Comprehensive analysis of phenolic composition and antioxidant mechanisms in Gymnema sylvestre extracts using LC-MS and column chromatography

Abstract

Recent studies have highlighted the potential of plant extracts as therapeutic agents for managing oxidative stress and related disorders. This study aims to elucidate the phenolic composition and antioxidant properties of Gymnema sylvestre extracts. Ethanolic reflux extraction followed by column chromatography was employed to isolate phenolic compounds. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents were quantified using the Folin-Ciocalteu and aluminum chloride colorimetric methods, respectively. Antioxidant activities were assessed by DPPH, ABTS scavenging assays and the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay. High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) with a C18 column and Thermo TSQ Quantum Access Max (LC-MS) were used to determine the levels of gymnemic acid and identify other potential phenolic compounds. The analysis revealed significant antioxidant activities in the fractions. Fraction A showed the highest DPPH and ABTS scavenging activities, and Fraction C demonstrated the highest ferric reducing power. LC-MS analysis identified several phenolic compounds, indicating that these are major contributors to the antioxidant efficacy of the extract. This study provides a detailed phenolic profile and confirms the strong antioxidant potential of Gymnema sylvestre leaf extract, supporting its therapeutic use and further investigation.

Keywords

Gymnema sylvestre / antioxidants / column chromatography / phenolic compounds / LC-MS

Significance and future directions

In this study, the direct correlation between total phenolic content and antioxidant activity was established, and the therapeutic potential of Gymnema sylvestre extracts in the treatment of diseases like diabetes, hyperglycemia and premature aging is emphasized. These findings support the traditional medicinal use of the plant, and call for further in vivo studies and exploration of different antioxidant mechanisms to fully harness its therapeutic benefits.

Future research should focus on:

Mechanistic studies: Conducting in vivo studies to explore the detailed mechanisms of these phenolic compounds to exert their antioxidant effects and their potential interactions with other bioactive compounds.

Therapeutic applications: Investigating the therapeutic efficacy of these phenolic compounds in clinical settings, particularly in controlling chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and neurodegenerative disorders.

Synergistic effects: Exploring the synergistic effects of different phenolic compounds in Gymnema sylvestre to develop more effective antioxidant therapies.

Bioavailability and metabolism: Studying the bioavailability and metabolic pathways of these phenolic compounds in the human body to optimize their therapeutic use.

By providing a comprehensive phenolic profile and confirming the strong antioxidant potential of Gymnema sylvestre extract, this study lays a solid foundation for developing novel antioxidant therapies from this traditional herb. Further research in these areas will significantly contribute to the understanding and utilization of phenolic compounds in medicinal plants [29].

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