AUTHOR=Yu Zhonglian , Xia Mengqin , Li Xueping , Wang Rui , Liu Wenjing , Zheng Ruirong , Wang Zhengtao , Yang Li , Shi Yanhong 

TITLE=Characterization of carotenoids in Lycium barbarum fruit by using UPC2-PDA-Q-TOF-MSE couple with deep eutectic solvents extraction and evaluation of their 5α-reductase inhibitory activity

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Chemistry

VOLUME=10

YEAR=2022

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/chemistry/articles/10.3389/fchem.2022.1052000

DOI=10.3389/fchem.2022.1052000

ISSN=2296-2646

ABSTRACT=<p>Carotenoids from <italic>Lyciu</italic><italic>m barbarum</italic> fruits have possessed pharmacological efficacy against eye diseases, cardiovascular disorders, cancer, and benign prostatic hyperplasia. However, the efficient extraction, rapid characterization and activities evaluation of <italic>Lycium</italic> carotenoids remains a challenge. To concentrate and characterize <italic>Lycium</italic> carotenoids, we have developed ultrasound-assisted extraction methods with different deep eutectic solvents (DESs) and analyzed carotenoids by ultra-performance convergence chromatography coupled with photo diode array detector and quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPC<sup>2</sup>-PDA-Q-TOF-MS<sup>E</sup>). DESs containing choline chloride and malonic acid presented better extraction efficiency and were more environmentally friendly than other extraction methods. Carotenoids were more quickly profiled (in 11 min) by UPC<sup>2</sup> compared to by UPLC (in 35 min), with seventeen main peaks were characterized in the MS fragmentation patterns. The <italic>in vitro</italic> 5α-reductase inhibitory activity of DESs extracts, fractions and components were subsequently assessed, and the predominant component zeaxanthin dipalmitate (ZD) exhibited potent inhibitory activity. Our study provides a chemical and pharmacological basis for the further development of potential new drugs based on <italic>Lycium</italic> carotenoids.</p>