LC-ESI-MS/MS-MRM Profiling of Polyphenols and Antioxidant Activity Evaluation of Junipers of Different Origin

Abstract

This study was aimed at identifying new efficient antioxidant juniper species and their metabolites, which are responsible for this activity. About 30 juniper representatives were assayed for antioxidant activity (DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) and ABTS (2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) radical scavenging) and total polyphenol content (TPC). The most active species were identified, and their most abundant polyphenols were quantified by the LC-electrospray ionization (ESI)-MS/MS-multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) method. In the group of studied species, J. ashei (mountain cedar) leaf extract was outlined as the best antioxidant with the highest TPC. Catechin was revealed as the most abundant polyphenol in the J. ashei extract, contributing to its superior antioxidant properties. An in-depth analysis of antioxidant capacity was also performed. The higher metal-chelating activity was observed in the case of J. sibirica (0.83 mg DE/mL), whereas the lowest was observed for J. communis (3.2 mg dry extract (DE)/mL) extracts. All efficient antioxidant extracts were also able to inhibit lipoxygenase. EC50 values ranged from 1.77 to 2.44 mg DE/mL. The most effective inhibitors were J. ashei and J. formozana extracts, which acted as uncompetitive lipoxygenase (LOX) inhibitors. The presented results have potential application in the pharmacy and cosmetics for the generation of antioxidant compositions based on naturally derived lead compounds for the prevention of oxidative-stress associated organ-degenerative diseases, cancer, or other free radical-induced disorders.

Zimbro (Juniperus communis L.) as a Promising Source of Bioactive Compounds and Biomedical Activities: A Review on Recent Trends

“…Focusing on phenolics found in J. communis L. species ( Table 1 ), their levels depend on genotype, plant part, origin, age, gender, and solvent used to extract phenolics and perform the studies, but in a general way, they increase with latitude and plant age [ 56 , 60 , 61 ]. Additionally, male leaves and berries often present higher content in phenolic compounds than female ones [ 62 ].…”

“…laxa (c.a. 0.043 mg/g of dw) [ 60 ], while ρ -hydroxybenzoic, vanillic, gallic, and gentisic acids were found in methanolic extracts (80% methanol, v/v ) of var. saxatilis at concentrations of 0.093, 0.060, 0.034, and 0.012 mg/g of dw, respectively [ 71 ].…”

LC-ESI-MS/MS Characterization of Concentrated Polyphenolic Fractions from Rhododendron luteum and Their Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Activities

“…Separations were carried out on an Eclipse XDB-C18 analytical column (4.6 × 150 mm, 5 µm; Agilent Technologies, USA). The previously used LC-MS methods were combined and modified to analyze a broader range of phenolic/polyphenolic analytes [ 9 , 50 ]. The chromatographic conditions were the same as those described by Olech et al 2020 [ 50 ].…”

“…The previously used LC-MS methods were combined and modified to analyze a broader range of phenolic/polyphenolic analytes [ 9 , 50 ]. The chromatographic conditions were the same as those described by Olech et al 2020 [ 50 ]. The total separation time was 28 min.…”

Junipers of Various Origins as Potential Sources of the Anticancer Drug Precursor Podophyllotoxin

“…Junipers are natural factories for the biosynthesis of nearly 580 compounds, including cytotoxic lignans (PPT and other derivatives), sesquiterpenes, diterpenes, flavonoids, etc., responsible for their diverse biological activities [ 28 ]. Recently, the content of various polyphenols and antioxidant activity of about 30 junipers of different origins was reported [ 29 ]. Junipers are evergreen plants that have the advantage to produce huge amounts of plant mass all throughout the year.…”