UPLC–QTOF–MS/MS를 이용한 황금 열수추출물의 생리활성 성분 규명 및 항산화 활성 평가

초록

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant activity of Scutellaria baicalensis water extract (SBWE) and to analyze its chemical constituents in relation to the observed antioxidant effects. Methods: The total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) of SBWE were determined using the Folin–Ciocalteu and aluminum chloride colorimetric methods, respectively. Antioxidant activity was evaluated using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging assays, and the results were expressed as the percentage of remaining radicals. For chemical profiling, SBWE was analyzed using ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS) in positive ion mode. Compounds were tentatively identified based on retention time, protonated molecular ions, and MS/MS fragmentation patterns. Results: SBWE contained measurable levels of phenolic and flavonoid compounds, with TPC and TFC values of 69.47 ± 1.75 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g extract and 42.90 ± 0.61 mg quercetin equivalents (QE)/g extract, respectively. In antioxidant assays, SBWE exhibited concentration-dependent radical scavenging activity and showed significant effects compared to the control group. Notably, radical scavenging activity at higher concentrations was comparable to that of ascorbic acid (AA). UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS analysis revealed multiple peaks, among which five compounds were tentatively identified as baicalin, wogonin, oroxylin A glucuronide, oroxindin, and baicalein. Conclusions: SBWE exhibited significant antioxidant activity and contained various flavonoid compounds as confirmed by UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS analysis. These findings suggest that the antioxidant effects of SBWE may be associated with its identified chemical constituents, supporting its potential as a natural antioxidant source.

키워드