High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry Identification and Characterization of Flavonoids from Fridericia chica Leaves Extract with Anti-Arbovirus Activity

Abstract

Plant extracts are complex mixtures that are difficult to characterize, and mass spectrometry is one of the main techniques currently used in dereplication processes. Fridericia chica is a species with medicinal uses in Latin American countries, used in the treatment of inflammatory and infectious diseases. Extracts of this plant species are characterized by the presence of anthocyanidins. In this study, using high-resolution mass spectrometry coupled with liquid chromatography, it was possible to determine the molecular formula of thirty-nine flavonoids. Fragmentation analysis, ultraviolet spectrum and nuclear magnetic resonance data allowed the partial characterization of the structures of these compounds. The spectral dataset allowed the identification of a series of flavones in addition to the desoxyanthocyanidins common in extracts of the species. The occurrence of some of the proposed structures is uncommon in extracts of species of the Bignoniaceae family, and they are reported for the first time in the extract of this species. Quantitative analyses of total flavonoids confirmed the high content of these constituents in the species, with 4.09 ± 0.34 mg/g of dry plant material. The extract under study showed low in vitro cytotoxicity with CC50 ≥ 296.7 ± 1.4 µg/mL for Vero, LLC-MK2 and MRC-5 cell lines. In antiviral activity assays, inhibition of the cytopathic effects of Dengue, Zika and Mayaro viruses was observed, with EC50 values ranging between 30.1 and 40.9 µg/mL. The best result was observed against the Mayaro virus, with an EC50 of 30.1 µg/mL.

Proximate Analysis and Antioxidant Properties of Young Plants of Sinapis alba L. Depend on the Time of Harvest and Variety

“…Since the identification was based on retention times, spectra and publications, it should be confirmed in future. Additionally, it should be emphasized that the differences in the retention time between the data from the literature and those determined in these studies may result from the type and concentration of the mobile phase used (water/acetic acid, water acetic acid/acetontryle) [36][37][38][39]. This finding requires further research.…”

“…In order to identify the polyphenolic compounds, which were not determined based on available standards on HPLC, from which the signal originates in the peak, the retention time and signals from the spectrum, UV (λmax) and scientific articles were used [35][36][37][38][39]. Peak identification was assessed using the Reaxys platform [40] using the test spectrum included therein.…”

Phytotherapy of Vulvovaginal Candidiasis: A Narrative Review

“…This plant is rich in many compounds that exhibit anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties, i.e., flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, and steroids, but the first category are mainly responsible for the desired therapeutic aspects [47]. So far, 39 types of flavonoids have been isolated, including 4 ′ -hydroxy-3,7-dimethoxyflavone, kaempferol, and vicenin II, which possess anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties [48]. Therefore, it was decided to investigate whether Fridericia chica would be effective in the treatment of vaginal and vulvar mycosis of strains resistant to standard treatment.…”

“…Therefore, it was decided to investigate whether Fridericia chica would be effective in the treatment of vaginal and vulvar mycosis of strains resistant to standard treatment. It was shown that a hydroethanolic extract of F. chica leaves (HEFc) delays fungal proliferation, so it could help the body to fight the infection on its own [48]. Another mechanism is the reduction of the yeast to filamentous form transition, which impairs the ability of pathogenic fungi to infect vaginal tissues.…”