UPLC/MS/MS method for quantification and cytotoxic activity of sesquiterpene lactones isolated from Saussurea lappa.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Saussurea lappa (Asteraceae) roots have been reputed for the usage in traditional medicinal systems of India, China and Japan for the treatment of various kinds of disorders such as anti-ulcer, anti-convulsant, anti-cancer, hepatoprotective, anti-arthritic and anti-viral activities.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Compounds were isolated using a column chromatographic technique. The root extract, fractions and isolated compounds were tested for cytotoxicity against A549 (human lung carcinoma) and C-6 (rat glioma) cells using the Sulphorhodamine B assay. Chromatographic separations of active sesquiterpene lactones were accomplished on BEH-HSS-T3 column at 25°C.

RESULTS: Phytochemical investigation of Saussurea lappa root extract resulted in the isolation of isoalantolactone (1), β-cyclocostunolide (2) α-cyclocostunolide (3), 4-hydroxy-3,5-dimethoxycinnamyl-9-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (4), sucrose (5), and alantolactone (6). Their structures were determined by spectroscopic means. Ethanolic extract, chloroform fraction, compounds 1, 2, 3 and 6 possessed significant activity against both tested cells. The quantification was performed using the transitions of m/z 233/105 for isoalantolactone and m/z 233/105 for alantolactone respectively. Costunolide and dehydrocostus lactone were also characterised by comparison of MS/MS fragmentation pattern.

CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study on simultaneous quantification of isoalantolactone and alantolactone by the UPLC/MS/MS method in Saussurea lappa. Our study against A549 and C-6 cells showed higher cytotoxicity. It is suggested that roots of Saussurea lappa might be a potential source of anticancer compounds.