A rapid UHPLC-QqQ-MS/MS method for the simultaneous qualitation and quantitation of coumarins, furocoumarins, flavonoids, phenolic acids in pummelo fruits

Streamlined and green chromatographic approach for the determination of oxygen heterocyclic compounds in foodstuffs via miniaturised extraction

A great number of plants, principally belonging to Apiaceae and Rutaceae families, contain oxygen heterocyclic compounds (OHCs), namely coumarins, furanocoumarins and polymethoxyflavones. Coumarin and its derivatives are widely exploited as therapeutic agents but also as flavouring agents in foods. Among all the OHCs, the content of coumarin is the only one strictly regulated in foods. The aim of this research was to investigate the amount of coumarin and other thirty-five OHCs in thirty foods flavoured with cinnamon, Citrus and carrot products to monitor the daily intake of OHCs by food. The primary objective of this study was to assess the potential for a greener approach to miniaturise the extraction procedure, thereby reducing the amount of solvents used and the time required. Liquid chromatography coupled with triple-quadrupole mass spectrometry detector was the approach of choice to determine the amount of OHCs in the samples of our interest.

Differentiating Tangerine Peels from Other Citrus reticulata through GC-MS, UPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap-MS, and HPLC-PDA

The nonvolatile and volatile compounds in the peels of 13 Citrus reticulata cultivars (4 mandarins, 5 tangerines, and 4 hybrids) and 5 Citrus sinensis (sweet oranges) cultivars were analyzed. Initially, 66 volatile compounds were detected using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Tangerines were distinguished from other citrus cultivars (mandarins, sweet oranges, hybrids) by having higher volatile oil extraction rates and higher relative contents of o-Cymene, α-Terpinene, d-α-Pinene, Terpinolene, γ-Terpinene, l-β-Pinene, and 3-Thujene. Additionally, 115 nonvolatile compounds were tentatively identified using ultraperformance liquid chromatography-Q-Exactive Orbitrap tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap-MS). C. sinensis contained fewer compounds than did C. reticulata. Pterostilbene was detected in all tangerines but not in mandarins and hybrids, suggesting its potential as a marker compound for differentiating tangerines from other C. reticulata. Lastly, a high-performance liquid chromatography-photodiode array (HPLC-PDA) was used to quantify 9 major nonvolatile components. Heat map and principal component analysis showed that the contents of tangerines differed from other cultivars (sweet oranges, mandarins, and hybrids). It may be caused by the higher content of synephrine, nobiletin, tangeretin, and 5-hydroxy-6,7,8,3',4'-pentamethoxyflavone in tangerines. The study may obtain information for the application of different types of C. reticulata (tangerines, mandarins, or hybrids) and C. sinensis peels, thereby promoting their recycling.

Quantitative Analysis of Flavonoids and Coumarins from Fingered Citron in Different Growth Periods and Their Regulatory Effects on Oxidative Stress

Twenty-two coumarins and twenty-six flavonoids were quantitated in fingered citron in different growth periods. Limettin was the top coumarin, and diosmin was the highest flavonoid, followed by hesperidin. Antioxidant evaluation by DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP indicated extracts of fingered citron in three growth periods all showed good antioxidant activity, which was positively correlated with the concentration of extracts. The oxidative stress model of RAW264.7 cells indicated extracts from fingered citron effectively reduced the contents of NO, MDA, and ROS in cells and increased the activity of SOD, thereby alleviating cell damage. The antioxidant capacity of fingered citron in November was the highest, followed by July and September. And there was a significantly positive correlation between the total flavonoid content and the antioxidant capacity. Diosmin, hesperidin, and neohesperidin were the main contributors to antioxidation. This study has significance for utilization of fingered citron germplasm resources and development of related functional products.

Introducing Bacillus natto and Propionibacterium shermanii into soymilk fermentation: A promising strategy for quality improvement and bioactive peptide production during in vitro digestion

Herein, the texture properties, polyphenol contents, and in vitro protein digestion characteristics of soymilk single- or co-fermented by non-typical milk fermenter Bacillus natto (B. natto), Propionibacterium freudenreichii subsp. shermanii (P. shermanii), and traditional milk fermenter were evaluated. Co-fermenting procedure containing B. natto or P. shermanii could raise the amounts of gallic acid, caffeic acid, and GABA when compared to the unfermented soymilk. Co-fermented soymilk has higher in vitro protein digestibility and nutritional protein quality. Through peptidomic analysis, the co-work of P. shermanii and Lactobacillus plantarum (L. plantarum) may release the highest relative percentage of bioactive peptides, while the intervention of B. natto and Streptococcus thermophilus (S. thermophilus) resulted in more differentiated peptides. The multi-functional bioactive peptides were mainly released from glycine-rich protein, β-conglycinin alpha subunit 1, and ACB domain-containing protein. These findings indicated the potential usage of B. natto/S. thermophilus or P. shermanii/L. plantarum in bio-enhanced soymilk fermentation.

Nutritional, Bioactive, and Health Potential of Pomelo (Citrus maxima): An Exotic Underutilized Fruit

Pomelo scientifically known as Citrus maxima belongs to the family Rutaceae and is one of the largest fruits among citrus varieties. Mainly pomelo comes in different flesh colors such as red, pink, light pink, and white. The principal pomelo fruit polyphenols are phenolic acids, flavonoids, anthocyanins, and tannins. Pomelo fruit generates a large number of wastes including peel, pomace, and seeds which are comprised of bioactive compounds. The bioactive compounds carried in waste improve health functionalities. The hesperidin, narirutin, naringin, and their aglycone (naringenin), which have traditionally been acknowledged to constitute a characteristic component of pomelo, are the fruit's major constituents. Also, pomelo fruit juice is high in vitamins A and C, and the peel offers high protein, carbohydrate, and mineral content. Pomelo production and processing of different byproducts have become a perfect and long-lasting resource for agriculture and the food industry. The wastes loaded with immense essential components in pomelo have great importance in terms of human health. To have unique goods, to increase high consumer acceptability, and to have health advantages, this work gives a summary of recent advancements made to date with nutritional benefits, bioactive elements, and health benefits of pomelo fruit.

Extraction and Chromatographic Approaches for Coumarin, Furocoumarin, and Polymethoxyflavone Characterization in Foods

Oxygen heterocyclic compounds play a beneficial role in plants, and their presence in foods, such as Citrus fruits, cinnamon, carrots, and parsley, has been documented in recent years. Published research articles reported several extractions and chromatographic techniques for their determination. The aim of this review was to take into consideration the research articles published from 2016 to 2024 in which the authors developed extraction and chromatographic analysis methods of oxygen heterocyclic compounds in foods. The objective of this review was to assist researchers in choosing the best approach for their future work by identifying all the possible approaches to characterize coumarins, furocoumarins, and polymethoxyflavones in foodstuffs.

An integrated multi-system to screen quality markers of blossom of Citrus aurantium L. var. amara Engl. via combining lipid-lowering and expectorant assays

The present research demonstrated that an integrated multi-system based on the assays of lipid-lowering and expectorant effects was used to screen quality markers of an edible and medical material-the blossom of Citrus aurantium L. var. amara Engl. (BCAVA)-and a portion of active constituents were quantified in multiple batches to provide scientific data to establish a quality standard for BCAVA. Mouse models were developed to evaluate the lipid-lowering and expectorant effects, facilitating the investigation of medicinal parts through different polar extractions of BCAVA. Subsequently, ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry was utilized for the in vivo and in vitro identification of chemical profiles within the medicinal parts of BCAVA. This methodological approach led to the selection and quantification of several active compounds from 21 batches of BCAVA sourced from different geographical regions samples. Notably, the ethanol extract of BCAVA exhibited significant lipid-lowering and expectorant effects while 183 compounds were identified in vitro and 109 in vivo, respectively. Then, five key ingredients were quantified, and the quantitative data were subjected to statistical analysis to discriminate between samples from various geographical regions. Overall, the findings underscore the significance of an integrated, assay-based approach for the characterization and quality assessment of BCAVA.

Direct infusion-multiple reaction monitoring cubed (DI-MRM3) enables widely targeted bi-omics of Colla Corii Asini (Chinese name: Ejiao)

Food authenticity is extremely important and widely targeted bi-omics is a promising pipeline attributing to incorporating metabolomics and peptidomics. Colla Corii Asini (CCA, Ejiao) is one of the most popular tonic edible materials, with counterfeit and adulterated products being widespread. An attempt was devoted to develop a high-throughput and reliable DI-MRM3 program facilitating widely targeted bi-omics of CCA. Firstly, predictive MRM program captured metabolites and peptides in trypsin-digestive gelatins. After data alignment and structure annotation, primary parameters such as Q1 → Q3 → QLIT, CE, and EE were optimized for all 17 metabolites and 34 peptides by online ER-MS. Though a single run merely consumed 6.5 min, great selectivity was reached for each analyte. Statistical results showed that nine peptides contributed to distinguish CCA from other gelatins. After cross-validation with LC-MRM, DI-MRM3 was justified to be reproducible and high-throughput for widely targeted bi-omics of CCA, suggesting a meaningful tool for food authenticity.

Identification of Key Hypolipidemic Components and Exploration of the Potential Mechanism of Total Flavonoids from Rosa sterilis Based on Network Pharmacology, Molecular Docking, and Zebrafish Experiment

Hyperlipidemia is a prevalent chronic metabolic disease that severely affects human health. Currently, commonly used clinical therapeutic drugs are prone to drug dependence and toxic side effects. Dietary intervention for treating chronic metabolic diseases has received widespread attention. Rosa sterilis is a characteristic fruit tree in China whose fruits are rich in flavonoids, which have been shown to have a therapeutic effect on hyperlipidemia; however, their exact molecular mechanism of action remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects of R. sterilis total flavonoid extract (RS) on hyperlipidemia and its possible mechanisms. A hyperlipidemic zebrafish model was established using egg yolk powder and then treated with RS to observe changes in the integral optical density in the tail vessels. Network pharmacology and molecular docking were used to investigate the potential mechanism of action of RS for the treatment of hyperlipidemia. The results showed that RS exhibited favorable hypolipidemic effects on zebrafish in the concentration range of 3.0-30.0 μg/mL in a dose-dependent manner. Topological and molecular docking analyses identified HSP90AA1, PPARA, and MMP9 as key targets for hypolipidemic effects, which were exerted mainly through lipolytic regulation of adipocytes and lipids; pathway analysis revealed enrichment in atherosclerosis, chemical carcinogenic-receptor activation pathways in cancers, and proteoglycans in prostate cancer and other cancers. Mover, chinensinaphthol possessed higher content and better target binding ability, which suggested that chinensinaphthol might be an important component of RS with hypolipidemic active function. These findings provide a direction for further research on RS interventions for the treatment of hyperlipidemia.

A comprehensive quality control evaluation for standard decoction of Smilax glabra Roxb based on HPLC-MS-UV/CAD methods combined with chemometrics analysis and network pharmacology

An effective, sensitive, and rapid method was developed for the quality control evaluation of the standard decoction of Smilax glabra Roxb (SGR). SGR is a primary ingredient of the traditional functional foods of turtle jelly and SGR tea. Chemometrics, Network Pharmacology, and molecular docking were used to screen for six quality markers. Multiple extraction parameters were optimized. HPLC-UV/CAD-QAMS was used to rapidly quantify the six quality markers (neoastilbin, astilbin, neoisoastilbin, isoastilbin, quercitrin, and isoengeletin) in 10 batches of the standard decoction of SGR samples. The relative correction factor (RCF) values of the five compounds were close to 1, demonstrating that the charged aerosol detection (CAD) showed a consistent response to compounds with similar parent nucleus structures. This method can serve as a guide for rapid quantitative analysis of the multi-components of the SGR standard decoction and all the traditional functional foods of turtle jelly with the homology of medicine.

Phenolic profile, antioxidation and anti-proliferation activity of phenolic-rich extracts from Sanghuangporusvaninii

In this study, phenolic-rich extracts from Sanghuangporus vaninii (SHE) were prepared, the phenolic profile and main phenolic compound content of SHE were studied by UPLC-Orbitrap-MS, and the antioxidant and antiproliferation activities of SHE were evaluated. The results showed that the total polyphenol content and the total flavonoid content of SHE were 42.420 ± 0.011 mg GAE/g EW and 8.504 ± 0.205 mg RE/g EW, respectively. Moreover, 14 phenolic acids and 8 flavonoids in SHE were identified, among which, the major polyphenols were protocatechualdehyde (394.68 μg/g), protocatechuic acid (196.88 μg/g), caffeic acid (96.11 μg/g), L-phenylalanine (12.72 μg/g) and (+)-taxifolin (8.59 μg/g). SHE showed strong radical scavenging, anti-lipid peroxidation and anti-DNA damage capacity in vitro. SHE could effectively induce HepG2 cell apoptosis via the caspases-dependent mitochondrial apoptotic pathway and arrest the cell cycle in the G0/G1 phase. The present study suggested that S. vaninii could be a valuable source of natural antioxidative and antiproliferative ingredients.

Comparative Metabolomics Reveals Key Determinants in the Flavor and Nutritional Value of Coconut by HS-SPME/GC-MS and UHPLC-MS/MS

Coconut is a tropical fruit whose flesh has high flavor quality and nutritional value; however, the differences between coconut varieties are still unclear. Here, volatiles and non-volatiles were profiled at three ripening stages by HS-SPME/GC-MS and UHPLC-MS/MS in two coconut varieties (Hainan Tall, HT and Green Dwarf, GD). Four metabolite classes of volatiles were associated with good aroma including hydrocarbons, benzenoids, alcohols and esters, and these volatiles were generally higher in GD, especially at 7 and 9 months of coconut growth. Pathway-based metabolomics revealed that flavonols and their derivatives were significantly enriched in HT, and some of these metabolites were key determinants of HT flesh bitterness, including kaempferol 7-O-glucoside, a known bitter metabolite. Despite the overall accumulation of amino acids, including L-alanine, L-serine and L-methionine in GD, comparative metabolomics revealed that HT flesh provides a higher content of vitamins than GD. This study sheds light on the metabolic pathways and key metabolites differentiating the flesh flavor quality and nutritional value among coconut varieties, and reveals the possible mechanisms of flavor formation and regulation in coconut fruits.

A comparative metabolomic investigation in fruit sections of Citrus medica L. and Citrus maxima L. detecting potential bioactive metabolites using UHPLC-QTOF-IMS

The current study focused on targeted and non-targeted metabolomics of Citrus fruit parts (exocarp, mesocarp, endocarp, and seeds) to gain a comprehensive metabolomic insight. Sections of the Citrus fruit were preliminarily examined for proximate compositions (moisture, ash, fibre, fat, and protein). Whereas ultrasonication-assisted solvent extraction revealed a higher phenolic and flavonoid content at 80% (v/v) ethanolic medium, with the highest amount in the exocarp. Using targeted metabolomics, hesperidin (3307.25 mg/100 g), naringin (4803.73 mg/100 g) were detected in C. medica and C. maxima at greater levels, respectively. Further quantitative analysis revealed the presence of phenolic acids (gallic acid, trans-ferulic acid, p-coumaric acid, trans-cinnamic acid), and polymethoxyflavones (nobiletin, and tangeretin) and detected in the order of exocarp > mesocarp > endocarp > seeds. Using an untargeted metabolomics approach, metabolite discriminations among Citrus fruit sections were illustrated by Venn-diagram, heatmap, PCA, o-PLSDA, correlation matrices, and S-plot. UHPLC-QTOF-IMS revealed 48 metabolites including phenolics, vitamins, and amino acids. Furthermore, the METLIN database leads to the identification of 202 unknown metabolites. The metabolite biosynthesis and corresponding metabolite presence in Citrus fruit sections were confirmed using pathway enrichment and mass fragmentation analysis. Finally, potential biological activities were determined using in silico PASS software approach, and free radical scavenging potential was confirmed using in vitro assays for future preventive and therapeutic applications of the identified metabolites.

Chiral Determination of Naringenin by Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry and Application in Citrus Peel and Pulp

A chiral separation method of naringenin in citrus pulp and peel was established using ultra-performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) in this study. The liquid-phase conditions for separation were Chiralpak IG-3 column at 40°C, mobile phase of methanol, and 0.1% formic acid solution (85/15; v/v). Isovolumetric elution can complete the detection within 5 min. Considering the matrix effect, the matrix standard calibration curve was used for sample quantification. Quantitation was achieved by fitting a calibration curve using a standard matrix. The mean overall recoveries of the two enantiomers from orange pulp were 91.0–110.0% and orange peel were 85.3–110.3%, with relative standard deviations of 1.5–3.8 and 0.9–3.6% at the 0.5, 2.5, 50, and 250 μg/kg levels, respectively. The limit of quantification for all enantiomers in the citrus matrix did not exceed 0.5 μg/kg. Furthermore, the absolute configuration of the naringenin enantiomer was determined by combining experimental and predicted electron circular dichroism spectroscopy, and it was confirmed on a Chiralpak IG-3 column that the first eluting enantiomer was (S)-naringenin. The determination of chiral naringenin content in actual citrus samples showed that the naringenin content in hybrid citrus and citrus pulp was significantly higher than that in pomelo. The method established in this study can be used for the determination of naringenin enantiomers in citrus, which is beneficial to variety selection.

Morus macroura Miq. Fruit extract protects against acetic acid-induced ulcerative colitis in rats: Novel mechanistic insights on its impact on miRNA-223 and on the TNFα/NFκB/NLRP3 inflammatory axis

Nod-like receptor pyrin domain-1 containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome/tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα)/nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB) inflammatory pathway is known to be involved in the pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis (UC). Inversely, miRNA-223 can exert counter-regulatory effect on NLRP3 expression. The mulberry tree (Morus macroura) fruit is attaining increased importance for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity in addition to its high safety profile. Accordingly, we attempted to explore the possible protective effect of mulberry fruit extract (MFE) in acetic acid (AA)-induced UC rat model. Phytochemical constituents of MFE were characterized using high performance liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS). In the in vivo study, three doses of MFE were orally given for seven days before intra-rectal induction of UC by AA on day eight. Screening study revealed that MFE (300 mg/kg) significantly reduced macroscopic and microscopic UC scores. Biochemically, MFE ameliorated oxidative stress, levels of TNFR1, NLRP3, p-NFκB p65, TNFα, IL-1β, and IL-18, caspase-1 activity, but enhanced miRNA-223 expression. In conclusion, our study provided a novel protective impact for MFE against UC, in which miRNA-223 and TNFα/NFκB/NLRP3 pathway are involved. These results provide a promising step that might encourage further investigations of MFE as a protective agent in UC patients.

Overview of Recent Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry-Based Methods for Natural Toxins Detection in Food Products

Natural toxins include a wide range of toxic metabolites also occurring in food and products, thus representing a risk for consumer health. In the last few decades, several robust and sensitive analytical methods able to determine their occurrence in food have been developed. Liquid chromatography mass spectrometry is the most powerful tool for the simultaneous detection of these toxins due to its advantages in terms of sensitivity and selectivity. A comprehensive review on the most relevant papers on methods based on liquid chromatography mass spectrometry for the analysis of mycotoxins, alkaloids, marine toxins, glycoalkaloids, cyanogenic glycosides and furocoumarins in food is reported herein. Specifically, a literature search from 2011 to 2021 was carried out, selecting a total of 96 papers. Different approaches to sample preparation, chromatographic separation and detection mode are discussed. Particular attention is given to the analytical performance characteristics obtained in the validation process and the relevant application to real samples.

Phytochemical and Therapeutic Potential of Citrus grandis (L.) Osbeck: A Review

Citrus grandis or Citrus maxima, widely recognized as Pomelo is widely cultivated in many countries because of their large amounts of functional, nutraceutical and biological activities. In traditional medicine, various parts of this plant including leaf, pulp and peel are used for generations as they are scientifically proven to have therapeutic potentials and safe for human use. The main objective of this study was to review the different therapeutic applications of Citrus grandis and the phytochemicals associated with its medicinal values. In this article different pharmacological properties like antimicrobial, antitumor, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antiepileptic, stomach tonic, cardiac stimulant, cytotoxic, hepatoprotective, nephroprotective, and anti-diabetic activities of the plant are highlighted. The enrichment of the fruit with flavonoids, polyphenols, coumarins, limonoids, acridone alkaloids, essential oils and vitamins mainly helps in exhibiting the pharmacological activities within the body. The vitamins enriched fruit is rich in nutritional value and also has minerals like calcium, phosphorous, sodium and potassium, which helps in maintaining the proper health and growth of the bones as well as the electrolyte balance of the body. To conclude, various potential therapeutic effects of Citrus grandis have been demonstrated in recent literature. Further studies on various parts of fruit, including pulp, peel, leaf, seed and it essential oil could unveil additional pharmacological activities which can be beneficial to the mankind.

Rapid characterization of the chemical constituents of Yinchen Wuling Powder by UPLC coupled with Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry

Yinchen Wuling Powder (YCWLP) is a classic Chinese medicine prescription with a long history and has been commonly used for treating jaundice hepatitis, liver fibrosis, hyperlipidemia and early diabetes in clinical applications. However, the chemical composition of YCWLP is still unclear. In order to obtain the chemical profile of YCWLP, a systematic ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (UPLC-FT-ICR-MS) method was developed in this study. As a result, a total of 138 compounds including terpenoid acids, organic acids, flavonoids, sesquiterpenes, coumarins and anthraquinones were identified by comparing the retention time, molecular ions and fragmentation behaviors with the reference compounds or the in-house database. This study comprehensively elucidated the chemical basis of YCWLP and provided a scientific basis for further quality control and pharmacology research.

Phytochemical characteristics of bergamot oranges from the Ionian islands of Greece: A multi-analytical approach with emphasis in the distribution of neohesperidose flavanones

The present study describes the peculiar phytochemical characteristics of bergamots cultivated in distinct islands of the Ionian Sea. Ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography high-resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-HRMS) supported by 1 and 2D NMR spectroscopy was used for unambiguous metabolic profiling of albedo, flavedo and juice samples. Profile differences were determined using a multi-analytical clustering approach based on high-performance thin-layer chromatography fingerprints and UHPLC-HRMS data. Finally, a validated HPLC method offering good precision (0.12-0.94%) and accuracy (95.25-103.93%) was proposed for the quantification of the major flavanones. A total of 37 secondary metabolites were characterized belonging to flavonoids, limonoids and coumarins. Their distribution was tissue-dependent and varied significantly from bergamots of other geographical locations. Surprisingly, neoeriocitrin was the major flavanone, reaching 1.69 ± 0.05 g/L in the juice and 5.24 ± 0.12 mg/g in albedo. This is the highest reported amount among Citrus species, rendering Ionian bergamots a promising candidate for novel functional products.

Coumarins in Food and Methods of Their Determination

Coumarin is a natural product with aromatic and fragrant characteristics, widespread in the entire plant kingdom. It is found in different plant sources such as vegetables, spices, fruits, and medicinal plants including all parts of the plants-fruits, roots, stems and leaves. Coumarin is found in high concentrations in certain types of cinnamon, which is one of the most frequent sources for human exposure to this substance. However, human exposure to coumarin has not been strictly determined, since there are no systematic measurements of consumption of cinnamon-containing foods. The addition of pure coumarin to foods is not allowed, since large amounts of coumarin can be hepatotoxic. However, according to the new European aroma law, coumarin may be present in foods only naturally or as a flavoring obtained from natural raw materials (as is the case with cinnamon). In this paper, the overview of the current European regulations on coumarin levels in food is presented, along with the most common coumarin food sources, with a special emphasis on cinnamon-containing food. Human exposure to coumarins in food is also reviewed, as well as the methods for determination and separation of coumarin and its derivatives in food.