Chemical characterisation and in vitro anthelmintic activity of phenolic-rich extracts from the leaves and branches of Maytenus ilicifolia, a native plant from South America

Abstract

Free (epi) catechin, quercetin, (epi) gallocatechin, flavonol glycosides and condensed tannins were identified according to their molecular mass, characteristic product ions and retention times in extracts obtained from leaves and branches of Maytenus ilicifolia (Congorosa) by mass spectrometry. The in vitro anthelmintic activity against cattle gastrointestinal nematodes of Congorosa extract was determined using the Egg Hatch Inhibition Assay. Additionally, commercial quercetin, gallocatechin and epicatechin were evaluated. Although total phenolics, total tannins and condensed tannins contents were lower in branches extract than in leaves extract, the EC₅₀ were 0.065 mg/mL and 0.890 mg/mL for branches and leaves extract, respectively. Moreover, the use of polyvinylpyrrolidone as a blocking agent of tannins, did not change significantly the EC₅₀ for branches extract, but significantly changed for leaves extract. Quercetin and gallocatechin EC₅₀ values were in the range 0.03–0.05 mg/mL and epicatechin showed 100% inhibition of the egg hatching process at 0.004 mg/mL.

Graphical Abstract

Keywords:

• Maytenus ilicifolia
• ruminant´s anthelmintic activity
• phenolic compounds
• egg hatch inhibition assay
• mass spectrometry

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the INIA under Grant INIA CL_40 and PEDECIBA. Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria (INIA); Programa de Desarrollo de las Ciencias Básicas (PEDECIBA).