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Exploring the Phytochemical Diversity and Antioxidant Potential of the Vietnamese Smilax glabra Roxb: Insights from UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS and Zebrafish Model Studies

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Abstract

Research on natural products is growing due to their potential health benefits and medicinal properties. Despite regional variations in phytochemical composition and bioactivity, Smilax glabra Roxb (SGB) has attracted the interest of researchers. Scientists are particularly interested in the Vietnamese SGB variant, which is influenced by biological and environmental factors. Despite geographical differences in phytochemical makeup and bioactivities, SGB remains a fascinating subject in traditional herbal medicine. Using ultra-performance liquid chromatography and quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS), the phytochemicals in Vietnamese SGB extracts were investigated. This study revealed a wide range of phytochemical compounds, including flavonoids, terpenoids, glycosides, alkaloids, organic acids, phenolics, and steroids. Furthermore, utilizing zebrafish as a model organism, we discovered that these extracts have the surprising ability to greatly improve the survival rate of zebrafish larvae exposed to oxidative stress caused by arsenite (NaAsO2) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Notably, our discoveries suggest the occurrence of new antioxidative pathways in addition to the kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1)/nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway, expanding the understanding of the antioxidant properties and potential therapeutic uses of these plants. To summarize, our research findings shed light on the phytochemical composition of Vietnamese SGB, revealing its potential as a natural antioxidant and encouraging further exploration of its underlying mechanisms for future innovative antioxidant therapies.

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Upon reasonable request, the corresponding author will provide access to the datasets created during and/or used in the current work.

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Acknowledgements

We gratefully acknowledge Dr. Huynh Vinh Khang for enriching our research with invaluable insights and discussions.

Funding

This research is funded by the Vietnam National Foundation for Science and Technology Development (NAFOSTED) under grant number 108.06–2020.19 to V.T.N.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Biotechnology Center of Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

    Vu Thanh Nguyen, Vo Thi Minh Thao, Le Luu Phuong Hanh, Thi Hoa Rol & Ngo Huynh Phuong Thao

  2. Department of Biotechnology, HUTECH Institute of Applied Sciences, HUTECH University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

    Vu Thanh Nguyen

  3. Institute of Environmental Science, Industrial University of Ho Chi Minh City, Engineering, and Management, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

    Tong Xuan Nguyen

  4. Institute of Tropical Biology, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

    Pham Thanh Luu

  5. Department of Engineering and Technology, Van Hien University, 665-667-669 Dien Bien Phu Street, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

    Dinh Thi Thuy

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  1. Vu Thanh Nguyen
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Contributions

The experiments were conducted by V.T.N., V.T.M.T., L.L.P.H., N.T.P.T., and N.X.T., with the data analysis being handled by T.H.R., P.T.L., V.T.N., and D.T.T. The study was conceived, and the paper was composed by V.T.N. and V.V.M.T. All the authors have thoroughly reviewed and approved the manuscript.

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Correspondence to Vu Thanh Nguyen.

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Nguyen, V.T., Thao, V.T.M., Hanh, L.L.P. et al. Exploring the Phytochemical Diversity and Antioxidant Potential of the Vietnamese Smilax glabra Roxb: Insights from UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS and Zebrafish Model Studies. Appl Biochem Biotechnol (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12010-024-04930-6

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