Spectrophotometric determination of the antioxidant properties and characterization of the phenolic content by high-performance liquid chromatography–diode array detection–tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC–DAD–MS/MS) of Berberis hispanica Boiss. & Reut. leaves

Abstract

Here is reported the phenolic profile obtained by high-performance liquid chromatography with diode array and mass spectrometry detection and the antioxidant activity using the ABTS and DPPH assays of leaves of Berberis hispanica Boiss. & Reut. The most abundant compounds were caffeoylquinic acids, in particular chlorogenic acid with 19.3 mg g⁻¹ dried extract, caffeoylglucaric acids and quercetin glycosides. Also, the compound dihydro-roseoside is reported for the first time in a Berberis species. The antioxidant potential was in agreement with the phenolic content: the highest concentration of phenolics corresponded to the highest antioxidant activity in both of the assays equal to 648 and 547 µmol Trolox equivalents g⁻¹ dried extract methanolic fraction for the ABTS and DPPH assays, respectively. These results contribute to the limited bibliographic information concerning this plant species and represent a starting point to evaluate its potential as a novel source of bioactive compounds.

Keywords:

• Berberis hispanica
• bioactive compounds
• caffeoylquinic acid
• chlorogenic acid
• high-performance liquid chromatography–diode array detection–tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC–DAD–MS/MS)

Acknowledgments

This study did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors. Andalusian Network of Botanic and Mycologic Gardens in Natural Spaces (Junta de Andalucía) is acknowledged.

Disclosure statement

There are no conflicts of interest to declare.

Additional information

Funding

The technical and human support provided by CICT of Universidad de Jaén (UJA, MINECO, Junta de Andalucía, FEDER) is gratefully acknowledged.