Phenolic compositions and antioxidant properties of leaves of eight persimmon varieties harvested in different periods

Persimmon leaf extract ameliorates hyperlipidemia by modulating lipid genes expression and gut microbiota in high-fat-diet-fed mice

BACKGROUND

Hyperlipidemia is characterized by abnormally elevated blood lipids. Persimmon leaf has multiple pharmacological activities and is valued for its lipid-lowering effect. However, few reports have revealed the hypolipidemic mechanism of persimmon leaf. In this study, compositions from the ethanol extract of persimmon leaf (PLE) were identified by high-resolution liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry and high-performance liquid chromatography. The mechanism of PLE against hyperlipidemia induced by high-fat diet in mice was then explored based on lipid gene expression and gut microbiota.

RESULTS

The study demonstrated that 27 compositions from PLE were identified, of which the primary hypolipidemic compositions were astragalin, hyperoside, catechin, chlorogenic acid, and quercetin. Supplementation of PLE could reduce serum lipids, liver injury, lipid accumulation, and inflammation. The analysis of lipid gene expression indicated that PLE downregulated the expression of lipid synthesis genes FAS (fatty acid synthase; P < 0.001), ACC (acetyl coenzyme A carboxylase; P < 0.01), SCD1 (stearyl coenzyme A dehydrogenase 1; P < 0.05) and SREBP-1c (sterol regulatory element binding protein 1c; P < 0.01), while upregulating the expression of lipid degradation genes PPAR-α (peroxide-activated receptor alpha; P < 0.05) and CYP7A1 (cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase; P < 0.05). Simultaneously, PLE greatly recovered the intestinal short-chain fatty acid content, especially butyric acid (P < 0.05), valeric acid (P < 0.01) and isovaleric acid (P < 0.05). Furthermore, 16S rRNA analysis showed that PLE decreased the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio and increased the abundance of Lactobacillus, Turicibacter, and Dubosiella microbiota, which maintained the homeostasis of intestinal flora.

CONCLUSION

PLE could prevent lipid metabolism disorders and modulate gut microbiota homeostasis in hyperlipidemic rats. This study provides insights into PLE as a natural active substance for the prevention of hyperlipidemia. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.

Persimmon (Diospyros kaki L.) leaves accelerates skin tissue regeneration in excisional wound model: possible molecular mechanisms

Persimmon (Diospyros kaki L.) leaves are a traditional medicinal herb used for treating many infectious and inflammatory-related conditions, including wound healing. To validate its traditional use, our study evaluates the acute toxicity and wound-healing effects of methanolic extracts of Persimmon (Diospyros kaki L.) leaves (MEPL) on excisional neck injury in rats. A uniform dorsal neck injury was created for twenty-four Sprague Dawley rats, which were randomly aligned into 4 groups and treated topically twice daily with 0.2 ml of the following: group A, rats treated with 1% CMC; group B, rats received intrasite gel; groups C and D, rats treated with MEPL (0.2 ml of 250 and 500 mg/kg, respectively). The toxicity results showed a lack of physiologic alteration or mortality in rats ingested with an oral dosage of up to 5 g/kg of MEPL. Histological screening of regenerated skin tissues revealed higher deposition of collagen, fibroblast cells, and reduced inflammatory cells in MEPL-treated rats. The topical application of MEPL led to positive modulation of Transforming Growth Factor Beta 1 (angiogenetic factor) in wound tissues, indicating increased tissue regeneration and faster wound contraction. MEPL treatment caused a significant elevation of tissue antioxidants (superoxide dismutase and catalase) and hydroxyproline (collagen) contents while reducing malondialdehyde contents. The inflammatory mediators (TNF-α and IL-6) were lower, and anti-inflammatory cytokines (interleukin 10) were higher in MEPL-treated rats than in the vehicle group. The study outcomes back up the traditional use of MEPL for wound healing, which could be linked with its phytochemicals (flavonoids and terpenoids) that require further isolation and molecular identification.

Discovery of anti-melanogenic components in persimmon (Diospyros kaki) leaf using LC-MS/MS-MN, AlphaFold2-enabled virtual screening and biological validation

Persimmon (Diospyros kaki) leaf is widely used as a tea substitute in East Asia, offering potential health benefits. Although studies have highlighted their effects on hyperpigmentation disorders, the active components remain unidentified. This study introduces a novel approach combining LC-MS/MS-based molecular networking with AlphaFold2-enabled virtual screening to expedite the identification of bioactive components in persimmon leaf. A total of 105 compounds were identified by MS/MS analysis. Further, virtual screening identified five flavonoids with potential anti-melanogenic properties. Bioassays confirmed myricetin, quercetin, and kaempferol inhibited melanogenesis in human melanocytes in a dose-dependent manner. Biolayer interferometry assays revealed strong binding affinity between these flavonols and hsTYR, with KD values of 23.26 ± 11.77 for myricetin, 12.43 ± 0.37 for quercetin, and 14.99 ± 3.80 μM for kaempferol. Molecular dynamics simulations provided insights into the binding interactions of these flavonols with hsTYR, particularly highlighting the essential role of the 3-OH group on the C-ring. This study elucidates the bioactive components responsible for the anti-melanogenic effects of persimmon leaf, supporting their use in product development.

Separation, identification, and fingerprinting of antioxidant components in persimmon (Diospyros kaki) leaves by offline two-dimensional liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection and tandem mass spectrometry

In this work, the antioxidant components in persimmon (Diospyros kaki) leaves were separated by offline two-dimensional liquid chromatography-electrochemical detection (LC×LC-ECD) and identified by LC-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). A total of 33 antioxidants, mainly proanthocyanidins, and glycosides of kaempferol and quercetin, were identified. The antioxidant assays demonstrated that the fractions collected from the first-dimension LC (1D-LC) possessed considerable radical scavenging capabilities, with correlation coefficients of peak area versus radical scavenging capability of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl and 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) being 0.9335 and 0.9116, respectively. The fingerprinting showed that 37 peaks were present in all samples. The major antioxidant components of persimmon leaves were the glycosides of kaempferol and quercetin. Finally, fourteen antioxidants were quantitatively assessed. Offline LC×LC provided high peak capacity and separation; ECD enabled specific screening and detection of antioxidant components; and MS/MS provided excellent identification capability. In this study, the combination of the three approaches was utilized to screen for antioxidant components in persimmon leaves, with satisfactory findings. In conclusion, this technique is an effective means for rapid analysis of antioxidant components and quality control of medicinal plants, achieving rapid separation of congeners and facilitating more accurate qualitative and quantitative analyses.

Persimmon leaf polyphenols as potential ingredients for modulating starch digestibility: Effect of starch-polyphenol interaction

The interaction mode between persimmon leaf polyphenols (PLP) and corn starch with different amylose content and its effect on starch digestibility was studied. Results of iodine binding test, TGA, and DSC revealed that PLP interacted with starch and reduced the iodine binding capacity and thermal stability of starch. High amylopectin corn starch (HAPS) interacted with PLP mainly via hydrogen bonds, since the FT-IR of HAPS-PLP complex showed higher intensity at 3400 cm-1 and an obvious shift of 21 cm-1 to shorter wavelength, and the chemical shifts of protons in 1H NMR and the shift of C-6 peak in 13C NMR of HAPS moved to low field with the addition of PLP. Results of 1H NMR also showed the preferential formation of hydrogen bonds between PLP and OH-3 of HAPS. Different from HAPS, PLP formed V-type inclusion complex with high amylose corn starch (HAS) because XRD of HAS-PLP complex showed characteristic feature peaks of V-type inclusion complex and C-1 signal in 13C NMR of PLP-complexed HAS shifted to low field. Interaction with PLP reduced starch digestibility and HAS-PLP complex resulted in more resistant starch production than HAPS-PLP complex. To complex PLP with starch might be a potential way to prepare functional starch with slower digestion.

UHPLC-MS/MS analysis and protective effects on neurodegenerative diseases of phenolic compounds in different parts of Diospyros kaki L. cv. Mopan

Persimmon (Diospyros kaki L. cv. Mopan.), an important commercial crop belonging to the genus of Diospyros in the Ebenaceae family, is rich in bioactive phenolic compounds. In this study, the phenolic compounds from fruits, leaves, and calyces of persimmon were qualitatively and quantitatively determined by UPLC-Q-Exactive-Orbitrap/MS and UPLC-QqQ-MS/MS, respectively. Furthermore, the role of phenolic extract from different parts of persimmon on neuroprotective activity in vitro, through against oxidative stress and anti-neuroinflammation effect was firstly evaluated. The results showed that 75 phenolic compounds, and 3 other kinds of compounds were identified, among which 44 of phenolic compounds were quantified from different parts of persimmon. It is the first time that epicatechin-epigallocatechin, catechin-epigallocatechin, catechin-epigallocatechin (A-type), and glycoside derivatives of laricitrin were identified in persimmon extract. The dominated phenolic compounds in three parts of persimmon were significantly different. All phenolic extracts from each part of persimmon showed strong neuroprotective activities against H2O2-induced oxidative stress in PC-12 cells and LPS-induced BV2 cells. The fruit extract presented the strongest activity, followed by calyx and leaf extract. The systematic knowledge on the phytochemical composition along with activity evaluation of different parts of persimmon could contribute to their targeted selection and development.

Magnetic Persimmon Leaf Composite: Preparation and Application in Magnetic Solid-Phase Extraction of Pesticides in Water Samples

In recent years, the utilization of biomass materials for the removal and detection of water pollutants has garnered considerable attention. This study introduces, for the first time, the preparation of Fe3O4/persimmon leaf magnetic biomass composites. The magnetic composites were employed in a magnetic solid-phase extraction method, coupled with gas chromatography-electron capture detection (GC-ECD), for the analysis of four pesticides (trifluralin, triadimefon, permethrin, and fenvalerate) in environmental water samples. The innovative magnetic persimmon leaf composites were synthesized by in situ generation of Fe3O4 nanoparticles through coprecipitation and loaded onto persimmon leaves. These composites exhibit superparamagnetism with a saturation magnetization of 12.8 emu g-1, facilitating rapid phase separation using a magnetic field and reducing the extraction time to 10 min. Desorption can be achieved within 30 s by aspirating 20 times, eliminating the need for time-consuming and labor-intensive experimental steps like filtration and centrifugation. The specific surface area of the magnetic composite adsorbent increased from 1.3279 m2 g-1 for the original persimmon leaf to 5.4688 m2 g-1. The abundant hydroxyl and carboxyl groups on the composites provide ample adsorption sites, resulting in adsorption capacities ranging from 55.056 mg g-1 to 73.095 mg g-1 for the studied pesticides. The composites exhibited extraction recoveries ranging from 80% to 90% for the studied pesticides. Compared to certain previously reported MSPE methods, this approach achieves equivalent or higher extraction recoveries in a shorter operation time, demonstrating enhanced efficiency and convenience. Good linearity of the target analytes was obtained within the range of 0.75-1500 μg L-1, with a determination of coefficient (R2) greater than 0.999. These findings contribute to the use of magnetic persimmon leaf biomass materials as effective and environmentally friendly adsorbents for pollutant determination in water samples.

Fermentation of Persimmon Leaves Extract by Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Persimmon leaves usually as agricultural and forestry waste were fermented by Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Growth and metabolic performances of L. plantarum and S. cerevisiae, as well as the effect of fermentation on the antioxidant abilities of the extract was investigated, including the content of flavonoids, 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and hydroxyl radical clearance rates. Growth of L. plantarum was limited, even though the acid production was sustainable, while S. cerevisiae was more suitable to inhabit in the persimmon leaves extract. A symbiotic relationship was observed between the two microbes, reflected in aspects of growth of S. cerevisiae, pH reduction, and ethanol production. The DPPH radical clearance rates of all groups decreased at the early period, and increased later. The co-culture group reached the second highest value of DPPH radical clearance rate only next to the single group of L. plantarum at 9 h. All groups showed an overall downward trend of the hydroxyl radical clearance rates during the 9 h-fermentation. These findings highlight the promising industrial application of fermentation of the plant-based materials with Lactiplantibacillus and Saccharomyces species to improve the biological properties.

Phenolic mapping and associated antioxidant activities through the annual growth cycle of sugar maple leaves

Concentrations of antioxidant components (analyzed by HPLC-UV) and antioxidant attributes (assayed by radical scavenging and non-radical redox potential methods) of sugar maple leaves (SML) from different harvesting times were investigated. Moreover, measurements of colorimetry, SEM, and FTIR spectroscopy-based characterization of leaves composition, throughout the growth cycle, were performed. Results showed that the antioxidant activities of SML are strongly correlated with phenolic contents and significantly (p < 0.05) varied with harvesting time where minimum amount of total phenolics (105.67 ± 13.16 mg GAE/g DM) and total flavonoids (3.27 ± 0.26 mg CTE/g DM) were found to be concentrated in Fall leaves. The absorption bands obtained from FTIR spectra revealed the presence of functional groups that have great significance towards the antioxidant activity of SML. Principal component analysis revealed that biosynthesis of maximum phenolic compounds in SML mostly occurs during the leaf expansion and growth phases. The obtained data provided a better understanding towards the effect of harvesting time on the phenolic mapping of SML in favor of its valorization into functional food ingredients.

Persimmon Leaves: Nutritional, Pharmaceutical, and Industrial Potential-A Review

Persimmon is a delicious fruit, and its leaves are considered a valuable ingredient in food, beverage, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic sectors. Traditionally, persimmon leaves (PL) are used as a functional tea in Asian culture to cure different ailments, and are also incorporated into various food and cosmeceutical products as a functional ingredient. PL mainly contain flavonoids, terpenoids, and polysaccharides, along with other constituents such as carotenoids, organic acids, chlorophylls, vitamin C, and minerals. The major phenolic compounds in PL are proanthocyanidins, quercetin, isoquercetin, catechin, flavonol glucosides, and kaempferol. Meanwhile, ursolic acid, rotungenic acid, barbinervic acid, and uvaol are the principal terpenoids. These compounds demonstrate a wide range of pharmacological activities, including antioxidant, anticancer, antihypertensive, antidiabetic, anti-obesity, anti-tyrosinase, antiallergic, and antiglaucoma properties. This review summarizes the latest information on PL, mainly distribution, traditional uses, industrial potential, and bioactive compounds, as well as their potential action mechanisms in exhibiting biological activities. In addition, the effect of seasonality and geographical locations on the content and function of these biomolecules are discussed.

Computational Analysis on Antioxidant Activity of Four Characteristic Structural Units from Persimmon Tannin

Antioxidants are molecules that can prevent the harmful effects of oxygen, help capture and neutralize free radicals, and thus eliminate the damage of free radicals to the human body. Persimmon tannin (PT) has excellent antioxidant activity, which is closely related to its molecular structure. We report here a comparative study of four characteristic structural units from PT (epicatechin gallate (ECG), epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), A-type linked ECG dimer (A-ECG dimer), A-type linked EGCG dimer (A-EGCG dimer)) to explore the structure-activity relationship by using the density functional theory. Based on the antioxidation mechanism of hydrogen atom transfer, the most favorable active site for each molecule exerts antioxidant activity is determined. The structural parameters, molecular electrostatic potential, and frontier molecular orbital indicate that the key active sites are located on the phenolic hydroxyl group of the B ring for ECG and EGCG monomers, and the key active sites of the two dimers are located on the phenolic hydroxyl groups of the A and D' rings. The natural bond orbital and bond dissociation energy of the phenolic hydroxyl hydrogen atom show that the C₁₁-OH in the ECG monomer and the C₁₂-OH in the EGCG monomer are the most preferential sites, respectively. The most active site of the two A-linked dimers is likely located on the D' ring C_20' phenolic hydroxyl group. Based on computational analysis of quantum chemical parameters, the A-ECG dimer is a more potent antioxidant than the A-EGCG dimer, ECG, and EGCG. This computational analysis provides the structure-activity relationship of the four characteristic units which will contribute to the development of the application of PT antioxidants in the future.

Integrated Metabolomic-Transcriptomic Analysis Reveals Diverse Resource of Functional Ingredients From Persimmon Leaves of Different Varieties

Persimmon leaves are used for making persimmon leaf tea or as functional ingredients due to their enrichment in flavonoids, the beneficial mineral contents, and favorable flavors contributed by volatile aroma compounds. The varieties/cultivars had a significant influence on the quality and flavor of persimmon leaf tea. In this study, the integrated metabolomic-transcriptomic analysis was conducted to investigate the potential in flavonoid biosynthesis, mineral absorption, and degradation of aromatic compounds from tender leaves of "Diospyros kaki. Heishi" (HS), "Diospyros kaki Thunb. Nishimurawase" (NM), and "Diospyros kaki Thunb. Taifu" (TF), using rootstock "Diospyros Lotus Linn" (DL) as the control. The metabolomic analysis showed that 382, 391, and 368 metabolites were differentially accumulated in the comparison of DL vs. HS, DL vs. NM, and DL vs. TF, respectively, and 229 common metabolites were obtained by comparative analysis. By RNA sequencing, 182,008 unigenes with 652 bp of mean length were annotated and 2,598, 3,503, and 3,333 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were detected from the comparison of DL vs. HS, DL vs. NM, and DL vs. TF, respectively. After the Gene Ontology (GO) and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment, 6, 6, and 3 DEGs [with | log2(fold change)| ≥ 1 simultaneously in the three comparisons] involved in flavonoid biosynthesis, mineral absorption, and degradation of aromatic compounds, respectively, were selected for quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) validation and the consistent trends of the relative expression level of each DEG with RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) data were observed. Based on the transcriptomic analysis and qRT-PCR validation, it was observed that the leaves of HS, NM, and TF had the greatest level of mineral absorption, flavonoid biosynthesis, and degradation of aromatic compounds, respectively. In addition, a positive correlation between the 15 DEGs and their metabolites was observed by the conjoint analysis. Thus, the tender leaves of HS, NM, and TF could be recommended for the production of persimmon leaf tea rich in mineral elements, flavonoid, and aroma compounds, respectively.

Extraction and identification of proanthocyanidins from the leaves of persimmon and loquat

Proanthocyanidins is flavan-3-ol polymers with many activities which attracted a lot of attention. However, most of the proanthocyanidins come from fruits and seeds, resulting in higher costs. The extraction of proanthocyanidins from leaves that were trimmed as wastes from fruit trees is of good economic benefits. The proanthocyanidins in persimmon leaves and loquat leaves were extracted and purified. The purity of persimmon and loquat leaves were 85.33 ± 0.11% and 88.45 ± 0.96% with yield of 3.40% and 2.37% respectively. Detailed structure information was analyzed. Persimmon leaves proanthocyanidins mainly consist of catechin with B-type link along with a small portion of gallocatechin, catechin gallate and A-type link. Loquat leaves proanthocyanidins consist of catechin, gallocatechin, gallocatechin gallate and afzelechin with B-type link along with a small portion of A-type link. The α-amylase inhibition effect of the two leaves was analyzed. Persimmon leaves proanthocyanidins and loquat leaves proanthocyanidins were two mixed-type inhibitors to α-amylase.

On the Effect of Microwave Heating on Quality Characteristics and Functional Properties of Persimmon Juice and Its Residue

In this study, it was investigated whether integration of microwave-heating into the pretreatment step of persimmon juice processing allows the concomitant production of both functional juice and added-value solid residue from the Diospyros Kaki "Jiro" cultivar. In this direction, persimmon pulp was treated under three different microwave-heating conditions (0.7, 4.2, and 8.4 kJ/g) prior to enzymatic maceration and compared to the non-heated material. Irrespective of microwave energy employed, the proposed hybrid treatment was highly efficient in terms of juice yield (70% w/w). The mildest heating conditions resulted in juice and residue that were both of inferior quality. Intensification of the microwave energy reduced the microbial load of the juice up to 2-log without compromising the content in total soluble solids, sugars, and L-ascorbic acid. Under the most drastic conditions, the juice was enriched in gallic acid, polyphenols, and potent DPPH● scavengers, but its orange color faded and was more acidic. In parallel, the solid juice residue retained pro-vitamin A carotenoids (~278 µg retinol activity equivalents) and low-methoxy pectin (9 g/100 g DW). Overall, our findings can assist the efforts of the local juice processing industry to utilize persimmon fruits through energy-efficient technologies in a sustainable approach.

Phenolic compounds with antioxidant activity from strawberry leaves: a study on microwave-assisted extraction optimization

A microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) technology developed to extract polyphenols from the strawberry leaves was optimized by response surface methodology (RSM). Box-Behnken design (BBD) with four-factor and three-level was used to estimate the effects of extraction time, microwave power, ethanol concentration, and liquid-solid ratio in strawberry leaf extracts on total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant capacity (DPPH and FRAP). The optimized conditions were extraction time of 40 s, ethanol concentration of 51.1%, microwave power of 300 W, and liquid-solid ratio of 61.6 mL/g. The TPC, inhibition percentage of DPPH radical, and FRAP were 89.21 mg GAE/g, 79.80%, and 34.62 mM FE/g under optimal conditions. The absolute errors between the experimental and predicted values were less than 5.00%, revealing that the model was fitted well. High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) analysis demonstrated that the major antioxidant polyphenols with the highest concentration extracted at the optimum conditions were sinapic acid and rutin. This study proves that the MAE technique can efficiently extract polyphenols with high antioxidant activity from strawberry leaves.

Differences in the Phenolic Profile by UPLC Coupled to High Resolution Mass Spectrometry and Antioxidant Capacity of Two Diospyros kaki Varieties

BACKGROUND

phenolic compounds are bioactive chemical species derived from fruits and vegetables, with a plethora of healthy properties. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in persimmon (Diospyros kaki L.f.) due to the presence of many different classes of phenolic compounds. However, the analysis of individual phenolic compounds is difficult due to matrix interferences.

METHODS

the aim of this research was the evaluation of individual phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity of the pulp of two varieties of persimmon (Rojo Brillante and Triumph) by an improved extraction procedure together with a UPLC-Q-TOF-MS platform.

RESULTS

the phenolic compounds composition of persimmon was characterized by the presence of hydroxybenzoic and hydroxycinnamic acids, hydroxybenzaldehydes, dihydrochalcones, tyrosols, flavanols, flavanones, and flavonols. A total of 31 compounds were identified and 17 compounds were quantified. Gallic acid was the predominant phenolic compounds found in the Rojo Brillante variety (0.953 mg/100 g) whereas the concentration of p-hydroxybenzoic acid was higher in the Triumph option (0.119 mg/100 g).

CONCLUSIONS

the results showed that the Rojo Brillante variety had higher quantities of phenolic compounds than the Triumph example. These data could be used as reference in future phenolic compound databases when individual health effects of phenolic compounds become available.

Phytochemical Fingerprinting and In Vitro Bioassays of the Ethnomedicinal Fern Tectaria coadunata (J. Smith) C. Christensen from Central Nepal

Tectaria coadunata, an ethnomedicinal fern used in Nepal to treat a large number of diseases, has been poorly studied with regard to its phytochemical composition and possible bioactivity. This study was performed with the aim of supporting traditional medicine as a new source of bioactive constituents. Phytochemical compositions of methanol extracts were determined by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), liquid chromatography–diode array detector–mass spectrophotometry (LC-DAD-MS), and liquid chromatography–fluorescence–mass spectrometry. Quali-quantitative data revealed large amount of procyanidins, mainly of the A-type, as well as eriodictyol-7-O-glucuronide and luteolin-7-O-glucoronide as main constituents. The antioxidant, cytotoxic, and inhibitory activity of five enzymes that are implicated in human diseases was evaluated for the extract and fractions. High free-radical scavenging activity in 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) assays and inhibitory activities against cholinesterases and tyrosinase were observed. Furthermore, a moderate cytotoxic effect was observed on the 2008 and BxPC3 cell lines. Overall results showed potential usefulness of this fern as a source of phytochemicals for pharmaceutical uses.

Analysis of Methanolic Extracts and Crude Polysaccharides from the Leaves of Chuanminshen violaceum and Their Antioxidant Activities

The root of Chuanminshen violaceum is used as an important edible and medicinal plant in China. However, its leaves are generally considered byproducts, and therefore do not have a use. Thus, the phenolic compounds in the methanolic extracts (CVLMs) and the chemical characteristics of crude polysaccharides (CVLPs) from the leaves of C. violaceum and their in vitro antioxidant activities were explored. The results showed that chlorogenic acid and rutin were the major individual phenolic compounds in the leaves, which ranged from 1.22 ± 0.03 to 2.87 ± 0.04 mg/g DW, and from 2.25 ± 0.04 to 4.03 ± 0.05 mg/g DW, respectively. Meanwhile, the extraction yields of CVLPs from the leaves ranged from 4.73% to 5.41%. The CVLPs consisted of mannose, rhamnose, galacturonic acid, glucose, galactose, and arabinose, suggesting the existence of pectic polysaccharides. Furthermore, both CVLMs and CVLPs exhibited strong antioxidant activities. Chlorogenic acid and rutin were major contributors to the antioxidant activities of CVLMs, and the antioxidant activities of CVLPs were closely correlated to their α-1,4-D-galactosiduronic linkages. The results are beneficial for understanding the chemical properties and in vitro antioxidant activities of CVLMs and CVLPs. The leaves of C. violaceum have potential to be developed as natural antioxidants.