Characterization of flavonoid glycosides in traveller's tree (Ravenala Madagascariensis S.) leaves by HPLC-DAD-ESI-MSn

Flavonoids from the leaves of Ravenala madagascariensis S. were characterized for the first time by high performance liquid chromatography method coupled to electrospray ionization (ESI) and mass spectrometry (MSⁿ experiments). A total of seven flavonols glycosides derived from quercetin and isorhamnetin aglycones were identified. The comparison of retention time, UV and MS spectral data of standard compounds allowed us to assign: quercetin-3-O-rutinoside (rutin), quercetin-3-O-glucoside, isorhamnetin-3-O-rutinoside and isorhamnetin-3-O-glucoside. Identification of quercetin-3-O-robinobioside, isorhamnetin-3-O-robinobioside and isorhamnetin-3-O-galactoside was carried out by interpretation of the MS² and MS³ spectra obtained in positive and negative ionization mode and by preliminary reported studies. Quantification was performed by HPLC-DAD and on our samples collected in Madagascar, rutin was the main compound (average 42%) and quantitative repartition of flavonols glycosides was variable depending on the date of harvest. The phytochemical profile obtained would be a powerful tool to establish analytical specifications in order to assess the quality control of traveller's tree extracts for cosmetic applications.