LC–MS/MS-based metabolites of Eurycoma longifolia (Tongkat Ali) in Malaysia (Perak and Pahang)

Abstract

A number of three LC-MS/MS hybrid systems (QTof, TripleTof and QTrap) has been used to profile small metabolites (m/z 100-1000) and to detect the targeted metabolites such as quassinoids, alkaloids, triterpene and biphenylneolignans from the aqueous extracts of Eurycoma longifolia. The metabolite profiles of small molecules showed four significant clusters in the principle component analysis for the aqueous extracts of E. longifolia, which had been collected from different geographical terrains (Perak and Pahang) and processed at different extraction temperatures (35°C and 100°C). A small peptide of leucine (m/z 679) and a new hydroxyl methyl β-carboline propionic acid have been identified to differentiate E. longifolia extracts that prepared at 35°C and 100°C, respectively. From the targeted metabolites identification, it was found that 3,4ɛ-dihydroeurycomanone (quassinoids) and eurylene (squalene-type triterpene) could only be detected in the Pahang extract, whereas canthin-6-one-3N-oxide could only be detected in the Perak extract. Overall, quassinoids were present in the highest concentration, particularly eurycomanone and its derivatives compared to the other groups of metabolites. However, the concentration of canthin-6-one and β-carboline alkaloids was significantly increased when the roots of the plant samples were extracted at 100°C.

Evaluation of Antihyperlipidemic, Anti-Inflammatory, and Analgesic Activities of Eurycoma Longifolia in Animal Models

“…It has been reported that E. longifolia contains quassinoids, triterpene, biphenylneolignan and alkaloid [7,[24][25][26]. The presence of eurycomaloactone, 14,15β-dihydroklaieanone and 13, 21-dehydroeurycomanone in E. longifolia root were identified as potent NF-κB inhibitors [27,28].…”

“…Wide spectrum of pharmacological activities of E. longifolia has been reported [2][3][4][5]. Despite wide range of traditional uses known, it is most solely for its aphrodisiac and anti-malarial properties [5][6][7]. Previous research shows that extracts from the roots of E. longifolia suppressed intracellular lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 adipocytes, a treatment target for an anti-obesity agent [8].…”

Review on Eurycoma longifolia Pharmacological and Phytochemical Properties

“…Among the metabolites, quassinoids present as the highest amount. Chua et al (2011) stated more than 85 compounds have been identified from E. longifolia. Kuo et al (2004), Miyake et al (2010) and Chua et al (2011) listed known compounds that have been identified in their research and previous studies.…”

“…To detect small metabolites, high sensitivity and high mass accuracy tandem mass spectrometer is required to produce highly reliable data. Chua et al (2011) used LCMS to profile metabolites (quassinoids, alkaloids, triterpene and biphenylneolignans) of E. longifolia collected from the state of Perak and Pahang in Malaysia and extracted at different temperatures (35 and 100°C). Using three LC-MS/MS hybrid systems (QTof, TripleTof and QTrap), quassinoids particularly eurycomanone and its derivatives were detected to be at highest concentration than other metabolites.…”

“…The aborigines are known to drink the decoction of this plant before entering deeper into mosquito infested jungle. This plant is investigated to contain canthin-6-one and β-carboline alkaloids which are naturally occurring amine compounds formed as metabolic by-products in order to repel insects and herbivores (Chua et al, 2011).…”