LC-UV-MS characterization of Terminalia macroptera leaf

Terminalia macroptera Guill. and Perr. (Combretaceae) is a species used to treat infectious diseases in many West African countries. Previously, root and leaf hydro ethanol extracts of this species showed an interesting profile of activity against Neisseria gonorrhoeae [1,2]. The root extract of this species also showed to be active against enteropathogenic bacteria [3]. Hereby we present the results of the chemical characterization of T. macroptera leaf active extract (Tml) and of the most biological liquid-liquid partition active fractions (diethyl ether and ethyl acetate) by means of liquid chromatography coupled with ultraviolet photodiode array spectroscopy and mass spectrometry (LC-UV-MS). Comparative LC-UV-MS data between leaf and root are also shown. LC-UV-MS results confirmed the polyphenolic profile of Tml, and allowed the identification of flavonoids, phenolic acids and hydrolysable tannins as major compounds. Chemical work made on prosecution allowed the identification of combreglutinin, corilagin, 3,4,5-trimethyl-3′,4′-dioxoloflavellagic acid, 3,3′,4,4′-tetramethylellagic acid, rutin, orientin, vitexin, iso-vitexin, and of a galloylquercetin glucoside and a galloyl-luteolin glucoside on Tml and most active fractions, in addition to chebulagic acid, chebulinic acid, ellagic acid, gallic acid, punicalagin and isoorientin previously identified on this extract [2]. α- and β-terchebulin, the main compounds of T. macroptera root [4], were not identified on the leaf of this species.

References: 1. Silva O. et al. (1997) Pharm Biol 35:323–328.

2. Silva O. et al. (2002) FEMS Microbiol Lett 211:203–206.

3. Silva O. et al. (1996)J Ethnopharmacol 50:55–59.

4. Silva O. et al. (2000) Pharm Res 17:1396–1401.