Characterization of <i>Paullinia pinnata</i> (Sapindaceae) Root Extracts by GC-MS and HPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS: An Ivorian Medicinal Plant at the Service of Cardiovascular Diseases

The study of chemical constituents is an essential element in the valorization of medicinal plants, which can be used to treat a number of pathologies. This work aims to contribute to a better understanding of the chemical composition of <i>Paullinia pinnata</i> (Sapindaceae), a medicinal plant used in Côte d'Ivoire for the traditional treatment of cardiovascular diseases. This study explores the relationship between the compounds identified in this plant and its use in cardiovascular disease treatment. Extraction methods (solid/liquid and liquid/liquid) and identification by GC-MS and HPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS analyses were used. The GC-MS analysis of the various extracts (hexane, dichloromethane and ethyl acetate) identified 32 compounds consisting of steroids, triterpenes, fatty acids, alkaloids and phenolic compounds. HPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS analysis of these extracted memes identified 21 phenolic compounds. In total 53 compounds were identified with the two analytical methods used. These molecules identified are: palmitic acid, 9-(E)-octadecenoic acid, stigmasterol, β-Sitosterol, umbelliferone, epicatechin quinone, clemiscosin A, caffeic acid, catechin, epicatechin and O-β-D-glucopyranosyloxy-4-methyl-2 (5 H)-furanone, cinnamtannin B-2; cinnamtannin B1, procyanidin B2, epicatechin quinone, clemiscosin C, clemiscosin A, kaempferide and epicatechin. These compounds have been identified for their antioxidant, anti-free radical, cardiotonic, neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties. The presence of these compounds could justify the use of <i>Paullinia pinnata</i> in the traditional treatment of cardiovascular diseases.