Phytochemical profiling of Passiflora quadrangularis leaves via LCMS: A study of bioactive compounds

Abstract

Chemical entities are becoming increasingly interested in medicinal plants and herbal preparations because of their dependable pharmacological activities and accessibility to the general public, which makes them useful in the treatment of a wide range of illnesses. The plant Passiflora quadrangularis (Passifloracea), also referred to as “Akashavellari” locally, is utilized in many traditional medicines. This study aims to evaluate the chemical components of Passiflora quadrangularis leaf extracts using Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LCMS). The dried leaves have been extracted with a hydroalcoholic solvent (water: ethanol, 1:1) using Soxhlet extraction. The LC-MS study using the 6540ba Qtof - Infinity 1290 model from Agilent Technologies. It employed LC-ESI/MS in both positive (M + H) and negative (M − H) ionization modes. The separation process employed a C18 reversed-phase column at a temperature of 40°C. The eluent used was a mixture of acetonitrile and methanol, along with 0.1% formic acid. The analysis revealed the presence of alkaloids, phenolic compounds, amino acids, dicarboxylic acids, flavonoids, and glycosides. Among them, Retronecine was found to be the most prevalent. The negative mode largely accentuated the presence of flavonoid and isoflavonoid glycosides, polyphenols, fatty acid derivatives, and phenolic compounds. Among them, Quercetin 3,7- dirhamnoside was found to be the most abundant. The presence of Kaempferol 3-rhamnoside 7-xyloside was identified in both modalities. The wide range of discovered chemicals highlights the considerable pharmacological potential of Passiflora quadrangularis extracts for therapeutic uses.