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Assessing similarity analysis of chromatographic fingerprints of Cyclopia subternata extracts as potential screening tool for in vitro glucose utilisation

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Abstract

Similarity analysis of the phenolic fingerprints of a large number of aqueous extracts of Cyclopia subternata, obtained by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), was evaluated as a potential tool to screen extracts for relative bioactivity. The assessment was based on the (dis)similarity of their fingerprints to that of a reference active extract of C. subternata, proven to enhance glucose uptake in vitro and in vivo. In vitro testing of extracts, selected as being most similar (n = 5; r ≥ 0.962) and most dissimilar (n = 5; r ≤ 0.688) to the reference active extract, showed that no clear pattern in terms of relative glucose uptake efficacy in C2C12 myocytes emerged, irrespective of the dose. Some of the most dissimilar extracts had higher glucose-lowering activity than the reference active extract. Principal component analysis revealed the major compounds responsible for the most variation within the chromatographic fingerprints, as mangiferin, isomangiferin, iriflophenone-3-C-β-d-glucoside-4-O-β-d-glucoside, iriflophenone-3-C-β-d-glucoside, scolymoside, and phloretin-3′,5′-di-C-β-d-glucoside. Quantitative analysis of the selected extracts showed that the most dissimilar extracts contained the highest mangiferin and isomangiferin levels, whilst the most similar extracts had the highest scolymoside content. These compounds demonstrated similar glucose uptake efficacy in C2C12 myocytes. It can be concluded that (dis)similarity of chromatographic fingerprints of extracts of unknown activity to that of a proven bioactive extract does not necessarily translate to lower or higher bioactivity.

(Dis)similarity of HPLC fingerprints is not predictive of relative in vitro glucos uptake efficacy of C. subternata extracts

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Acknowledgements

This research was supported by grants from the Economic Competitive Support Package for Agroprocessing, the Department of Science and Technology (NRF grant 70525 to E. Joubert and 84563 to A.E. Schulze), the DST/NRF Professional Development Programme (Postdoctoral fellowship to Dr E.L. Willenburg, NRF Grant 78992 to E.J.) and the Claude Leon Foundation (Postdoctoral fellowship to Dr N Nyunaï). NRF grant holders acknowledge that opinions, findings and conclusions or recommendations expressed in any publication generated by the NRF supported research are those of the authors and that the NRF accepts no liability whatsoever in this regard.

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Author notes

  1. Alexandra E. Schulze

    Present address: Department of Viticulture and Oenology, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, Stellenbosch, 7602, South Africa

  2. Nyemb Nyunaï

    Present address: Medical Research Center, Institute of Medical Research and Medicinal Plants Studies, P.O. Box 3805, Yaoundé, Cameroon

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Food Science, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, Stellenbosch, 7602, South Africa

    Alexandra E. Schulze, Marena Manley & Elizabeth Joubert

  2. Post-Harvest and Wine Technology Division, Agricultural Research Council (ARC), Infruitec-Nietvoorbij, Private Bag X5026, Stellenbosch, 7599, South Africa

    Dalene De Beer, Elize L. Willenburg & Elizabeth Joubert

  3. Diabetes Discovery Platform, South African Medical Research Council, P.O. Box 19070, Tygerberg, 7505, South Africa

    Sithandiwe E. Mazibuko, Christo J. F. Muller, Candice Roux, Nyemb Nyunaï & Johan Louw

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  1. Alexandra E. Schulze
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Correspondence to Elizabeth Joubert.

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Schulze, A.E., De Beer, D., Mazibuko, S.E. et al. Assessing similarity analysis of chromatographic fingerprints of Cyclopia subternata extracts as potential screening tool for in vitro glucose utilisation. Anal Bioanal Chem 408, 639–649 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00216-015-9147-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00216-015-9147-7

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