Qualitative and quantitative determination of ligustilide as bioactive marker in apiaceous botanicals

Abstract

Variety of bioactivities has been associated with ligustilide present in root of Angelica sinensis, and predominantly used for the treatment of irregular menstrual cycles and premenstrual syndrome. Recent pharmacological studies showed that medicinal plants containing ligustilide, have anti-inflammatory effects and contribute to the improvement of cognitive functions, alleviate brain damage, inhibit tumor necrosis factor of some cell lines, and have nephron-protective effects and neuroprotective activity. In this work, quantification of ligustilide using quantitative 1H NMR (qHNMR) in sealed tubes was performed. Four plant species were investigated: A. sinensis, Ligusticum porteri, Ligusticum striatum, andLigusticum sinense. Modified supercritical CO2 extraction of essential oil from root of four investigated species, was performed. qHNMR spectroscopy showed following percentage of ligustilide: L. porteri essential oil 3.74 (%); L. sinense essential oil 1.16 (%); L. striatum essential oil 6.61 (%) and A. sinensis essential oil 14.56 (%). The highest percentage of oil was obtained from the root of L. porteri but the highest percentage of ligustilide was obtained from A. sinensis essential oil.