Chemical profiling and chemometric investigation of leaves of Phytolacca americana L. by Q-TOF LC/MS

Phytolacca americana L. (Phytolaccaceae), commonly known as poke, pokeweed or pokeberry, is an herbaceous dicot native to North America. Although the plant is considered toxic to humans and animals, poke leaves are still consumed as a food by people in the south eastern United States. Traditional knowledge and practices stress the importance of proper harvesting and preparation of the leaf material to eliminate its toxic effects. In order to formulate a better understanding of the risk and benefits associated with the use of poke, a chemometric investigation of the poke leaf material was performed. Phytochemical profiles were obtained for poke leaf material harvested at different times of the season and prepared under different conditions. Through a metabolomics approach, these profiles were compared with results of biological assays performed on the same materials. Correlations between material harvest time, preparation and biological activities were discovered providing support for the traditional practices associated with the plant's use.