Comprehensive identification of active triterpenoid metabolites in frankincense using a coupling strategy

J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci. 2014 Jul 15:963:90-8. doi: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2014.05.054. Epub 2014 Jun 4.

Abstract

Frankincense resins are extensively used as natural remedies in regions ranging from North Africa to China. Triterpenoid metabolites from frankincense exhibit notable anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor properties. In the present paper, without the use of an isolation process, the fragmentation rules and NMR spectral characteristics of triterpenoid metabolites in frankincense are summarized through a coupling method using high performance liquid chromatography-diode array detection/electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-DAD/ESI-MS(n)) combined with HPLC-nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) experiments. Based on this groundwork, a coupling strategy for the comprehensive metabolic profiling of active triterpenoid metabolites from enriched fractions of frankincense was developed. The proposed strategy may serve as a method for the holistic screening of bioactive metabolites in complex TCM samples.

Keywords: Frankincense resins; Mass spectrometry; Metabolic profiling; Nuclear magnetic resonance; Triterpenoid metabolites.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Boswellia / chemistry*
  • Boswellia / metabolism
  • Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid / methods
  • Frankincense / chemistry*
  • Frankincense / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
  • Metabolome
  • Tandem Mass Spectrometry / methods
  • Terpenes / analysis*
  • Terpenes / metabolism

Substances

  • Terpenes
  • Frankincense