Phytochemical profiling by UPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS of Commelina africana, widely used in traditional medicine in DR Congo.

Commelina africana L. is widespread in southern Africa, including DR Congo, where it traditionally used for skin disorders. Although an ethnobotanical survey was carried out before, no relevant phytochemical information is available. The aim of this study was to perform the phytochemical characterisation of C. africana and to discuss the potential bioactivity of the identified phytochemical constituents. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography with electrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS) was used for profiling and identification of the main phytochemical constituents from leaf extracts (MeOH 90%, DCM, EtOAc, n -BuOH, n -hexane and residue) of C. africana. Twenty-two constituents, comprising flavonoids, phenolic acids, hydroxycinnamic acid amides and lignanamides were identified. Most of the identified compounds are known to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which could at least in part explain the traditional use of C. africana against skin disorders. [Display omitted] • Phytochemical characterisation of commelina africana by means of UPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS. • Identification of twenty-two flavonoids, phenolic acids, amides and lignanamides. • The identified constituents may explain the traditional use of commelina africana. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]