Comparative analysis of flavonoid content of six Cecropia species using LC-HRESI-MS

The genus Cecropia, comprising approximately 61 species, is primarily distributed in Brazil and Latin America. These species are renowned in traditional medicine for treating various ailments, including diabetes, high blood pressure, and respiratory disease. Despite their ethnopharmacological importance, complete phytochemical data are lacking for many Cecropia species. This study aims to fill this gap by conducting a comparative phytochemical analysis of six Cecropia species, C. insignis, C. longipes, C. obtusifolia, C. peltata, C. hispidissima and C. heterochroma, collected in Panama. Seven flavonoids and one phenolic acid were identified by LC-HRESI-MS. Rutin, quercetin-3-O-β-D-glucoside and apigenin-7-O-β-D-glucoside are the major compounds in the evaluated Cecropia species. C. obtusifolia and C. hispidissima showed the most diverse flavonoid profiles. These results enhance our understanding of phytochemical diversity within the genus, provide the basis for developing herbal remedies using Cecropia species, and lay the groundwork for more in-depth phytochemical and pharmacological studies.