When investigating
the potential use of plants as a raw material
for an all-natural cosmetic formulation, the main parameters are the
chemical composition, antioxidant potential, antimicrobial action,
and toxicity. Additionally, the production of natural cosmetics should
also consider the availability of primary materials and the environmental
and socioeconomic impact. Gliricidia sepium is a
species that produces a large amount of plant material, being cultivated
in the agroforestry system. However, studies of phytochemical composition
and chemical spatial distribution are scarcely using the MALDI MS
(matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry) and
MALDI MSI (mass spectrometry imaging) techniques. A methodology was
developed to optimize ionization parameters and analysis conditions
by evaluating the efficiency of three matrices: α-cyano-4-hydroxycinnamic
acid, 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid (DHB), and 2-mercaptobenzothiazole
in MALDI MS analysis. All results were compared to ESI MS (electrospray
ionization mass spectrometry), and afterward, MALDI MSI analysis was
performed on the leaf surface. This study showed through phytochemical
analysis that G. sepium leaves are composed of polyphenols
and tannins, concluding that the methanolic extract had a higher amount
of flavonoid content. Four compounds were identified on the leaf surface,
and their spatial distribution was analyzed by MALDI MS using DHB
as a matrix. Kaempferol, isorhamnetin, and some fatty acids showed
potential applicability for cosmetical use. All the extracts presented
antioxidant activity or antimicrobial action and no cytotoxicity.
Therefore, extracts of G. sepium could be used as
raw materials in cosmetics.