Nontargeted Identification of the Phenolic and Other Compounds of Saraca asoca by High Performance Liquid Chromatography-Positive Electrospray Ionization and Quadrupole Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry
High performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometer was used for separation and identification of phenolic and other compounds in the water extracts of Saraca asoca (Roxb.), De. Wilde. The aim of the study was to identify and evaluate the distribution of phenolic compounds in the different parts of the plant. The identity of compounds was established through the comparison with standards and characteristic base peaks as well as other daughter ions. In crude extracts, 34 catechin derivatives, 34 flavonoids, and 17 other compounds were identified. Interestingly, further analysis of compounds showed plant part specific unique pattern of metabolites; that is, regenerated bark is observed to be the best source for catechin/catechin derivative while flowers were found to be the source for wide variety of flavonoids. Moreover, these plant part specific compounds can be used as biomarkers for the identification of plant material or herbal drugs. Overall, the present study provides for the first time a comprehensive analysis of the phenolic components of this herb which may be helpful not only to understand their usage but also to contribute to quality control as well. 1. Introduction Bark decoction of S. asoca (Roxb.), De. Wilde (Caesalpiniaceae), has been mentioned as one of the most famous Indian treatise Charaka Samhita (100？A.D.) for the treatment of various types of gynaecological disorders. Bhavprakash Nighantu, another Indian treatise, referred to it as a uterine tonic for regularizing the menstrual disorders. Bark of the plant is well reported for its stimulating effect on endometrium and ovarian tissues and being used to treat menorrhagia. S. asoca contains significant amounts of phenolic compounds that are considered to be the biologically active components. Water extracts of the plant parts are being used to prepare various Ayurvedic and herbal drugs being rich source of catechin, epicatechin, epigallocathechin, and their polymers and glucosides [1, 2]. Catechins are well reported for various kinds of biological activities and are useful for the symptomatic treatment of several gastrointestinal, respiratory, and vascular diseases. The antioxidant activity of flavonoids has been studied with regard to retarding the aging of cells and protection against cancer and coronary or cardiovascular disease [3–5]. Various techniques are in use to identify phenolic compounds such as thin layer chromatography, high performance thin layer chromatography, gas chromatography, UV detection, high performance liquid
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