# Nontargeted Identification of the Phenolic and Other Compounds ofSaraca asoca by High Performance Liquid Chromatography-Positive Electrospray Ionization and Quadrupole Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry

Authors: Ashwani Mittal; Preeti Kadyan; Anjum Gahlaut; Rajesh Dabur
Journal: ISRN Pharmaceutics
 (2013)

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## Abstract

High performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometer was used for separation and identification of phenolic and other compounds in the water extracts ofSaraca asoca (Roxb.), De. Wilde. The aim of the study was to identify and evaluate the distribution of phenolic compounds in the different parts of the plant. The identity of compounds was established through the comparison with standards and characteristic base peaks as well as other daughter ions. In crude extracts, 34 catechin derivatives, 34 flavonoids, and 17 other compounds were identified. Interestingly, further analysis of compounds showed plant part specific unique pattern of metabolites; that is, regenerated bark is observed to be the best source for catechin/catechin derivative while flowers were found to be the source for wide variety of flavonoids. Moreover, these plant part specific compounds can be used as biomarkers for the identification of plant material or herbal drugs. Overall, the present study provides for the first time a comprehensive analysis of the phenolic components of this herb which may be helpful not only to understand their usage but also to contribute to quality control as well.


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## Body

## 1. Introduction

Bark decoction ofS. asoca (Roxb.), De. Wilde (Caesalpiniaceae), has been mentioned as one of the most famous Indian treatise Charaka Samhita(100 A.D.) for the treatment of various types of gynaecological disorders. Bhavprakash Nighantu, another Indian treatise, referred to it as a uterine tonic for regularizing the menstrual disorders. Bark of the plant is well reported for its stimulating effect on endometrium and ovarian tissues and being used to treat menorrhagia. S. asoca contains significant amounts of phenolic compounds that are considered to be the biologically active components. Water extracts of the plant parts are being used to prepare various Ayurvedic and herbal drugs being rich source of catechin, epicatechin, epigallocathechin, and their polymers and glucosides [1, 2]. Catechins are well reported for various kinds of biological activities and are useful for the symptomatic treatment of several gastrointestinal, respiratory, and vascular diseases. The antioxidant activity of flavonoids has been studied with regard to retarding the aging of cells and protection against cancer and coronary or cardiovascular disease [3–5].Various techniques are in use to identify phenolic compounds such as thin layer chromatography, high performance thin layer chromatography, gas chromatography, UV detection, high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and mass spectrometry. These methods are useful to detect a limited number of known compounds but are not applicable for the characterization of unknown polyphenols in crude mixtures. Quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (Q-TOFMS) is excellent technique to analyze multicomponents in the complex herbal extracts due to accurate mass measurement, high resolution, and ion separation [6]. Rapid data mining procedures and aligning algorithm tools have been used to process huge raw data generated from metabolome analyses [7]. These processed data were thereafter used successfully in various pharmacophysiological studies such as disease diagnostics, human nutritional science, and drug discovery [8, 9].In the present study, HPLC coupled with Q-TOFMS in positive mode was used to generate nontargetedMSn data from various crude extracts prepared by taking different parts of S. asoca. As on date scanty information is available from S. asoca, rather no one reported a comprehensive profile of phenolic compounds from this plant. Therefore, nontargeted MSn data was generated and processed by using Mass Hunter qualitative software for identification of phenolic compounds from the various prepared extracts of S. asoca.


## 2. Experimental

### 2.1. Reagents

Standard compounds and solvents lidocaine, D-camphor, 5-7-isoflavone, formic acid and acetic acid (HPLC grade), acetonitrile, and formic acid and water (LCMS grade) were purchased from Sigma-Aldrich (St. Louis, MO. USA). Phenolic standards protocatechuic acid, coumaric acid, and quercetin were obtained from Sigma (St. Louis, MO, USA). Epicatechin, catechin, gallic acid, ferulic acid, and caffeic acid were purchased from Fluka (Buchs, Switzerland). The purity of the standards was more than 98%, and stock solutions were prepared as at 1 mg/L in methanol. Working standard solutions were made by diluting the stock solutions with mobile phase of HPLC.


### 2.2. Plant Material

Bark, regenerated bark, leaves, and flowers ofS. asoca were collected from Botanical Garden of National Research Institute of Basic Ayurvedic Sciences, CCRAS, (Department of AYUSH), Nehru Garden, Kothrud, Pune, in February 2012 (winter season). The collected plant materials were identified, and voucher specimens (no. 207) were kept at the medicinal plant museum of the institute.


### 2.3. Extraction and Sample Preparation

Fresh plant materials were extracted overnight (at 25 and 70°C) with deionized water (Direct-Q, Millipore) and methanol in sequence (1 : 1 w/v). Extraction steps were repeated three times to ensure complete recovery of metabolites. The pooled supernatant phases were filtered through 0.22μ filters (HiMedia), concentrated under vacuum to dryness (FreeZone 4.5 Labconco, CA, USA), and stored at −80°C till further use. All the samples were given abbreviated name as: bark water, hot water, and methanol extract (B), regenerated bark water, hot water, and methanol extract (RB), leaves water and hot water extract (L), and flower water and hot water extract (F). The extracts were reconstituted in HPLC mobile phase (5.0 mg/mL) for further analytical studies. Standard compounds lidocaine, D-camphor, and 5-7-isoflavone (5.0 ppm) were mixed in the samples.


### 2.4. HPLC

Experiments were performed on Agilent 1290 Infinity Series HPLC interfaced with an Agilent 6538 Accurate-Mass Q-TOF. A ZORBAX 300SB reverse phase column (C18, 4.5 mm × 250 mm, and 5μm particle size) with guard column of same diameter and pore size was used at a flow rate of 0.2 mL/min. The column temperature was maintained at 40°C. The mobile phase used for HPLC was combination of solvent A (0.1% formic acid in water) and solvent B (0.1% formic acid in acetonitrile). The gradient was varied linearly 5–10% in 15 min, 10–45% in 22 min, 45–65% in 30 min, 65–90% in 35 min, and finally to 5% B at 45 min. Sample volume of 20 μL was injected by autosampler.


### 2.5. Q-TOFMS Conditions

Q-TOFMS was calibrated and tuned as recommended by the manufacturer to get accuracy less than 5 ppm. Instrument was operated in positive ion polarity mode and extended dynamic range (1700m/z, 2 GHz) with following parameters: gas temperature 350°C, nebulizer 50 Psi, gas flow 11 L/min, capillary voltage 3500 V, nozzle 500 V, skimmer voltage 65 V, octapole RF 250 V, octapole DC1 48 V, and fragmentor voltage 175 V. MSn data was collected in total ion counting mode, and spectra were acquired in the range 100–1100 m/z with acquisition rate 3 spectra s−1. To assure the mass accuracy of recorded data, standards of lidocaine and 5, 7-isoflavone were infused with samples along with continuous internal calibration with the use of signals at a range of m/z 121.05 to m/z 922.0098 (as per instrument standards).


## 2.1. Reagents

Standard compounds and solvents lidocaine, D-camphor, 5-7-isoflavone, formic acid and acetic acid (HPLC grade), acetonitrile, and formic acid and water (LCMS grade) were purchased from Sigma-Aldrich (St. Louis, MO. USA). Phenolic standards protocatechuic acid, coumaric acid, and quercetin were obtained from Sigma (St. Louis, MO, USA). Epicatechin, catechin, gallic acid, ferulic acid, and caffeic acid were purchased from Fluka (Buchs, Switzerland). The purity of the standards was more than 98%, and stock solutions were prepared as at 1 mg/L in methanol. Working standard solutions were made by diluting the stock solutions with mobile phase of HPLC.


## 2.2. Plant Material

Bark, regenerated bark, leaves, and flowers ofS. asoca were collected from Botanical Garden of National Research Institute of Basic Ayurvedic Sciences, CCRAS, (Department of AYUSH), Nehru Garden, Kothrud, Pune, in February 2012 (winter season). The collected plant materials were identified, and voucher specimens (no. 207) were kept at the medicinal plant museum of the institute.


## 2.3. Extraction and Sample Preparation

Fresh plant materials were extracted overnight (at 25 and 70°C) with deionized water (Direct-Q, Millipore) and methanol in sequence (1 : 1 w/v). Extraction steps were repeated three times to ensure complete recovery of metabolites. The pooled supernatant phases were filtered through 0.22μ filters (HiMedia), concentrated under vacuum to dryness (FreeZone 4.5 Labconco, CA, USA), and stored at −80°C till further use. All the samples were given abbreviated name as: bark water, hot water, and methanol extract (B), regenerated bark water, hot water, and methanol extract (RB), leaves water and hot water extract (L), and flower water and hot water extract (F). The extracts were reconstituted in HPLC mobile phase (5.0 mg/mL) for further analytical studies. Standard compounds lidocaine, D-camphor, and 5-7-isoflavone (5.0 ppm) were mixed in the samples.


## 2.4. HPLC

Experiments were performed on Agilent 1290 Infinity Series HPLC interfaced with an Agilent 6538 Accurate-Mass Q-TOF. A ZORBAX 300SB reverse phase column (C18, 4.5 mm × 250 mm, and 5μm particle size) with guard column of same diameter and pore size was used at a flow rate of 0.2 mL/min. The column temperature was maintained at 40°C. The mobile phase used for HPLC was combination of solvent A (0.1% formic acid in water) and solvent B (0.1% formic acid in acetonitrile). The gradient was varied linearly 5–10% in 15 min, 10–45% in 22 min, 45–65% in 30 min, 65–90% in 35 min, and finally to 5% B at 45 min. Sample volume of 20 μL was injected by autosampler.


## 2.5. Q-TOFMS Conditions

Q-TOFMS was calibrated and tuned as recommended by the manufacturer to get accuracy less than 5 ppm. Instrument was operated in positive ion polarity mode and extended dynamic range (1700m/z, 2 GHz) with following parameters: gas temperature 350°C, nebulizer 50 Psi, gas flow 11 L/min, capillary voltage 3500 V, nozzle 500 V, skimmer voltage 65 V, octapole RF 250 V, octapole DC1 48 V, and fragmentor voltage 175 V. MSn data was collected in total ion counting mode, and spectra were acquired in the range 100–1100 m/z with acquisition rate 3 spectra s−1. To assure the mass accuracy of recorded data, standards of lidocaine and 5, 7-isoflavone were infused with samples along with continuous internal calibration with the use of signals at a range of m/z 121.05 to m/z 922.0098 (as per instrument standards).


## 3.  Results and Discussion

### 3.1. HPLC/MS/MS Conditions Optimization

The HPLC-Q-TOFMS was tested with several basic and acid ionizers, but formic acid 0.1% was found to be most suitable among the tested conditions to resolve most of the compounds present in the crude extracts. In this condition ionic strength became appropriate, and the signal-to-noise ratio increased in the positive ion mode. However, negative mode also gets refined, but positive mode showed better ionization; therefore, it was selected to study the extracts. Being the crude extracts, several gradient profiles were tested, but used gradient profile allowed maximum separation of compounds in the extracts. Mixed standard solutions were tested in order to establish the optimumMSn conditions. The fragmentation voltage was varied from 50 to 250 V and the collision energy from 5 to 45 V. The best results were obtained at fragmentation voltage 175 and ramping collision energy.


### 3.2. Analysis Catechins from Standards andS. asocaExtracts

Figure1 is showing some of important and previously known compounds identified from S. asoca. Standard MSn spectra of some important compounds were obtained under positive electron spray ionization (+ESI) conditions as discussed previously. The spectra generated for catechins by +ESI gave the protonated molecule [M + H]+ and some fragments even at relatively low fragmentation and collision energy voltages. Catechin, (−)-epicatechin, and (−)-epigallocatechin yielded the protonated molecule [M + H]+ (m/z291) along with other characteristic ions at m/z 123, 139, 161, and 207 [10]. For instance, other fragments of m/z 207, 219, and 275 were observed in the spectra. The retro-Diels-Alder fragmentation ions are reported as characteristic fingerprints for the presence of catechins in complex matrices. [M + H-galloyl + H–H2O]+ is a general fragmentation pattern observed for all catechin gallates and gallocatechin gallates [11]. Fragmentation of the predominant positive ions in nontargeted MSn mode was used to obtain information about the molecular masses of conjugates and sugar moieties bound to the aglycones. The total ion chromatograms in positive mode of the extracts in Figure 2 are showing visual changes in profiles of different parts. The positive full-scan LC/MS analysis produced peaks for derivatives of catechins which were identified by scanning the characteristics fragment ions and matching standards available in the literature (Table 1).Table 1
Identified catechins and their derivatives in different parts ofS. asoca.
S. no.
RT
Name of compound
Product ions  (m/z)
Calculated mass
Exact mass
Sample*
1
6.23
Gallocatechin 3-O-gallate
139.02, 289.2, 361.341, and 459.59
458.137
458.08
F
2
7.03
Gallic acid hexoside
111.001, 159.234, 171.0423, 219.161, and 239.128
332.073
332.071
F, B, RB
3
7.30
Gallic acid derivative
153.249, 171.034
193.0352
ALL
4
7.72
Protocatechuic acid
109.04, 127.062
155.051
154.031
F, L
5
8.20
Catechol
111.006
110.006
110.036
ALL
6
10.90
Gallic acid
109.024, 127.131, and 153.323
170.041
170.021
F, L
7
21.99
Catechin derivative
127.021, 139.0156, 165.012, 271.213, 291.213, 409.210, and 569.351
740.221
—
RB
8
22.41
Catechin derivative
139.237
351.825
—
L
9
23.64
(epi)Catechin-(epi)catechin-(epi)catechin
127.138, 151.335, 163.411, 245.710, 301.779,  409.722, 427.707, 451.665, 527.526, 578.477, and 715.239
866.081
866.211
RB, B
10
23.70
Procyanidin B3
127.131, 275.741, 287.749, 291.742, 409.709, 417.690, and 427.690
578.516
578.14
B
11
23.80
Procyanidin B2
127.13, 139.23, 289.163, 291.177, and 409.206
578.463
578.53
12
23.83
Catechin diglucoside
123.102, 139.023, 165.041, 285.101, 291.179, 315.179, 383.277, and 453.202
598.294
—
RB
13
23.88
Tannin
127.103, 139.236, 163.23, 287.231, 301.268, 393.213, and 409.321
724.25
724.242
RB
14
23.95
Procyanidin B1
127.131, 139.237, 163.405, 271.743, 287.749, 291.781, 301.766, 409.708, 427.686, and 543.509
578.463
578.14
ALL
15
24.18
Procyanidin C1
127.137, 139.244, 289.775, 291.756, 409.722, 545.504, and 577.476
866.082
866.205
RB, B
16
24.37
Catechin derivative
127.013, 139.137, 289.265, 301.215, 393.243, 409.213, 427.209, 464.204, and 563.231
871.099
—
RB
17
24.80
Epiafzelechin
107, 139.236, 149.33, 169.44, 191.57, 233.67, and 257.74
274.779
274.084
B, RB
18
24.83
Hydroxy catechin
123.103, 139.243, 151.355, 163.412, 181.520, 207.637, and 215.668
302.798
—
B
19
24.87
Catechin glucoside  rhamnose
139.037, 275.279
583.507
—
B
20
24.97
Epicatechin
123.097, 139.098, 147.104, 165.132, and 207.229
291.237
290.27
ALL
21
25.05
Galloyl-isorhamnetin
317.213
468.205
—
F, L
22
25.29
Catechin
123.097, 139.098, 147.104, 165.132, and 207.229
291.215
290.27
ALL
23
25.30
Afzelechin-(4alpha→8)-catechin
107.051, 139.245, 147.311, 231.702, 273.772, 287.761, 291.754, 393.751, 409.722, 411.7024, and 427.705
562.574
562.15
B, RB
24
25.48
Proanthocyanidin trimer
127.0124, 139.123, 151.133, 163.133, 247.243, 271.254, 287.261, 301.279, 397.232, 409.272, 427.2046, 449.256, 534.133, 577.173, 679.280, 695.2561, and 713.238
864.036
B
25
25.53
Dicatechin gallate
287.248,   409.203,  and 579.263
730.193
—
B
26
26.04
Tricatechin gallate
239.02, 247.134, 279.265, 518.135,  and 579.238
1018.944
—
F
27
26.22
Propelargonidin trimer
119.009, 139.123, 151.023, 231.168, 289.262, 300.277, 325.275, 329.255, 381.242, 393.326, 409.204, 419.17, 425.175, 435.187, 451.148, 471.166, 546.119, 555.199, 577.144, 680.1736, and 699.246
850.055
850.21
RB
28
26.44
Catechin-(4alpha→8)-gallocatechin-(4alpha→8)-catechin
139.012, 153.021, 271.243, 287.246, 331.231, 417.201, 544.141, 563.153, 587.127, and 714.2103
881.99
882.22
F
29
26.76
(−)-Epicatechin-3-O-gallate
123.09, 139.237, 153.321, 165.433, 273.760, and 291.781
442.661
442.09
F
30
27.40
Catechin O-glucoside
123.102, 139.023, 165.041, 291.179, 367.234, and 411.259
452.202
—
RB
31
27.80
Lignan
137.012, 145.123, 151.156, 167.125, 181.174, 189.126, 285.145, 317.174, 361.267, and 465.276
464.136
—
RB
32
28.32
Petunidin gallate
317.782
485.693
—
L
33
29.80
(−)-Gallocatechin
139.243, 289.345, and 291.786
306.004
306.07
RB
34
37.55
Cyanidin 3-(2G-galloylrutinoside)
748.492
747.49
747.482
RB
*Abbreviations B, F, L, and RB in sample column represent bark, flower, leaves, and regenerated bark, respectively.Figure 1
Structures of some known compounds fromS. asoca.BPC scans ofS. asoca regenerated bark hot water (a), bark hot water (b), regenerated bark water (c), bark water (d), flower hot water (e), flower water (f), leaves hot water (g), leaves water (h), methanol bark (i), and regenerated bark methanol (j) extracts. Peaks assignment is listed in Table 1.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
(h)
(i)
(j)C- and O-glycosides were identified on the basis of previous reports. In the positive ion full-scan mass spectrum, the C-glycosides showed only the prominent [M + H]+ ion with losses of 120 and 150 u (X + [M + H–120]+ and X + [M + H–150]+). The analysis of protonated C-glycosides by ESI-Q-TOFMS has proven that the ions of X + [M + H–90]+, X + [M + H–120]+, and X + [M + H–150]+ are the characteristic product ions for polyphenol C-glycosides, and the losses of 120 and 150 u are more favourable [12], whereas in polyphenol O-glycoside X+ [M+H–162]+ was characteristic ion due to neutral loss of 162 u in the product ion spectra.Using the standards and identification of characteristic ions, 34 catechins and their derivatives were identified from the samples. The gradient of water containing 0.1% formic acid and acetonitrile 0.1% formic acid method produced well-shaped peaks for (−)-epicatechin, catechin, and epigallocatechin at 24.447, 25.261, and 23.8 min, respectively [10]. (−)-Epicatechin and catechin were differentiated on the basis of their retention time related to spectra of standard compounds. Moreover, several new derivatives of catechin were identified, and some remain unidentified (Table 1). Catechin-O-glucoside and catechin di-O-glucoside were identified for the  first time as these give characteristic peaks of catechin along with neutral loss of 162 u due to loss of glucose moiety. Six catechin derivatives were found throughout the sample. Other catechin derivatives were observed to be specific with respect to plant parts which can be used as plant part specific markers and can be helpful in standardization of herbal drugs. Regenerating bark was found to have maximum number of catechin derivatives and tannins which might be induced under stress of regeneration and to prevent infections due to damage in bark.On the basis of inclusive analysis of phenolic compounds, pathway of flavonoids and their derivatives biosynthesis inS. asocawere explored (Figure 3). These compounds showed unique pattern of metabolites in the plant parts. In the study, S. asoca was found to be a rich source for catechins that accumulate in all the organs especially in bark. Contrary to this, epicatechin-3-O-gallate, and epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate were observed in the leaves and flowers of this herb.Figure 3
Plant part specific flavonoids biosynthesis pathway inSaraca asoca. Brown, violet, and green boxes correspond to the compound present in regenerated bark (RB), flower (F), and leaves (L) of S. asoca, respectively.


### 3.3. Analysis of Flavonoids from Standards andS. asoca Extracts

Samples ofS. asoca were analysed for flavonoids and found to have apigenin, kaempferol, peonidin, quercetin, isorhamnetin, chrysoeriol, and their derivatives. However maximum numbers of flavonoids were observed in the flower extracts of herb. In this study, total 34 flavonoids were characterized. Most of them were unambiguously identified by comparing retention times and MS data with those of the reference standards and discussed in the literature. Concerning the presence of aglycones in S. asoca, up to now several aglycones have been described in the literature [13]. The product ion spectra of apigenin, kaempferol, peonidin, quercetin, isorhamnetin, and chrysoeriol (Figure 1) were identified by comparing the product ion spectra and retention times with those of standards provided with a useful tool for the confirmation of the presence of these six aglycones in S. asoca extracts for the first time. Aglycones were identified by product ions generated by neutral losses of CH3 group, H2O, and CO as described previously [14, 15]. Glycosides of flavonoids were identified as described previously in case of catechins counting the loss of 162, 150, 120, and 90 u which are characteristics of flavonoids O- and C-glucosides. Total ion chromatogram was screened for loss of 162, 150, and 120 u. All the fragments were assigned with an accuracy of less than 5 ppm with few exceptions. Aglycones were fixed by comparing the product ions from standards and the literature. Resulted flavonoid glycosides are given in Table 2. Peonidin, quercetin, delphinidin, isorhamnetin, petunidin, and malvidin glycoside were mainly observed in flowers as shown in biosynthesis pathway (Table 2, Figure 3).Table 2
Identified polyphenols and their glycosides in different parts ofS. asoca.
S. no.
RT
Name of compound
Product ions  (m/z)
Calculated mass
Exact mass
Sample*
1
11.96
Kaempferol
112.01, 147.03, 163.134, 211.224, and 243.232
286.264
286.240
L
2
15.18
Kaempferol 3-diglucoside-7-glucoside-p-coumaloyl
471.167
918.198#
918.191
B, F, RB
3
15.43
C-Hexosyl-apigenin
283.125, 367.723
528.528
528.520
F
4
21.40
Quercetin-3-rhamnoside
129.01, 141.025, 233.177, 287.147, 303.281, and 449.214
448.218
—
F, L
5
22.10
Petunidin-3-O-beta-glucopyranoside
317.125
479.122#
479.118
F
6
22.33
Unknown  gingerol type glycoside
139.123, 181.143, 265.213, 33.242, and 351.273
512.251#
—
L
7
22.59
Pentahydroxyflavone-O-glucoside
129.12, 137.153, 153.123, and 305.833
466.265#
466.157
F, L
8
22.72
C-Hexosyl-luteolin O-hexoside, O-pentoside
299.213, 329.142, 353.125, and 383.217
743.286
742.278
FW
9
23.20
Peonidin-3-O-β-galactopyranoside
301.145
463.184#
463.124
F, L
10
23.57
Dihexosyl quercetin
303.124, 465.213
626.134
626.150
F
11
23.78
Quercetin
123.10, 137.24, 151.33, and 285.77
302.796
302.04265
B, RB
12
24.10
Quercetin-3′,7-di-O-glucoside
287.249, 449.364
610.411
610.52
F
13
24.14
Isorhamnetin sophorose
317.263, 479.223
640.167#
640.160
F
14
24.52
6-Hydroxykaempferol
123.102, 139.214, 147.31, 151.3358, 165.43, 181.518, 193.57, 207.63, 215.668, 243.722, 261.67, and 285.785
302.796
302.042
B
15
24.52
C-Hexosyl-chrysoeriol O-hexoside
301.124, 463.256
624.204#
624.17
F
16
24.70
3,5,7,2′,6′-Pentahydroxyflavone
215.727, 243.82, and 289.811
306.864#
304.058
L
17
24.77
Malvidin-3-galactoside
331.772
493.112#
493.134
F
18
24.80
Peonidin glucoside derivative
301.767, 463.654
776.145#
—
F
19
24.88
Peonidin-3,5-O-di-β-glucopyranoside
286.0235, 301.0235
625.241#
625.176
F
20
24.90
Phloridzin#
275.421
437.542#
436.136
RB
21
24.99
Peonidin-3-O-alpha-arabinopyranoside
133.023, 177.253, 301.271, and 415.123
433.105#
433.113
F
22
25.03
(+)-Dihydrokaempferol
107.04, 123.09, 127.13, 139.23, 149.29, 163.407, 166.472, 179.434, 215.654, 243.715, 259.759, 271.744, and 289.763
288.763
288.063
ALL
23
25.08
3-O-Hexosyl-quercetin
133.197, 145.295, 153.356, and 301.178
464.075
464.10
F
24
25.22
Leucopelargonidin 3-O-glucoside
137.124, 291.178, and 303.155
452.185
452.131
ALL
25
25.26
Apigenin
107.043, 119.003, 149.013, 153.123, 174.155, 215.165, 228.213, and 243.214
270.103
270.05
ALL
26
25.43
Malvidin-diglucoside
331.275, 493.213
655.257#
655.187
F, L
27
25.46
Isorhamnetin-3-coumaroylglucopyranoside
317.275, 463.266
624.224#
—
B
28
25.70
Isorhamnetin
115.043, 123.176, 147.109, 165.133, 257.177, 297.020, and 302.054
316.02#
316.06
B
29
26.5
Delphinidin-3-O-β-glucopyranoside
303.213
465.231#
465.103
F
30
27.28
Quercetin-3-O-Arabinoside
131.01, 137.024, 151.125, 181.123, 257.263, 285.214, 303.214, and 360.225
434.2
434.214
B
31
27.43
Quercetin 3,4′-di-glucoside-3′-(6-caffeoylglucoside)
625, 787, and 487.685
950.265
950.257
RB
32
30.20
7-Acetyloxy-2-methylisoflavone
107.08, 111.077, 121.134, 125.068, 151.100, 161.187, 179.194, 193.170, 221.191, 237.146, 249.178, 259.176, and 277.103
294.102#
294.089
F
33
30.47
Peonidin
286.0235, 301.068
301.067#
301.071
ALL
34
34.60
Isorhamnetin-3-O-glucoside
302.155, 317.013
478.032#
478.111
F
*Abbreviations B, F, L and RB in sample column represent bark, flower, leaves, and regenerated bark, respectively.
#Compound detected for the first time in S. asoca.


### 3.4. Analysis of Other Compounds fromS. asoca Extracts

Compounds other than catechin and flavonoid derivatives were identified with help of standard mass spectral libraries fromhttp://spectra.psc.riken.jp and http://www.massbank.jp [16, 17]. Table 3 is showing compounds and their product ions. Unidentified compounds were mentioned as unknown or derivative of known compounds.Table 3
Other compounds identified in different parts ofS. asoca.
S. no.
RT
Name of compound
Product ions  (m/z)
Calculated mass
Exact mass
Sample*
1
7.10
L-Homocitrulline
100.123, 127.061, 155.280, and 173.213
—
189.111
ALL
2
10.22
Dehydrogenated-decarboxy-neobetanin
341.771
502.598
—
RB
3
15.70
Ecdysone
123.045, 233.213, 279.253, 297.256, 313.257, 325.252, 393.383, 429.266, 447.256, 465.225, and 482.167
482.167 (M + H + NH3)+
464.122
L
4
20.26
17-Decarboxy-betanin
345.289
506.217
506.152
B, RB
5
22.02
Triterpenoid hexose
126.98, 323.711, 429.738, and 505.594
666.330
666.40
F, L
6
22.35
11-Hydroxy-sec-O-β-D-glucosylhamaudol
293.794
454.695
—
B
7
24.3
D-(+)-Cellotriose
203.201, 325.298, 343.231, and 487.241
504.208
504.169
B, RB
8
24.65
Unknown diglucoside
323.245, 485.6
647.343
646.335
LHW
9
24.94
14-Hydroxycarpesterol
127.012, 139.123, 163.102, 257.251, 275.231, 291.215, 301.253, 337.296, 401.196, 409.203, 427.196, and 560.293
578.222
578.22
ALL
10
25.44
Icariside E3
115.023, 145.125, and 188.156
524.206
524.225
F, L
11
25.50
3-O-beta-D-Glucopyranosyl sitosterol#
397.213, 415.282
576.406
576.438
B, RB
12
26.11
7-Dehydrocholesterol glucoside
120.8, 133.1, 159.2, 247.2, 259.2, 368.2, and 385.2
546.2
—
RB, B
13
26.50
Phytolaccagenic acid 3-O-glucose (1′′→3′) galactose
249.772,  517, and 679
840.329
840.321
RB
14
27.90
Unknown
123.09, 153.121, 271.25, 394.243, and 542.197
882.993
—
F
15
28.2
Tyramine-betaxanthin
163.149, 249.244, and 287.219
330.244
330.12
B, RB
16
34.36
4-Methylthio-n-butyl glucosinolate
186.001,  286.23, 316.993, and 398.505
477.900
477.984
B, RB
17
37.90
Tripalmitin type compound
393.89, 313.9816, 239.89, 155.333, and 137.3193
554.672
—
F
*Abbreviations B, F, L, and RB in sample column represent bark, flower, leaves, and regenerated bark, respectively.


## 3.1. HPLC/MS/MS Conditions Optimization

The HPLC-Q-TOFMS was tested with several basic and acid ionizers, but formic acid 0.1% was found to be most suitable among the tested conditions to resolve most of the compounds present in the crude extracts. In this condition ionic strength became appropriate, and the signal-to-noise ratio increased in the positive ion mode. However, negative mode also gets refined, but positive mode showed better ionization; therefore, it was selected to study the extracts. Being the crude extracts, several gradient profiles were tested, but used gradient profile allowed maximum separation of compounds in the extracts. Mixed standard solutions were tested in order to establish the optimumMSn conditions. The fragmentation voltage was varied from 50 to 250 V and the collision energy from 5 to 45 V. The best results were obtained at fragmentation voltage 175 and ramping collision energy.


## 3.2. Analysis Catechins from Standards andS. asocaExtracts

Figure1 is showing some of important and previously known compounds identified from S. asoca. Standard MSn spectra of some important compounds were obtained under positive electron spray ionization (+ESI) conditions as discussed previously. The spectra generated for catechins by +ESI gave the protonated molecule [M + H]+ and some fragments even at relatively low fragmentation and collision energy voltages. Catechin, (−)-epicatechin, and (−)-epigallocatechin yielded the protonated molecule [M + H]+ (m/z291) along with other characteristic ions at m/z 123, 139, 161, and 207 [10]. For instance, other fragments of m/z 207, 219, and 275 were observed in the spectra. The retro-Diels-Alder fragmentation ions are reported as characteristic fingerprints for the presence of catechins in complex matrices. [M + H-galloyl + H–H2O]+ is a general fragmentation pattern observed for all catechin gallates and gallocatechin gallates [11]. Fragmentation of the predominant positive ions in nontargeted MSn mode was used to obtain information about the molecular masses of conjugates and sugar moieties bound to the aglycones. The total ion chromatograms in positive mode of the extracts in Figure 2 are showing visual changes in profiles of different parts. The positive full-scan LC/MS analysis produced peaks for derivatives of catechins which were identified by scanning the characteristics fragment ions and matching standards available in the literature (Table 1).Table 1
Identified catechins and their derivatives in different parts ofS. asoca.
S. no.
RT
Name of compound
Product ions  (m/z)
Calculated mass
Exact mass
Sample*
1
6.23
Gallocatechin 3-O-gallate
139.02, 289.2, 361.341, and 459.59
458.137
458.08
F
2
7.03
Gallic acid hexoside
111.001, 159.234, 171.0423, 219.161, and 239.128
332.073
332.071
F, B, RB
3
7.30
Gallic acid derivative
153.249, 171.034
193.0352
ALL
4
7.72
Protocatechuic acid
109.04, 127.062
155.051
154.031
F, L
5
8.20
Catechol
111.006
110.006
110.036
ALL
6
10.90
Gallic acid
109.024, 127.131, and 153.323
170.041
170.021
F, L
7
21.99
Catechin derivative
127.021, 139.0156, 165.012, 271.213, 291.213, 409.210, and 569.351
740.221
—
RB
8
22.41
Catechin derivative
139.237
351.825
—
L
9
23.64
(epi)Catechin-(epi)catechin-(epi)catechin
127.138, 151.335, 163.411, 245.710, 301.779,  409.722, 427.707, 451.665, 527.526, 578.477, and 715.239
866.081
866.211
RB, B
10
23.70
Procyanidin B3
127.131, 275.741, 287.749, 291.742, 409.709, 417.690, and 427.690
578.516
578.14
B
11
23.80
Procyanidin B2
127.13, 139.23, 289.163, 291.177, and 409.206
578.463
578.53
12
23.83
Catechin diglucoside
123.102, 139.023, 165.041, 285.101, 291.179, 315.179, 383.277, and 453.202
598.294
—
RB
13
23.88
Tannin
127.103, 139.236, 163.23, 287.231, 301.268, 393.213, and 409.321
724.25
724.242
RB
14
23.95
Procyanidin B1
127.131, 139.237, 163.405, 271.743, 287.749, 291.781, 301.766, 409.708, 427.686, and 543.509
578.463
578.14
ALL
15
24.18
Procyanidin C1
127.137, 139.244, 289.775, 291.756, 409.722, 545.504, and 577.476
866.082
866.205
RB, B
16
24.37
Catechin derivative
127.013, 139.137, 289.265, 301.215, 393.243, 409.213, 427.209, 464.204, and 563.231
871.099
—
RB
17
24.80
Epiafzelechin
107, 139.236, 149.33, 169.44, 191.57, 233.67, and 257.74
274.779
274.084
B, RB
18
24.83
Hydroxy catechin
123.103, 139.243, 151.355, 163.412, 181.520, 207.637, and 215.668
302.798
—
B
19
24.87
Catechin glucoside  rhamnose
139.037, 275.279
583.507
—
B
20
24.97
Epicatechin
123.097, 139.098, 147.104, 165.132, and 207.229
291.237
290.27
ALL
21
25.05
Galloyl-isorhamnetin
317.213
468.205
—
F, L
22
25.29
Catechin
123.097, 139.098, 147.104, 165.132, and 207.229
291.215
290.27
ALL
23
25.30
Afzelechin-(4alpha→8)-catechin
107.051, 139.245, 147.311, 231.702, 273.772, 287.761, 291.754, 393.751, 409.722, 411.7024, and 427.705
562.574
562.15
B, RB
24
25.48
Proanthocyanidin trimer
127.0124, 139.123, 151.133, 163.133, 247.243, 271.254, 287.261, 301.279, 397.232, 409.272, 427.2046, 449.256, 534.133, 577.173, 679.280, 695.2561, and 713.238
864.036
B
25
25.53
Dicatechin gallate
287.248,   409.203,  and 579.263
730.193
—
B
26
26.04
Tricatechin gallate
239.02, 247.134, 279.265, 518.135,  and 579.238
1018.944
—
F
27
26.22
Propelargonidin trimer
119.009, 139.123, 151.023, 231.168, 289.262, 300.277, 325.275, 329.255, 381.242, 393.326, 409.204, 419.17, 425.175, 435.187, 451.148, 471.166, 546.119, 555.199, 577.144, 680.1736, and 699.246
850.055
850.21
RB
28
26.44
Catechin-(4alpha→8)-gallocatechin-(4alpha→8)-catechin
139.012, 153.021, 271.243, 287.246, 331.231, 417.201, 544.141, 563.153, 587.127, and 714.2103
881.99
882.22
F
29
26.76
(−)-Epicatechin-3-O-gallate
123.09, 139.237, 153.321, 165.433, 273.760, and 291.781
442.661
442.09
F
30
27.40
Catechin O-glucoside
123.102, 139.023, 165.041, 291.179, 367.234, and 411.259
452.202
—
RB
31
27.80
Lignan
137.012, 145.123, 151.156, 167.125, 181.174, 189.126, 285.145, 317.174, 361.267, and 465.276
464.136
—
RB
32
28.32
Petunidin gallate
317.782
485.693
—
L
33
29.80
(−)-Gallocatechin
139.243, 289.345, and 291.786
306.004
306.07
RB
34
37.55
Cyanidin 3-(2G-galloylrutinoside)
748.492
747.49
747.482
RB
*Abbreviations B, F, L, and RB in sample column represent bark, flower, leaves, and regenerated bark, respectively.Figure 1
Structures of some known compounds fromS. asoca.BPC scans ofS. asoca regenerated bark hot water (a), bark hot water (b), regenerated bark water (c), bark water (d), flower hot water (e), flower water (f), leaves hot water (g), leaves water (h), methanol bark (i), and regenerated bark methanol (j) extracts. Peaks assignment is listed in Table 1.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
(h)
(i)
(j)C- and O-glycosides were identified on the basis of previous reports. In the positive ion full-scan mass spectrum, the C-glycosides showed only the prominent [M + H]+ ion with losses of 120 and 150 u (X + [M + H–120]+ and X + [M + H–150]+). The analysis of protonated C-glycosides by ESI-Q-TOFMS has proven that the ions of X + [M + H–90]+, X + [M + H–120]+, and X + [M + H–150]+ are the characteristic product ions for polyphenol C-glycosides, and the losses of 120 and 150 u are more favourable [12], whereas in polyphenol O-glycoside X+ [M+H–162]+ was characteristic ion due to neutral loss of 162 u in the product ion spectra.Using the standards and identification of characteristic ions, 34 catechins and their derivatives were identified from the samples. The gradient of water containing 0.1% formic acid and acetonitrile 0.1% formic acid method produced well-shaped peaks for (−)-epicatechin, catechin, and epigallocatechin at 24.447, 25.261, and 23.8 min, respectively [10]. (−)-Epicatechin and catechin were differentiated on the basis of their retention time related to spectra of standard compounds. Moreover, several new derivatives of catechin were identified, and some remain unidentified (Table 1). Catechin-O-glucoside and catechin di-O-glucoside were identified for the  first time as these give characteristic peaks of catechin along with neutral loss of 162 u due to loss of glucose moiety. Six catechin derivatives were found throughout the sample. Other catechin derivatives were observed to be specific with respect to plant parts which can be used as plant part specific markers and can be helpful in standardization of herbal drugs. Regenerating bark was found to have maximum number of catechin derivatives and tannins which might be induced under stress of regeneration and to prevent infections due to damage in bark.On the basis of inclusive analysis of phenolic compounds, pathway of flavonoids and their derivatives biosynthesis inS. asocawere explored (Figure 3). These compounds showed unique pattern of metabolites in the plant parts. In the study, S. asoca was found to be a rich source for catechins that accumulate in all the organs especially in bark. Contrary to this, epicatechin-3-O-gallate, and epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate were observed in the leaves and flowers of this herb.Figure 3
Plant part specific flavonoids biosynthesis pathway inSaraca asoca. Brown, violet, and green boxes correspond to the compound present in regenerated bark (RB), flower (F), and leaves (L) of S. asoca, respectively.


## 3.3. Analysis of Flavonoids from Standards andS. asoca Extracts

Samples ofS. asoca were analysed for flavonoids and found to have apigenin, kaempferol, peonidin, quercetin, isorhamnetin, chrysoeriol, and their derivatives. However maximum numbers of flavonoids were observed in the flower extracts of herb. In this study, total 34 flavonoids were characterized. Most of them were unambiguously identified by comparing retention times and MS data with those of the reference standards and discussed in the literature. Concerning the presence of aglycones in S. asoca, up to now several aglycones have been described in the literature [13]. The product ion spectra of apigenin, kaempferol, peonidin, quercetin, isorhamnetin, and chrysoeriol (Figure 1) were identified by comparing the product ion spectra and retention times with those of standards provided with a useful tool for the confirmation of the presence of these six aglycones in S. asoca extracts for the first time. Aglycones were identified by product ions generated by neutral losses of CH3 group, H2O, and CO as described previously [14, 15]. Glycosides of flavonoids were identified as described previously in case of catechins counting the loss of 162, 150, 120, and 90 u which are characteristics of flavonoids O- and C-glucosides. Total ion chromatogram was screened for loss of 162, 150, and 120 u. All the fragments were assigned with an accuracy of less than 5 ppm with few exceptions. Aglycones were fixed by comparing the product ions from standards and the literature. Resulted flavonoid glycosides are given in Table 2. Peonidin, quercetin, delphinidin, isorhamnetin, petunidin, and malvidin glycoside were mainly observed in flowers as shown in biosynthesis pathway (Table 2, Figure 3).Table 2
Identified polyphenols and their glycosides in different parts ofS. asoca.
S. no.
RT
Name of compound
Product ions  (m/z)
Calculated mass
Exact mass
Sample*
1
11.96
Kaempferol
112.01, 147.03, 163.134, 211.224, and 243.232
286.264
286.240
L
2
15.18
Kaempferol 3-diglucoside-7-glucoside-p-coumaloyl
471.167
918.198#
918.191
B, F, RB
3
15.43
C-Hexosyl-apigenin
283.125, 367.723
528.528
528.520
F
4
21.40
Quercetin-3-rhamnoside
129.01, 141.025, 233.177, 287.147, 303.281, and 449.214
448.218
—
F, L
5
22.10
Petunidin-3-O-beta-glucopyranoside
317.125
479.122#
479.118
F
6
22.33
Unknown  gingerol type glycoside
139.123, 181.143, 265.213, 33.242, and 351.273
512.251#
—
L
7
22.59
Pentahydroxyflavone-O-glucoside
129.12, 137.153, 153.123, and 305.833
466.265#
466.157
F, L
8
22.72
C-Hexosyl-luteolin O-hexoside, O-pentoside
299.213, 329.142, 353.125, and 383.217
743.286
742.278
FW
9
23.20
Peonidin-3-O-β-galactopyranoside
301.145
463.184#
463.124
F, L
10
23.57
Dihexosyl quercetin
303.124, 465.213
626.134
626.150
F
11
23.78
Quercetin
123.10, 137.24, 151.33, and 285.77
302.796
302.04265
B, RB
12
24.10
Quercetin-3′,7-di-O-glucoside
287.249, 449.364
610.411
610.52
F
13
24.14
Isorhamnetin sophorose
317.263, 479.223
640.167#
640.160
F
14
24.52
6-Hydroxykaempferol
123.102, 139.214, 147.31, 151.3358, 165.43, 181.518, 193.57, 207.63, 215.668, 243.722, 261.67, and 285.785
302.796
302.042
B
15
24.52
C-Hexosyl-chrysoeriol O-hexoside
301.124, 463.256
624.204#
624.17
F
16
24.70
3,5,7,2′,6′-Pentahydroxyflavone
215.727, 243.82, and 289.811
306.864#
304.058
L
17
24.77
Malvidin-3-galactoside
331.772
493.112#
493.134
F
18
24.80
Peonidin glucoside derivative
301.767, 463.654
776.145#
—
F
19
24.88
Peonidin-3,5-O-di-β-glucopyranoside
286.0235, 301.0235
625.241#
625.176
F
20
24.90
Phloridzin#
275.421
437.542#
436.136
RB
21
24.99
Peonidin-3-O-alpha-arabinopyranoside
133.023, 177.253, 301.271, and 415.123
433.105#
433.113
F
22
25.03
(+)-Dihydrokaempferol
107.04, 123.09, 127.13, 139.23, 149.29, 163.407, 166.472, 179.434, 215.654, 243.715, 259.759, 271.744, and 289.763
288.763
288.063
ALL
23
25.08
3-O-Hexosyl-quercetin
133.197, 145.295, 153.356, and 301.178
464.075
464.10
F
24
25.22
Leucopelargonidin 3-O-glucoside
137.124, 291.178, and 303.155
452.185
452.131
ALL
25
25.26
Apigenin
107.043, 119.003, 149.013, 153.123, 174.155, 215.165, 228.213, and 243.214
270.103
270.05
ALL
26
25.43
Malvidin-diglucoside
331.275, 493.213
655.257#
655.187
F, L
27
25.46
Isorhamnetin-3-coumaroylglucopyranoside
317.275, 463.266
624.224#
—
B
28
25.70
Isorhamnetin
115.043, 123.176, 147.109, 165.133, 257.177, 297.020, and 302.054
316.02#
316.06
B
29
26.5
Delphinidin-3-O-β-glucopyranoside
303.213
465.231#
465.103
F
30
27.28
Quercetin-3-O-Arabinoside
131.01, 137.024, 151.125, 181.123, 257.263, 285.214, 303.214, and 360.225
434.2
434.214
B
31
27.43
Quercetin 3,4′-di-glucoside-3′-(6-caffeoylglucoside)
625, 787, and 487.685
950.265
950.257
RB
32
30.20
7-Acetyloxy-2-methylisoflavone
107.08, 111.077, 121.134, 125.068, 151.100, 161.187, 179.194, 193.170, 221.191, 237.146, 249.178, 259.176, and 277.103
294.102#
294.089
F
33
30.47
Peonidin
286.0235, 301.068
301.067#
301.071
ALL
34
34.60
Isorhamnetin-3-O-glucoside
302.155, 317.013
478.032#
478.111
F
*Abbreviations B, F, L and RB in sample column represent bark, flower, leaves, and regenerated bark, respectively.
#Compound detected for the first time in S. asoca.


## 3.4. Analysis of Other Compounds fromS. asoca Extracts

Compounds other than catechin and flavonoid derivatives were identified with help of standard mass spectral libraries fromhttp://spectra.psc.riken.jp and http://www.massbank.jp [16, 17]. Table 3 is showing compounds and their product ions. Unidentified compounds were mentioned as unknown or derivative of known compounds.Table 3
Other compounds identified in different parts ofS. asoca.
S. no.
RT
Name of compound
Product ions  (m/z)
Calculated mass
Exact mass
Sample*
1
7.10
L-Homocitrulline
100.123, 127.061, 155.280, and 173.213
—
189.111
ALL
2
10.22
Dehydrogenated-decarboxy-neobetanin
341.771
502.598
—
RB
3
15.70
Ecdysone
123.045, 233.213, 279.253, 297.256, 313.257, 325.252, 393.383, 429.266, 447.256, 465.225, and 482.167
482.167 (M + H + NH3)+
464.122
L
4
20.26
17-Decarboxy-betanin
345.289
506.217
506.152
B, RB
5
22.02
Triterpenoid hexose
126.98, 323.711, 429.738, and 505.594
666.330
666.40
F, L
6
22.35
11-Hydroxy-sec-O-β-D-glucosylhamaudol
293.794
454.695
—
B
7
24.3
D-(+)-Cellotriose
203.201, 325.298, 343.231, and 487.241
504.208
504.169
B, RB
8
24.65
Unknown diglucoside
323.245, 485.6
647.343
646.335
LHW
9
24.94
14-Hydroxycarpesterol
127.012, 139.123, 163.102, 257.251, 275.231, 291.215, 301.253, 337.296, 401.196, 409.203, 427.196, and 560.293
578.222
578.22
ALL
10
25.44
Icariside E3
115.023, 145.125, and 188.156
524.206
524.225
F, L
11
25.50
3-O-beta-D-Glucopyranosyl sitosterol#
397.213, 415.282
576.406
576.438
B, RB
12
26.11
7-Dehydrocholesterol glucoside
120.8, 133.1, 159.2, 247.2, 259.2, 368.2, and 385.2
546.2
—
RB, B
13
26.50
Phytolaccagenic acid 3-O-glucose (1′′→3′) galactose
249.772,  517, and 679
840.329
840.321
RB
14
27.90
Unknown
123.09, 153.121, 271.25, 394.243, and 542.197
882.993
—
F
15
28.2
Tyramine-betaxanthin
163.149, 249.244, and 287.219
330.244
330.12
B, RB
16
34.36
4-Methylthio-n-butyl glucosinolate
186.001,  286.23, 316.993, and 398.505
477.900
477.984
B, RB
17
37.90
Tripalmitin type compound
393.89, 313.9816, 239.89, 155.333, and 137.3193
554.672
—
F
*Abbreviations B, F, L, and RB in sample column represent bark, flower, leaves, and regenerated bark, respectively.


## 4. Conclusions

The rational use ofS. asoca plant parts for declining uterine diseases is mainly due to presence of flavonoidal glycosides, catechins, oligomeric procyanidins, and steroids. The detailed identification of the phenolic composition of S. asoca provides the background necessary to evaluate the biological activity of the identified compounds and to develop an understanding of the potential benefit of the herb. A number of steroidal compounds were also observed in all plant parts but could not be identified very well due to limited fragmentations. The qualitative and comparative method showed good results in terms of identification of flavonoids. Variety of catechin derivatives were found to be elevated in regenerating bark. One possible reason for the elevation of flavonoids could be the protective effect of these compounds against plant infections. Part specific compounds as shown in Tables 1, 2, and 3 can be used as biomarkers for the identification of plant material or herbal drugs. This comprehensive analysis of the phenolic components of herb will be helpful not only in the quality control of this herb and its products but also in understanding medicinal importance of different parts of the herb. Besides this, the content of desire compound can be enhanced in specific part of the plant by using metabolic engineering where the present data will be very useful and supportive.



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*Source: 293935-2013-08-05.xml*