Planta Med 2009; 75 - PA37
DOI: 10.1055/s-0029-1234362

Determination of penta- and tetra- cyclic triterpenes in Pistacia lentiscus resin

AN Assimopoulou 1, M Ganzera 2, H Stuppner 2, VP Papageorgiou 1
  • 1Organic Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Chemical Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 541 24 Greece
  • 2Institut für Pharmazie, Abteilung Pharmacognosie, Leopold-Franzens-Universität Innsbruck, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria

Oleoresins from Pistacia species are mainly composed of triterpenes (penta- and tetra- cyclic) and essential oil constituents (mainly terpenes), as have been recently reviewed [1]. Several studies on oleoresins from Pistacia species have revealed that their biological properties are mainly attributed to their triterpene and essential oil constituents. P. lentiscus var. Chia oleoresin (mastic gum) has been established to possess antimicrobial, antifungal, anticancer, antioxidant and radical scavenging activity. The ability of this resin to inhibit in vitro LDL oxidation, its antiatherogenic effect and gastric and duodenal antiulcer activity have been recently reported. Mastic gum was also established to kill Helicobacter pylori and to reduce dental plaque during chewing.

The structure elucidation and determination of penta- and tetra-cyclic triterpenes in P. lentiscus has been performed so far by GC-MS [1–3]. In the present study, a RP-HPLC-DAD method was developed to separate and detect the constituents of P. lentiscus resin. Different stationary and mobile phases were applied and optimized and detection was performed at several wavelengths. Furthermore, high-performance liquid chromatography combined to mass spectroscopy was developed for the identification of triterpenes in P. lentiscus resin. Additionally, the mass spectrometric behaviour of triterpenoids under HPLC-MS/MS both APCI and ESI was studied. Oleanonic, moronic, masticadienonic and isomasticadienonic acid were identified among other triterpenes by LC-MS/MS in P. lentiscus resin.

References: [1] Assimopoulou, A.N., Papageorgiou, V.P. (2007) Oleoresins from Pistacia species: Chemistry and Biology in Recent progress in Medicinal Plants, Natural Products II, Vol.18, CH 7: Common and chronic diseases, Studium Press LLC, USA.

[2] Assimopoulou, A.N., Papageorgiou, V.P. (2005) Biomedical Chromatography 19:285–311.

[3] Assimopoulou, A.N., Papageorgiou V.P. (2005) Biomedical Chromatography 19:586–605.