Phenolic compounds and anti-oxidant capacity of twelve morphologically heterogeneous bamboo species.
BACKGROUND
Despite the growing interest in the use of bamboo for both food and health-related applications because it provides a rich source of anti-oxidants, there is still a lack of information on the responsible secondary metabolites of the great variety of bamboo species.


OBJECTIVE
To extend the knowledge on secondary metabolites of different bamboo species and to link anti-oxidant capacity with the different classes of phenolic compounds that are present in the leaves.


METHODS
Chromatographic profiles of 12 morphological heterogeneous bamboo species from different genera were recorded using HPLC-DAD (diode array detector) and LC-MS/MS. In addition, the in vitro anti-oxidant capacity was evaluated using a variety of anti-oxidant assays (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl, Trolox-equivalent anti-oxidant capacity and oxygen radical absorbance capacity). Using partial least square (PLS) analysis as a chemometric method, the anti-oxidant capacity could be linked to specific groups of polyphenols.


RESULTS
Flavones and phenolic acids are the two main polyphenolic classes present in the leaf extracts of the 12 selected bamboo species. Luteolin derivatives and phenolic acids were identified as the most potent anti-oxidants.


CONCLUSIONS
The most abundant classes of phenolic compounds present in a selection of bamboo species were flavone glycosides and phenolic acids. Luteolin flavones and phenolic acids are the main anti-oxidant phenolic compounds in bamboo leaf extract. The information obtained in this study provides further support for the development of bamboo-based anti-oxidant food applications and food supplements.
Laboratory of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium.
Laura
L
Van Hoyweghen
Thomas
T
De Beer
Dieter
D
Deforce
Arne
A
Heyerick
D000975:Antioxidants / Q000737:chemistry / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D031723:Bambusa / Q000737:chemistry*; D001713:Biphenyl Compounds / Q000737:chemistry; D002851:Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid / Q000379:methods; D004353:Drug Evaluation, Preclinical; D016166:Free Radical Scavengers / Q000737:chemistry / Q000302:isolation & purification; D062385:Hydroxybenzoates / Q000737:chemistry / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D016018:Least-Squares Analysis; D047311:Luteolin / Q000737:chemistry / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D010851:Picrates / Q000737:chemistry; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000737:chemistry; D018515:Plant Leaves / Q000737:chemistry; D059808:Polyphenols / Q000737:chemistry / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D013045:Species Specificity
D000975:Antioxidants; D001713:Biphenyl Compounds; D016166:Free Radical Scavengers; D062385:Hydroxybenzoates; D010851:Picrates; D010936:Plant Extracts; D059808:Polyphenols; C004931:1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl; C017616:phenolic acid; D047311:Luteolin