Comprehensive phytochemical profiling of Phyllanthus emblica L. flowers on UHPLC/MS quadrupole time of flight, HPTLC, HPLC, and NMR analytical platforms reveals functional metabolites with potent anti-inflammatory effects in human (THP-1) macrophages

Introduction: Phyllanthus emblica L., renowned for its pharmacological benefits found in its fruits and leaves, has received considerable attention. However, there is a notable lack of research on its flowers, specifically on metabolite profiling and pharmacological activity.

Objective: The present study aims to delineate the phytochemical constituents of hydromethanolic extract of P. emblica flowers by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QToF-MS), high-performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC), high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopic methods and subsequent evaluation of its anti-inflammatory potential.

Materials and methods: The identification and characterization of phytochemicals in P. emblica flowers was performed by UHPLC/MS-QToF in both positive and negative ionization modes. Additionally, marker compounds present in flower extract were analyzed using HPTLC, HPLC, FT-IR, and NMR methods. The anti-inflammatory potential was evaluated in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated THP-1 macrophages by evaluating inflammatory biomarkers.

Results: UHPLC/MS-QToF analysis facilitated the identification of 51 compounds from P. emblica flowers including gallic acid derivatives, flavonoid glycosides, and tannins based on their fragmentation patterns and previous literature reports. Notably, the study also identified spermidine compounds for the first time in this species. Optimization of HPTLC and HPLC methods marked the presence of corilagin as major compound followed by FT-IR and NMR spectral methods. Moreover, treatment with hydromethanolic extract of P. emblica flowers resulted in decreased levels of proinflammatory cytokines, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6, alongside modulation of nuclear factor-κB activity in lipopolysaccharide-induced THP-1 macrophages.

Conclusion: Chromatographic techniques in conjunction with spectral methods found robust prevalence in the identification of signature phytometabolites present in P. emblica flowers, which sets the basis for its anti-inflammatory potentials. The studies established a foundation for further exploration of potential applications of P. emblica flowers across various domains.