Introduction: Eleutherococcus senticosus fruit (ESF) is a natural health supplement resource that has been extensively applied as a tonic for the nervous system. The structures and neural bioactivities of triterpenoid saponins (TS), which are the major constituents of ESF, have not been comprehensively analyzed thus far.
Objective: We conducted a complete in-depth MS/MS molecular networking (MN)-based targeted analysis of TS from the crude extract of ESF and investigated its neuroprotective value.
Methods: An MS/MS MN-guided strategy was used to rapidly present a series of precursor ions (PIs) of TS in a compound cluster as TS-targeted information used in the discovery and characterization of TS. In addition, a prepared TS-rich fraction of ESF was assayed for its restraining effects on β-amyloid-induced inhibition of neurite outgrowth.
Results: A total of 87 TS were discovered using a PI tracking strategy, 28 of which were characterized as potentially undescribed structures according to their high-resolution MS values. Furthermore, the TS-rich fraction can significantly reduce β-amyloid-induced damage to neural networks by promoting the outgrowth of neurites and axons.
Conclusion: Our findings reveal the richness of TS in ESF and will accelerate their application in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
Keywords: Eleutherococcus senticosus fruit; LC-MS; molecular networking; neuroprotective activity; triterpenoid saponins.
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