Ultra high performance liquid chromatography‑ ultraviolet‑electrospray ionization‑micrOTOF‑Q II analysis of flavonoid fractions from Jatropha tanjorensis

Background: Jatropha tanjorensis (Euphorbiaceae) an exotic traditional plant unique to Thanjavur district of Southern India also commonly called as Catholic vegetable. It has been used traditionally in decoctions for treating various ailments and as a health tonic. Objective: The objective of the present work is to study a comprehensive characterization of methanolic extract fractions using ultra high performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC)+‑electrospray ionization (ESI)‑micrOTOF‑Q II and correlate their bioactivities. Materials and Methods: Phytoconstituents from J. tanjorensis leaves were extracted with methanol (MeOH) followed by successive chromatography using linear gradient polar solvents system. All fractions obtained were evaluated for their chemical potential using micrOTOF‑Q II techniques and identified key molecules were determined for their anticancer and anti‑oxidant potential using in vitro methods. Results: Successive column chromatography of the MeOH residue yielded six fractions. Compounds such as such as C‑glycosylflavones (mono‑C‑, di‑C‑), O, C‑diglycosylflavones and aglycones were identified for the first time in this plant using UHPLC–ultraviolet–micrOTOF‑Q II ESI and a correlation with their anticancer using 3‑[4,5‑dimethylthiazol‑2‑yl]‑2,5‑diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay on Ehrlich ascites cells (EAC) and antioxidant activities using 2,2‑diphenyl‑1‑picrylhydrazyl and lipid peroxidation were studied; fraction D extract exhibited the strongest activity against cancer cell. Conclusions: LC‑mass spectrometry has been successfully applied for a quick separation and identification of the major phytoconstituents. All fractions have shown potent antioxidative activity as compared to standard antioxidant 3,5‑di‑tert‑butyl‑4‑hydroxytoluene. EAC cell‑based cytotoxicity assay also revealed encouraging results. The antioxidant and anticancer activity determined in the present work can be attributed to the presence of flavonoids and flavone glycosides. Present work provides the first scientific report on phytoconstituents of J. tanjorensis and its ethnopharmacological significance.