Lipophilic extracts of Cynara cardunculus L. var. altilis (DC): a source of valuable bioactive terpenic compounds

J Agric Food Chem. 2013 Sep 4;61(35):8420-9. doi: 10.1021/jf402253a. Epub 2013 Aug 21.

Abstract

Lipophilic extracts of Cynara cardunculus L. var. altilis (DC) from the south of Portugal (Baixo Alentejo) were studied by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. One sesquiterpene lactone, four pentacyclic triterpenes, and four sterols were reported for the first time as cultivated cardoon components, namely, deacylcynaropicrin, β- and α-amyrin, lupenyl and ψ-taraxasteryl acetates, stigmasterol, 24-methylenecholesterol, campesterol, and Δ(5)-avenasterol. In addition, other new compounds were identified: ten fatty acids, eight long-chain aliphatic alcohols, and six aromatic compounds. Four triterpenyl fatty acid esters were also detected. Sesquiterpene lactones and pentacyclic triterpenes were the major lipophilic families, representing respectively 2-46% and 10-89% of the detected compounds. Cynaropicrin was the most abundant sesquiterpene lactone, while taraxasteryl acetate was the main pentacyclic triterpene. Fatty acids and sterols, mainly hexadecanoic acid and β-sitosterol, were present at lower amounts (1-20% and 1-11% of the detected compounds). Long-chain aliphatic alcohols and aromatic compounds were detected at reduced abundances (1-6% of the detected compounds).

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cynara / chemistry*
  • Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry
  • Lactones / analysis
  • Phytosterols / analysis
  • Plant Components, Aerial / chemistry
  • Plant Extracts / chemistry*
  • Portugal
  • Sesquiterpenes / analysis
  • Terpenes / analysis*
  • Triterpenes / analysis

Substances

  • Lactones
  • Phytosterols
  • Plant Extracts
  • Sesquiterpenes
  • Terpenes
  • Triterpenes