Comparison of the Polyphenolic Profile of <i>Medicago sativa L</i>. and <i>Trifolium pratense L</i>. Sprouts in Different Germination Stages Using the UHPLC-Q Exactive Hybrid Quadrupole Orbitrap High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry
Elena Roxana Chiriac,
Carmen Lidia Chiţescu,
Daniela Borda,
Mariana Lupoae,
Cerasela Elena Gird,
Elisabeta-Irina Geană,
Giorgiana-Valentina Blaga,
Rica Boscencu
Affiliations
Elena Roxana Chiriac
Faculty of Pharmacy, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Bucharest, 37 Dionisie Lupu Street, Sector 2, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
Carmen Lidia Chiţescu
Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, “Dunarea de Jos” University of Galaţi, 35 A.I. Cuza Str., 800010 Galaţi, Romania
Daniela Borda
Faculty of Food Science and Engineering, “Dunarea de Jos” University of Galaţi, Str. Domnească 111, 800201 Galaţi, Romania
Mariana Lupoae
Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, “Dunarea de Jos” University of Galaţi, 35 A.I. Cuza Str., 800010 Galaţi, Romania
Cerasela Elena Gird
Faculty of Pharmacy, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Bucharest, 37 Dionisie Lupu Street, Sector 2, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
Elisabeta-Irina Geană
National Research &Development Institute for Cryogenics and Isotopic Technologies (ICSI Rm. Valcea), 4th Uzinei Street, 240050 Râmnicu Vâlcea, Romania
Giorgiana-Valentina Blaga
Faculty of Food Science and Engineering, “Dunarea de Jos” University of Galaţi, Str. Domnească 111, 800201 Galaţi, Romania
Rica Boscencu
Faculty of Pharmacy, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Bucharest, 37 Dionisie Lupu Street, Sector 2, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
Identification and quantification of polyphenols in plant material are of great interest since they make a significant contribution to its total bioactivity. In the present study, an UPLC-Orbitrap-MS/MS approach using the variable data acquisition mode (vDIA) was developed and applied for rapid separation, identification, and quantification of the main polyphenolic compounds in Medicago sativa L. and Trifolium pratense L. sprouts in different germination stages. Based on accurate MS data and fragment ions identification strategy, a total of 29 compounds were identified by comparing their accurate masses, fragment ions, retention times, and literatures. Additionally, a number of 30 compounds were quantified by comparing to the reference standards. Data were statistically analysed. For both plant species, the sprouts of the third germination day are valuable sources of bioactive compounds and could be used in phytotherapy and nutrition. Although Trifolium pratense L. (Red Clover) is considered to be a reference for natural remedies in relieving menopause disorders, alfalfa also showed a high level of biological active compounds with estrogenic activity.
