LC‐MS quantification of scopoletin in cassava (Manihot EsculentaCrantz) varieties, local derived foods, and activity on some food spoilage fungi

Abstract

The identification and use of natural compounds with antimicrobial activity against foodborne pathogens is of major importance. This study quantified, using Liquid Chromatography coupled with Mass Spectrum (LC-MS), scopoletin in the roots of 20 cassava varieties that had been subjected to different commonly applied postharvest treatments to obtain local cassava-derived foods. The extracted scopoletins were later characterized for their activity against Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus niger, some food spoilage fungi. All studied cassava varieties contained scopoletin, with the improved varieties accumulating more of the compound. The compound was also present in all parts of the cassava root, but highest in the root flesh. Traditional processing influenced scopoletin content in derived foods with the chips having the highest content, followed by Gari and then Fufu. Scopoletin from cassava skin better inhibited mycelium growth of studied fungi. The Minimal Inhibitory Concentration ranged between 0.07 ± 0.00 µg/ml and 0.15 ± 0.00 µg/ml. Practical applicationsThis study paves the way for the valorization of cassava peelings in the conservation of several foods because of its antifungal activity.

Toxic Potential of Crude Extract From Cassava Cortex Containing Scopoletin and Cyanide on Wistar Rats and Broilers

“…The cassava roots of improved variety ‘0110’, which present the highest scopoletin content were considered as plant material. 8 They were harvested, washed, peeled, and then cortex was sundried and ground to obtain dry cortex powder.…”

“…The cortex of improved cassava variety ‘0110’ that accumulated the highest of scopoletin, as shown by Njankouo et al 8 was used in the present study. The method described by Gnonlonfin et al 13 was performed for scopoletin extraction and quantification.…”

“… 6 Moreover, scopoletin is a compound also found in cassava products. 8 A previous study found that scopoletin exhibits excellent contact killing, as well as systemic, repellent and oviposition inhibition activities against Tetranychus cinnabarinus . 5 Hou et al 9 reported that after exposure to scopoletin, several typical neurotoxic symptoms, such as excitement and convulsions, were observed in mites, and the compound specifically inhibits the nervous system targets, Na + -K + -ATPase, Ca 2+ -Mg 2+ -ATPase and Ca 2+ -ATPase, which indicates that scopoletin is a neurotoxin, in which Ca 2+ plays a key role as an intracellular second messenger.…”

“…However, recent studies were conducted by Njankouo et al; Njankouo et al 8,12 and showed that Cameroonianimproved cassava varieties accumulated scopoletin more than locals. All parts (skin and parenchyma) of the cassava root contain scopoletin and cyanide.…”

Advances in biosynthesis of scopoletin

“…Its medicinal value has been of great interest around the world [ 13 ]. Scopoletin (SPT) has been reported in vitro pharmacological activity, including anti-bacterial [ 6 ], anti-fungal [ 14 , 15 ], anti-tubercular [ 7 ], and anti-hypertensive [ 16 ] properties. The proven in vivo pharmacological activity includes anti-inflammatory [ 17 – 21 ], neurological [ 4 , 22 – 24 ], anti-diabetic [ 20 , 25 ] and anti-hyperuricemia [ 26 ] properties.…”