Pharmacokinetic assessment and phytochemical triterpene control from Cecropia angustifolia using plant biotechnology

• Published in: Phytochemical analysis 2023-08, Vol.34 (6), p.641-651
• Main Authors: Vasquez‐Delgado, Juan S., Vivas‐Moncayo, Juan E., Lopez‐Cortes, Johanna V., Combariza, Marianny Y., Montoya, Guillermo
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Absorption; Accumulation; Bioavailability; Biodiversity; Biomass; Biotechnology; Cecropia; herbal product; Ingredients; Mass spectrometry; Mass spectroscopy; pentacyclic triterpene; Pharmacokinetics; phytochemical profile; Phytochemicals; plant tissue culture; Plant tissues; Production methods; Raw materials; Reference materials; Tissue culture; Triterpenes; Vascular diseases
• ISSN: 0958-0344; 1099-1565
• DOI: 10.1002/pca.3252

Introduction Cecropia angustifolia Trécul. is a native Andean plant containing high levels of pentacyclic triterpenes (PTs), including several isobaric molecules that serve as chemical markers. Preclinical studies suggest that PTs positively modulate metabolic and vascular diseases. However, their low oral absorption reduces their bioactive effects. Objective The objective of this study was (1) to improve the absorption of PTs from C. angustifolia and (2) to establish a platform to produce biomass or botanical reference material using a strategy for their accumulation. Methods MALDI‐TOF and UPLC‐MS were used to characterize and quantify PTs in different matrices. An in vitro platform for PT production was established. Chemical profiles of triterpenes were also evaluated from wild and in vitro herbal material using TLC coupled with mass spectrometry. Results To overcome the low absorption of PTs, a premier raw material was used, which increased their bioavailability to 9.2%. Active ingredients in herbal material can vary, and there is an urgent need for standardized extracts using pharmacokinetics as an effective tool to reveal the dynamics of active ingredients in vivo. A temporary immersion system was produced as a promising platform with a total PT accumulation exceeding 50% of the content in the dry fraction, indicating it is a feasible mechanism to produce biomass or botanical reference material. Conclusions Plant tissue culture is a promising eco‐friendly technology for phytochemical production and a modern strategy to protect biodiversity in natural assets. Alternative and modern, yet environmentally friendly production methods are needed to meet the large demand for herbal products. The oral absorption of a rich triterpene fraction from Cecropia angustifolia was improved, and a platform was established for biomass production, including the control of its chemistry and the implementation of a strategy for its accumulation. Plant tissue culture is one of the best eco‐friendly technologies for phytochemical supply and serves as a modern strategy to protect biodiversity.