Polyphenolic content and bioactivities of Crataegus oxyacantha L. (Rosaceae)

Solid-Liquid Extraction (SLE) using solvent of different polarities (CHCl3, EtOAc, and n-BuOH) has been applied to leaves and fruits from (Crataegus oxyacantha L.), a deciduous shrub with an expected rich phytochemical profile. The total polyphenols content and the radical scavenging activity of each extract were evaluated. These extracts were analyzed by HPLC-DAD and rutin, quercetin-3-glucoside, caftaric and caffeic acid had been positively identified. The phytochemical study of the ethyl acetate extract of C. oxyacantha, led to the isolation and structural elucidation of quercetin (1); quercetin-3-O-beta-glucoside (2); epicatechin (3); naringenin (4), reported for the first time from this species except caffeic acid and epicatechin. These compounds were identified by 1D and 2D NMR combined analysis as well as by MS and UV. The antimicrobial activity of these extracts has also been tested, showing strong antibacterial activity-solvent dependent-against Gram positive bacteria. Additionally, bactericidal power was demonstrated in fruit extracts.

Automated summary

Solid-liquid extraction using solvents of different polarities was applied to study the phytochemical profile of leaves and fruits from Crataegus oxyacantha L. The isolated compounds from the ethyl acetate extract showed strong antibacterial activity, including some compounds reported for the first time from this species.