UHPLC-DAD-ESI-MS/MS of Ethanolic Extract of the Flowers from Spathodea Campanulata Beauv. in Cuba
Abstract
A sample of ethanolic extract of the flowers from Spathodea campanulata Beauv. was scrutinized using a UHPLC-DAD-MS/MS Thermo scientific Dionex Ultimate 3000 RS coupled to a Thermo scientific LTQ XL mass spectrometer. In addition, about nine different chemical compounds were tentatively identified in this species based on chromatography retention time (Rt), UV and MS/MS spectra and compared with those of isolated authentic compound and literature data in our country for the first time. Information obtained from these studies can be used as biomarkers in the identification and standardization of this flower as an herbal remedy and also towards monograph development on the plant.
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Introduction
Spathodea campanulata P. Beauvais tree is native to Africa. In tropical Africa it is planted as an ornamental plant, e. g. in Cape Verde, Zimbabwe and Madagascar. It is widely grown in tropical and subtropical regions outside Africa [1]. This plant is also commonly found in India as an ornamental plant. This plant is also called as African tulip tree or Flame tree, Spathodea campanulata P. Beauv is the botanical name. It is a single species of the monotypic genus Spathodea in the flowering plant family Bignoniaceae which is composed of around 800 species distributed in 112 genera [2].
The flowers are used as diuretic and anti-inflammatory, while the leaves are against kidney diseases, urethra inflammations and as an antidote against animal poisons [3]. Several phytochemical studies were performed with different parts of Spathodea campanulata including stem barks, leaves, flowers and fruits. The leaves contain spathodol, caffeic acid, other phenolic acids and flavonoids, while fruits contain polyphenols, tannins, saponins and glycosides [4]. The plant leaves reported to have antiplasmodial, analgesic, anti-inflammatory and anti-larvicidal activity. The stem bark decoction of Spathodea campanulata have been displayed hypoglycemic, anti-complementary, antimalarial and anti-HIV activity [5].
The large, orange-red flowers are arranged in dense clusters (8-10 cm long) at the tips of the branches. The reddish-orange colored petals are also fused together and are shaped somewhat like a tulip flower i.e. tubular (Figure 1). Flowering occurs throughout the year, but usually peaks during spring [6].
Conclusion
The present study point outs the essentiality of collecting similar data for different plants and their flowers, as well as other parts. For the first time in our country nine different chemical compounds were tentatively identified using UHPLC-DADESI-MS/MS experiments. Six of those components belong to flavonoid group (flavones and flavonol subgroup) and 3 of them to alkaloid group. All stretching related with biological activities associated to this part of the plant (antioxidant, anti solar, diuretic and anti-inflammatory activity). Further investigation to explore the therapeutic action of the individual phytochemicals and their mechanism of action can be encouraged.