Application of a quantitative HPLC-ESI-MS/MS method for flavonoids in different vegetable matrices

Abstract

Plant flavonoids have been increasingly studied for its importance in plant metabolism, inter-species interactions and human health-promoting effects. Each botanical species has a distinct flavonoid profile, and as such, this work aimed to develop and apply a high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-MS/MS) method to quantify specific flavonoids in different plants and parts. Six flavonoids (isoquercitrin, quercetin, naringin, naringenin, hesperidin and rutin), two isoflavonoids (daidzin and daidzein) and one coumarin (umbelliferone) were targeted. Calibration curves showed good correlations (R2 > 0.994) and limits of quantification (≤ 500 ng mL-1). The method was applied for detection of analytes in common bean seeds (Phaseolus vulgaris), soybean leaves (Glycine max), and sour orange (Citrus aurantium), sweet orange (Citrus sinensis), and Tahiti lime (Citrus latifolia) flavedo after ultrasound assisted acidic hydroalcoholic extraction. The method was tuned for quick and efficient extraction. Principal component analysis was helpful for the discrimination of matrices based on their flavonoid profiles.