Simultaneous determination of bufadienolides and phenolic compounds in sea squill (Drimia maritima (L.) Stearn) by HPLC-DAD-MSn as a means to differentiate individual plant parts and developmental stages

Abstract

Mediterranean sea squill (Drimia maritima (L.) Stearn) is used in the production of medicinal products. Current HPLC methods comprise tedious sample clean-up and have been merely focused on the analysis of cardiac glycosides, whereas a thorough characterization of D. maritima considering both the latter compound class and more hydrophilic secondary metabolites in one HPLC run has not been performed so far. Consequently, a novel HPLC-DAD-MS(n) method has been developed allowing the simultaneous determination of both cardiac glycosides and phenolic compounds, which is characterized by simplified sample preparation. This method was applied to characterize sea squill, revealing a complex profile of its extractive compounds derived from the two classes. Furthermore, the potential of the method reported here to quantitate the predominant compounds, i.e., dihydroquercetin derivatives and bufadienolides, was demonstrated. The occurrence of phenolic compounds, not described for sea squill so far, and of characteristic compounds specific to individual plant parts or vegetation stages was further addressed. The data revealed that classification of various vegetation phases based on quantitative evaluation of bufadienolides and dihydroquercetin derivatives applying principal component analysis (PCA) appears possible. Thus, the methodology presented here forms the basis for future routine application in quality control of raw materials and pharmaceutical preparations derived from sea squill. This will allow systematic comparison of different plant parts, vegetation stages and origins based on an extended sample set.

Quantification of Bufadienolides in Bryophyllum pinnatum Leaves and Manufactured Products by UHPLC-ESIMS/MS

“…Due to its high intrinsic selectivity and sensitivity, UHPLC-MS/MS offers an attractive alternative for the detection of these metabolites. In particular, LC-MS/MS has been already successfully applied to the quantification of bufadienolides in see squill (Drimia maritima) [16], toad venom [17], and in the course of pharmacokinetic studies [18,19].…”

“…2 and Table 13S, Supporting Information). In leaves harvested on four dates (11,16, and 19 September, 01 October 2013) in Schwäbisch Gmünd (Germany), the total amount of bufadienolides was found to range from 3.78 mg to 12.49 mg/100 g DW. In all samples, the major bufadienolides were bryophyllin A (3) (1.50-5.06 mg/100 g DW) and bersaldegenin-3-acetate (2) (1.31-5.25 mg/100 g DW).…”

Phytochemical Analysis and Anticancer Properties of Drimia maritima Bulb Extracts on Colorectal Cancer Cells

“…Samples were injected in split mode as 10:1. Mass spectral scan range was set at 30–600 ( m / z ) [ 30 ].…”

Traditional ancient Egyptian medicine: A review

“… ( Bryan, 1930 ) Drimia maritima (Asparagaceae) Bufadienolides (cardiac glycosides) and phenolics. ( Knittel et al, 2014 ) Cardiotonic. ( Willerson and Teaff, 1996a ) Elettaria cardamomum (Cardamom) (Zingiberaceae) Volatile oils and fatty acids.…”