Distribution of photoactive β‐carboline alkaloids across Passiflora caerulea floral organs

This study reports valuable information regarding the presence and concentration of a series of photoactive β-carboline (βCs) alkaloids (norharmane, harmane, harmine, harmol, harmaline, and harmalol) and their distribution across the floral age and organs ofPassiflora caerulea. UHPLC –MS/MS data reported herein reveal that the βCs' content ranged from 1 to 110 μg kg−1, depending on the floral organ and age. In certain physiologically relevant organs, such as anthers, βCs' content was one order of magnitude higher than in other organs, suggesting a special role for βCs in this specific organ. βCs' content also varied in a structure-dependent manner. Alkaloids bearing a hydroxyl group at position C(7) of the main βC ring were present at concentrations one orde r of magnitude higher than other βC derivatives investigated. UV–visible and fluorescence spectroscopy of the flower extracts provided complementary information regarding other biologically relevant groups of chromophores (phenolic/indolic derivatives, flavonoids/carotenes, and chlorophylls). Sin ce flowers are constantly exposed to solar radiation, the presence of photoactive βCs in floral organs may have several (photo)biological implications that are further discussed.

Source: Photochemistry and Photobiology - July 14, 2023 Category: Science Authors: Brian Ospina ‐Calvo, Eduardo De Gerónimo, Fernando D. Villarruel, Virgina C. Aparicio, Lorena Ashworth, Rosa Erra‐Balsells, Franco M. Cabrerizo Tags: RESEARCH ARTICLE Source Type: research