Chemical findings and in vitro biological studies to uphold the use of Ficus exasperata Vahl leaf and stem bark

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2018

Authors

Mouho, DG (Author) Other; Oliveira, AP (Author) Other; Kodjo, CG (Author) Other; Patricia Valentao (Author) FFUP; Gil Izquierdo, A (Author) Other; Paula B Andrade (Author) FFUP; Ouattara, ZA (Author) Other; Bekro, YA (Author) Other; Ferreres, F (Author) Other

Journal

Title: Food and Chemical Toxicology

Vol. 112

Pages: 134-144

ISSN: 0278-6915

Publisher: Elsevier

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 2 Citations

Scopus - 6 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00N-D5K

DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2017.12.043

Abstract (EN): Ficus exasperata Vahl, commonly known as sandpaper, is a terrestrial Afro-tropical tree used in popular medicine. Despite the existence of some works on the biological activities of this species, its chemical composition is still poorly known. The aim of this study was to extend the knowledge on the phytochemistry and biological properties of this species. Aqueous extracts from F. exasperata leaves and stem bark were analysed. Thirty-one phenolic compounds, comprising cinnamoyl derivatives, flavonoid-O-glycosides, flavonoid-mono-C-glycosides, flavonoid-di-C-glycosides and one furanocoumarin, were determined by HPLC-DAD-ESI/MSn and UPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS, 26 of them being reported for the first time in this species. The profile of organic acids, characterized by HPLC-UV, was also reported for the first time. The best radical scavenging activity was observed for the aqueous extract from leaves (IC50 values of 222.5, 510.0 and 50.0 mu g/mL against DPPH center dot, (NO)-N-center dot and O-2(center dot-), respectively). In addition, both aqueous extracts of the leaves and stem bark displayed a weak effect on alpha-amylase, and no cytotoxicity against gastric adenocarcinoma cell line, AGS. This study contributes to the valorisation of these vegetal materials, which may have application in functional foods and/or nutraceuticals.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 11