Phytochemical analysis, UPLC-ESI-Orbitrap-MS analysis, biological activity, and toxicity of extracts from Tripleurospermum limosum (Maxim.) Pobed

Abstract

Tripleurospermum limosum (TL) has been used in folk medicine to treat gastritis. Toward the further development and use of TL, we report the phytochemical profiling, determination of active components, and antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory activities of TL. Nineteen compounds were identified by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-orbitrap-mass spectrometry for the first time in this plant. Phytochemical studies indicated that TL contained 11 types of phytochemicals. The active components [total carbohydrate content (TCC), total protein content (TProC), total triterpenoid content (TTC), total phenolic content (TPheC), total flavonoid content (TFC), total phenolic acid content (TPAC), condensed tannin content (CTC), and gallotannin content (GC)] of eight different solvent extracts were determined by ultraviolet–visible spectrophotometry. Aqueous extract had highest TProC, TPheC, and GC values. Methanol extract exhibited highest TCC and TFC values. Ethanol extract showed highest TPAC and CTC values and dichloromethane extract exhibited highest TTC value. Methanol extract showed strongest ability to scavenge 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radicals, 2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) diammonium salt cation radicals, and hydroxyl radicals, and also exhibited highest antioxidant activity in ferric-reducing antioxidant power and cupric ion-reducing antioxidant capacity assays. Best iron and copper chelating activity and H2O2 scavenging ability were shown by aqueous extract. Ethanol extract showed strongest ability to scavenge superoxide radicals and effectively prevent β-carotene bleaching. Acetone extract had highest inhibitory activity toward α-glucosidase, α-amylase, and xanthine oxidase. Ethyl ether extract had highest inhibitory activity towards urease and angiotensin converting enzyme. Aqueous and ethanol extracts had strongest inhibitory activity toward acetylcholinesterase. Methanol extract showed highest inhibitory activity toward tyrosinase. Methanol extract showed good stability and antioxidant capacity during heating, at different pH values, and after in vitro digestion and had low toxicity. The efficacy of methanol extract in stabilizing olive and sunflower oils was studied, the results suggested that methanol extract had a protective effect on the primary oxidation of the two oils. TL may be useful as a source of active components for application in human nutrition and/or phytomedicine and methanol extract of TL could be used as a natural oil stabiliser.