Matrix solid-phase dispersion as a tool for phytochemical and bioactivities characterisation: Crataegus oxyacantha L._A case study

Abstract

The use of a matrix solid-phase dispersion (MSPD) process to extract polyphenols from hawthorn (Crataegus oxyacantha L.) a deciduous shrub with an expected rich phytochemical profile, has been evaluated. MSPD extracts of fruits and leaves have an outstanding content of polyphenols, although the particular phenolic profile is solvent dependent. The extracts were analysed by HPLC-DAD for the accurate identification of the major bioactive polyphenols, some of which have never been described for this species. MSPD has proven to be a good alternative to the classic methods of obtaining natural extracts, fast and with low consumption of organic solvents, therefore, environmentally friendly. The bioactivities can be considered also very remarkable, revealing extracts with high levels of antioxidant activity.

Keywords:

• Crataegus oxyacantha L.
• matrix solid-phase dispersion (MSPD)
• polyphenols
• antioxidant activity

Acknowledgements

This work was supported by the Xunta de Galicia, Spain under Grant GPC2014/035; and Ministère de l’enseignement supérieur et de la recherche scientifique (Algeria) for a pre-doctoral stay fellowship of one of the authors.