Phytochemical Profile, Antioxidant and Antidiabetic Activities of Adansonia digitata L. (Baobab) from Mali, as a Source of Health-Promoting Compounds

Abstract

Background: Adansonia digitata L. (Malvaceae), also known as baobab, is a tree attracting recent interest especially due to the high nutritional value of the fruit pulp. However, few studies are reported on the secondary metabolite content, showing high variability depending on the geographic region. Methods: In this study, the chemical profiles of Malian commercial baobab fruits and leaves, focused on phenolic content, were investigated by HPLC coupled with a photodiode array (PDA)/UV and an electrospray ionization (ESI) mass spectrometer (MS) and gas chromatography (GC)/MS. In addition, the extracts of fruit pulps obtained from three different markets (Fruits 1, 2, and 3) were evaluated for their total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidant activity and α-glucosidase inhibition. Results: Baobab fruit pulps were found to be rich in procyanidins and flavonol glycosides, with tiliroside as the major constituent. The baobab leaves showed a similar profile respect to the fruits, but with more detected phenolics. All fruit pulp extracts exerted antioxidant activity (highest for Fruit 3) and higher α-glucosidase inhibition than acarbose used as standard. Conclusions: This study confirmed the variability of baobab with different origins and indicated Malian species baobab as a promising source of health-promoting substances.

Antioxidant Effect of Cocoa By-Product and Cherry Polyphenol Extracts: A Comparative Study

“…Compounds 2-4, 7, 8, 11, and 12 showed the same molecular deprotonated ion [M − H] − at m/z 865 and two strong UV absorptions at 242-258 and 277-280 nm, suggesting a trimeric B-type procyanidin structure for all isomers. This finding was confirmed by fragmentation mass spectra, all showing the same diagnostic product ions at m/z 739, 713, 695, 451, 407, and 287, together with a base peak ion at m/z 577, represented by the dimeric form [30].…”

“…However, it can be assumed all three molecules to be isomers of procyanidin B, previously reported in cocoa extract [37]. In addition to these oligomers, also their monomer was detected (compound 9, [M − H] − at m/z 289), corresponding to catechin or epicatechin, as deduced by diagnostic product ions at m/z 245 and 205 [30].…”

“…PDA/UV spectra were recorded in a range of 200-600 nm, using 254, 280, and 325 nm as preferential channels, while ESI-MS experiments were achieved in negative ion mode (scan range of m/z 150-2000). Ionization parameters were used as previously reported [30].…”

Development of Fortified Citrus Olive Oils: From Their Production to Their Nutraceutical Properties on the Cardiovascular System

“…The ESI interface was used in negative ion mode and molecules were detected in a scan range of m/z 150-2000. Ionization conditions were optimized as previously reported [36].…”

Anaphylaxis to baobab fruit: the paradox of "natural healthy food"

“…vegan lifestyle), have started a huge trading to import baobab fruit's extracts for their products (4,5). In addition, recent studies have focused on health-promoting properties of the baobab fruit (6) and its possible effect on weight maintenance (7). Consequently, there has been a remarkable increase in the sales of products derived from the baobab fruit.…”