Identification of flavonoids and hydroxycinnamic acids in polysaccharide-containing mixed herbal product (Pectorales species No 1) by Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography with Photodiode arrays and Tandem quadrupole Mass-selective detectors

The pectoral species No 1 (phytopectol No 1) is widely used in Russian medicinal practice. Pectoral species No 1 (PS No 1) contains coltsfoot leaves (Tussilaginisfarfarae folia), marshmallow roots (Althaeae radices), oregano herb (Origani vulgaris herba). This research aims to determine the flavonoid profile of PS No 1. These biologically active compounds (BAC) can have pharmacological effects such as antioxidant, antibacterial. The UPLC/PDA/MS/MS method was used for flavonoids’ determination. Chromatographic system: ultra-performance liquid chromatograph Waters Acquity (Waters Corporation, USA). Column: 2.1×150 mm Acquity UPLC BEH (Bridged Ethylene Hybrid) C18 (particle size – 1.7 µm). The column temperature and the injection volume were 35 °C and 5 µL, respectively. Mobile phase A – a mixture of water, acetonitrile, and formic acid (95:5:0.1). Mobile phase B – a mixture of acetonitrile and formic acid (100:0.1). A gradient program was used for elution. Results: The pectoral species No 1 was established to contain various flavonoids as apigenin 7-O-β-glucuronide, luteolin 7,4'-diglucuronide-3'-glycoside, luteolin 7-O-glucuronide, luteolin 7-O-[β-D-glucuronosyl-(1→2)-β-D-glucuronide]-4'-O-β-D-glucuronide, rutin. Some derivatives of hydroxycinnamic acid such as caffeic acid, chlorogenic and isochlorogenic acids, isochlorogenic acid C (4,5-dicaffoylquinic acid), isochlorogenic acid A (3,5-dicaffoylquinic acid), 3,4,5-tricaffoylquinic acid were also identified in the herbal tea. Conclusions: The polyphenolic complex of pectoral species No. 1 was described; it was rich in flavonoids (flavonols and flavones) and hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives. The reported anti-inflammatory effect of the mixture herbal product (herbal tea) might be due to high flavonoid content. Thus, we recommend the flavonoids to be chosen as an active marker for the standardization of pectoral species No 1.