discovery of antibacterial and antitumoral drugs [1,2]
Ursolic acid shares a common cooccurrence with oleanolic acid, it features a more restricted distribution when compared to oleanolic acid
In a longer chromatographic run from ethyl acetate extracts, oleanolic acid started eluting at 21% of ethyl acetate, while maslinic acid started eluting at 60% of ethyl acetate (Figure 3)
Summary
It is well documented that plant secondary metabolites have played a vital part in modern drug discovery of antibacterial and antitumoral drugs [1,2]. Pentacyclic triterpenes, a major class of bioactive chemical compounds, are associated with the mechanisms of action and pharmacological effects of many medicinal plants used in traditional medicine. Besides their antioxidant activity, they have many other pharmacological properties beneficial for human health. Ursolic and maslinic acids are pentacyclic triterpenoid acids that are frequently found together due to their similar structural features. The addition of a hydroxy group in maslinic acid increases its antioxidant properties compared to oleanolic and ursolic acids [7]
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