Qualitative and quantitative analysis of polyphenolic compounds in Ilex Sp.

Abstract

Qualitative and quantitative analysis of polyphenolic compounds in Ilex Sp. DOI: 10.1515/chem-2015-0142 received February 15, 2015 accepted October 1, 2015. Abstract: Natural compounds are an important source of desired biological activity which help to improve nutritional status, enhance productivity and bring many health benefits. The leaves of the Ilex paraguariensis (Aquifoliaceae) are used for preparing a beverage known as yerba mate and represent a proven source of natural polyphenols which are known to foster biological activity with the emphasis on antioxidant properties. In present work we focused on the polyphenolic content of air-dried leaves of Ilex aquifolium L., Ilex aquifolium 'Argentea Mariginata', Ilex meserveae 'Blue Angel', and a commercially available mate as the reference product. Liquid chromatography combined with mass spectrometry (HPLC and LC-MS) and thin layer chromatography (TLC), were used to establish polyphenolic substances content in aqueous methanolic extracts obtained from the biological matter. Up to 20 polyphenolic compounds were identified in the extracts, including rutin, quinic acid and its caffeoyl esters, i.e. chlorogenic acid and its isomers as well as dicaffeoyl derivatives. We took chlorogenic acid and rutin as reference compounds to quantify their levels in the extracts. It was determined that in all tested plants, high levels of these antioxidants were present. This led us to the conclusion that their leaves might serve as valuable food additives.

The Effect of Ilex × meserveae S. Y. Hu Extract and Its Fractions on Renal Morphology in Rats Fed with Normal and High-Cholesterol Diet

“…Our preliminary study [ 12 ] confirmed that Ilex species other than I. paraguariensis also contain a high amount of polyphenolic fraction (rich in rutin, quinic acid, and its caffeoyl esters), triterpenes, as well as their glycosides (saponins). The similarity of phytoconstituents in European Ilex × meserveae S. Y. Hu “Blue Angel” and South American I. paraguariensis allows us to consider I. meserveae “Blue Angel” as a promising source of bioactive compounds [ 12 ]. Of the above, caffeoylquinic esters were generally found to be interesting remedies for lowering blood cholesterol [ 5 , 6 ].…”

“…Extracts from I. meserveae dried leaves were prepared with 80% methanol as the solvent, according to the method presented by Zwyrzykowska et al [ 12 ]. The resulting fine powder was sufficiently soluble in water at experimental concentration.…”

“…However, the medical properties, including the impact on the high-cholesterol diet and also the side effects of Ilex spp., expected of Ilex paraguariensis , have not been studied in detail yet. Therefore, based upon our earlier study [ 12 ] on detailed characterization of polar, semipolar (polyphenolic, saponin), and less-polar (terpenoid) fractions from plants belonging to the Ilex genus, we decided to comparatively investigate the effects of I. paraguariensis and I. meserveae extract on kidney structure in animals fed with a normal and high-cholesterol diet. As factors modulating the impact of the adverse effects of cholesterol were used the extracts of I. paraguariensis (Yerba Mate) and I. meserveae , and fractions of the last one: polyphenols, terpenoids, and saponins.…”

Health Benefits of Bioactive Compounds from the Genus Ilex, a Source of Traditional Caffeinated Beverages

“…Of these, the highest level of phenolic compounds was found in the leaf extract [ 15 ]. From chromatographic analyses, the TPC was determined as about 51 mg/g dry mass (DM) in I. paraguariensis [ 41 ]. Moreover, determination of the TPC in Yerba Mate was performed by the Folin-Ciocalteu method, where 111 samples from the Parana State in Brazil were characterized [ 18 ].…”

Effect of Ilex x meserveae Aqueous Extract on the Quality of Dry-Aged Beef

“…I. paraguariensis, as a natural antioxidant, effectively reduced the oxidative changes in lipid fraction of hamburgers [11] and fermented Italian-type sausages [12] and chicken meat balls [13]. Ilex meserveae "Blue Angel" is characterized by a higher content of some polyphenols (e.g., chlorogenic acid and rutin) than I. paraguariensis [14], although information on the possibilities of its use in food processing is lacking. Hence, the authors used it in the dry-aging of beef.…”