Extraction and identification procedures of polyphenolic compounds and carbohydrates in phillyrea (Phillyrea angustifolia L) leaves

Liquid-liquid (LLE) and liquid-solid extraction (LSE) procedures were developed to identify polyphenols in phillyrea (Phillyrea angustifolia L.) leaves. The liquid-solid extraction, carried out by using two serial Bond-Elut(R) CH and Bond-Elut(R) SAX cartridges allowed the collection of both polyphenols and soluble carbohydrates during a single extraction of leaf. This method seems to be suitable for both phytochemical and physiological study of the species, allowing the identification of two classes of organic compounds which have a central role in the metabolism of phillyrea plants. A method of isolation and concentration of polyphenols for further molecular characterization, using centrifuge chromatography, was also developed. Molecular characterization, carried out by UV-Vis spectrophotometry and mass spectrometry, demonstrated the presence of compounds with interesting biological activity, i.e. flavonoids and oleuropein derivatives. The soluble carbohydrate composition of phillyrea leaves did not substantially differ from that of Olea europaea L. leaves, except for a higher mannitol/glucose ratio. This carbohydrate distribution may be linked to the evolution pattern of this species which usually grows in severely stressed environments.