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Article

Simultaneous Quantification of Phenolic Compounds in the Leaves and Roots of Peucedanum japonicum Thunb. Using HPLC-PDA with Various Extraction Solvents

1
Department of Plant Science and Technology, Chung-Ang University, Anseong 17546, Republic of Korea
2
Department of Herbal Crop Research, National Institute of Horticultural and Herbal Science, Rural Development Association, Eumseong 27709, Republic of Korea
3
Natural Product Institute of Science and Technology, Anseong 17546, Republic of Korea
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
These authors equally contributed to this work.
Horticulturae 2025, 11(3), 334; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11030334
Submission received: 1 March 2025 / Revised: 16 March 2025 / Accepted: 18 March 2025 / Published: 19 March 2025

Abstract

:
This study investigated the extraction and quantification of specific phenolic compounds, including chlorogenic acid and several pyranocoumarin derivatives, from the leaves and roots of Peucedanum japonicum. Using high-performance liquid chromatography, this study aimed to optimize extraction methodologies with different solvents to maximize the yield of bioactive compounds. The extraction process involved meticulous steps, including reflux extraction and solvent evaporation, and the total phenolic content was assessed using a spectrophotometric assay. The results demonstrated that ethanol and methanol were effective in extracting chlorogenic acid, yielding a total phenolic content of up to 47.71 mg/g tannic acid equivalent in MeOH extracts from roots. Conversely, acetone was superior for pyranocoumarin extraction, achieving a total coumarin content exceeding 100 mg/g in root extracts. Notably, pyranocoumarins were found to be more concentrated in the roots compared to leaves, supporting the hypothesis that roots are a reservoir for these bioactive compounds. This study emphasized the critical roles of solvent selections in profiling bioactive compounds from P. japonicum and provided valuable insights for future research into its pharmacological potential. The findings may serve as a foundation for further pharmacological studies, enhancing the understanding of the medicinal properties of P. japonicum in the context of traditional East Asian medicine.

Graphical Abstract

1. Introduction

Secondary metabolites, also known as natural products, are compounds produced by organisms such as plants and bacteria that are not primarily involved in their survival and growth [1,2]. Instead, these compounds play crucial roles in the defense mechanisms of organisms, helping them combat pathogens, herbivory, and environmental stressors such as excessive sunlight, drought, and poor soil conditions [3,4]. These bioactive compounds have garnered significant attention in pharmacology and biotechnology due to their diverse biological activities [5]. Many secondary metabolites have been utilized in drug discovery, either through direct extraction from natural sources or synthetic replication in laboratories [6]. Notable examples include antibiotics, antifungal agents, anticancer drugs, and anti-inflammatory compounds derived from plants and microorganisms.
Among the vast array of secondary metabolites, phenolic compounds constitute one of the most ubiquitously distributed groups in nature [7]. These compounds are characterized by the presence of at least one phenol functional group and encompass a wide range of chemical subclasses, including lignans, flavonoids, stilbenes, phenolic acids, and coumarins [8,9]. Phenolic compounds are well documented for their antioxidant properties, which are crucial in plant defense and human health by preventing oxidative damage associated with chronic diseases [10,11].
Coumarins have been the subject of extensive research since their first isolation from tonka beans (Dipteryx odorata) in the early 19th century [12]. These compounds, derived from the phenylpropanoid biosynthetic pathway, are widely distributed in the plant kingdom, particularly in families such as Apiaceae, Rutaceae, Asteraceae, Fabaceae, Oleaceae, Moraceae, and Thymelaeaceae [13,14]. Coumarins exhibit a broad range of biological activities, including anticancer, antimicrobial, anticoagulant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory effects [15,16,17]. Structurally, they are classified into various subgroups, including simple coumarins, bicoumarins, phenyl coumarins, furanocoumarins, dihydrofuranocoumarins, and pyranocoumarins, which can exist in linear or angular forms [18]. Pyranocoumarins, a rare subclass, are distinguished by the presence of a fused pyran ring in their structure [19]. These specialized metabolites are predominantly found in plants belonging to the Rutaceae and Apiaceae families [20]. Given their unique chemical structures, pyranocoumarins have attracted considerable interest in medicinal chemistry and pharmacology due to their reported antimicrobial, cytotoxic, and anti-inflammatory activities [21]. However, despite their therapeutic potential, their phytochemical compositions and biological functions remain relatively underexplored.
One plant known to contain pyranocoumarins is Peucedanum japonicum, commonly known as coastal hog fennel [22]. This species, a member of the Apiaceae family, is widely cultivated in East Asia and the Philippines, where it has been traditionally used to alleviate symptoms of respiratory ailments such as coughs and colds [23]. In addition to its traditional uses, modern pharmacological studies have demonstrated that P. japonicum, along with other species of this genus, exhibits notable antioxidant, antibacterial, and anticancer properties [24,25]. Despite these promising findings, the specific distribution of pyranocoumarins within different plant organs, such as roots and leaves, has not been comprehensively investigated. Furthermore, the effects of different extraction solvents on the yields and compositions of these bioactive compounds remain largely unknown.
Research on natural products has been pivotal in identifying bioactive compounds with potential therapeutic applications [26]. The methodologies used in phytochemical studies, including solvent extraction and chromatographic analysis, play crucial roles in determining the effectiveness of target compound isolation [27]. The choice of solvent significantly influences the yield and composition of the bioactive compounds extracted from plant samples [28]. Polar solvents such as ethanol (EtOH) and methanol (MeOH) are known to extract a broad range of phytochemicals. Therefore, selecting an appropriate solvent system is essential for maximizing the recovery of biologically active compounds from medicinal plants.
In this study, the leaves and roots of P. japonicum were extracted using three solvents: EtOH, MeOH, and acetone (Ace). The objective was to evaluate the differences in phenolic content across these extracts using total polyphenol (TPC) and total coumarin content (TCC) assays as initial tests. More importantly, this study aimed to develop a high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method for the quantification and distribution of pyranocoumarins in these extracts. Furthermore, by understanding the solvent-dependent extraction efficiency and phytochemical composition of P. japonicum, this study aimed to provide valuable insights into the optimal extraction conditions for harnessing its bioactive potential.

2. Materials and Methods

2.1. Plant Materials

The leaves and roots of P. japonicum Thunb. were cultivated and harvested on 22 March 2021, from a farmhouse (36.401466° N, 126.630675° E) in Boryeong, Republic of Korea. The species was identified by Dr. J. H. Kim at the Department of Herbal Crop Research, the National Institute of Horticultural and Herbal Science, the Rural Development Association, Eumseong, Republic of Korea (Figure 1). Voucher specimens (leaves: PJLB210322_1; roots: PJLB210322_2) were deposited in the herbarium of the Department of Herbal Crop Research at the National Institute of Horticultural and Herbal Science, Eumseong, Republic of Korea.

2.2. Instrumentation

For phytochemical extraction, an MTops EAM-MS heating mantle, obtained from Misung Scientific Equipment Co., Ltd. (Yangju, Republic of Korea), was used. A digital rotary Eyela evaporator was purchased from Sunil Eyela Ltd. (Seongnam, Republic of Korea). HPLC analysis was performed using a Waters Alliance e2695 separation module (Milford, MA, USA), equipped with a quaternary pump, an autosampler, and a Waters 2998 photodiode array (PDA) detector (Milford, MA, USA). Data acquisition and processing were carried out using Empower 3.8.0 Chromatography Data Software (Milford, MA, USA). A Primesep 200 column (4.6 × 250 mm, 5 μm) was obtained from SIELC Technologies (Wheeling, IL, USA). Sonication was conducted using a POWERSONIC 410 ultrasonic bath (Hwashin Instrument Co. Ltd., Seoul, Republic of Korea). Sample weights were measured using an Ohaus Pioneer analytical balance, purchased from Merck KGaA (Darmstadt, Germany). Centrifugation was performed using an N-Biotek MICRO-CENVAC centrifuge (Clayton, VIC, Australia).

2.3. Chemicals and Reagents

The extraction solvents, 95% EtOH, 99.5% MeOH, and Ace, were obtained from Samchun Chemicals (Pyeongtaek, Republic of Korea). HPLC-grade water, acetonitrile (ACN), and MeOH were supplied by Honeywell (Burdick and Jackson, Muskegon, MI, USA). Formic acid was purchased from J. T. Baker (Phillipsburg, PA, USA). The reference compounds, including chlorogenic acid (1), were provided and confirmed by the Natural Product Institute of Science and Technology, Anseong, Republic of Korea, whereas the pyranocoumarins isosamidin (2), 3′-acetoxy-4′-(2-methylbutyroyl)khellactone (3), 3′,4′-disencioylkhellactone (4), 3′-sencioyl-4′-isovalerylkhellactone (5), and 3′-isovaleryl-4′-(2-methylbutyroyl)khellactone (6) were isolated from P. japonicum and identified by one of the authors, Dr. Kim, from their previous study [29] (Figure 2).

2.4. Sample Extraction

For crude extraction, 10 g of each sample was carefully weighed and subjected to reflux extraction three times using 95% EtOH, 99.5% MeOH, and Ace in a heating mantle for 5 h. After each extraction, the extracts were filtered and concentrated using a rotary evaporator at 60 °C until all solvents had evaporated. The extraction yield was calculated after complete solvent evaporation using the following formula:
%yield = [(weight of vial with extract − weight of empty vial)/(dry sample weight)] × 100

2.5. Total Phenolic Content Assay

The TPC of P. japonicum extracts was measured using the procedure outlined in a previous study [30]. In a 96-well plate, 60 μL of each extract was added, followed by 40 μL of Folin–Ciocalteu reagent (Sigma-Aldrich, St. Louis, MO, USA) and 100 μL of 7.5% sodium carbonate (Na2CO3) solution. The plate was briefly shaken using a MicroMixer MX4 microplate reader (FINEPCR, Korea Science Co., Ltd., Gunpo, Republic of Korea) and incubated for 30 min at room temperature in the dark to allow the reaction to proceed. After incubation, the absorbance was recorded at 760 nm using an Epoch microplate reader (BioTek, Winooski, VT, USA). TPC, expressed as the mg tannic acid equivalent (TAE)/g of extract, was calculated based on a standard curve constructed using various concentrations of tannic acid.

2.6. Total Coumarin Content Assay

The TCC in the P. japonicum extracts was measured according to previously described methods, with modifications [31]. Briefly, a 2 μL aliquot of the extract was dispensed into a 96-well plate, followed by 8 μL of deionized water and 2 μL of 5% (w/v) lead acetate solution. The mixture was shaken, after which 28 μL of distilled water and 160 μL of 0.1 M hydrochloric acid were added to each well. The plate was briefly vortexed using a MicroMixer MX4 microplate reader (FINEPCR, Korea Science Co., Ltd., Gunpo, Republic of Korea) and incubated for 30 min at room temperature in the dark. The absorbance of the samples was measured at 320 nm using an Epoch microplate reader (BioTek, Winooski, VT, USA). TCC was determined using a standard curve derived from different concentrations of coumarin and expressed as the mg coumarin equivalent (CE)/g of extract.

2.7. HPLC Conditions

Each standard compound (1 mg) was dissolved in 1 mL of MeOH to obtain a stock solution with a concentration of 1 mg/mL. All test extracts were precisely weighed and mixed with the same solvent to achieve a concentration of 30 mg/mL. All standards and test extracts were sonicated for 15 min and subsequently filtered using a 0.45 µm polyvinylidene fluoride filter. The mobile phase of the gradient elution system consisted of 0.1% formic acid in water (A) and ACN (B), with the following gradient program: 90% A from 0 to 10 min, 0% A at 25 min until 30 min, and 10% B from 31 to 40 min. The sample injection volume was 10 µL, with a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min. Detection was performed at a wavelength of 320 nm. The limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) were used to validate the HPLC method.

2.8. Calibration Curves

The quantitative results of the compounds were determined using calibration curves. The calibration functions of the standard compounds were calculated based on peak areas (Y), concentrations (X, μg/mL), and mean values ± standard deviation (SD) (n = 3).

2.9. Statistical Analysis

The results were expressed as mean ± SD, and all analyses were conducted in triplicate. The data were normalized using a one-way analysis of variance followed by Tukey’s post hoc test. All statistical analyses were performed using GraphPad Prism 8.0.2 software (GraphPad Software, Boston, MA, USA). A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

3. Results

3.1. Extraction Yield

The sample names, solvents used for extraction, plant parts utilized, and extraction yields are summarized in Table 1. After three reflux extraction runs, MeOH-based phytochemical extraction produced the highest yield, followed by EtOH and Ace. The extraction yield from the roots was higher when using MeOH and EtOH, whereas Ace resulted in a higher yield from the leaves. These findings reflect differences in extraction efficiency among the solvents in terms of total material obtained.

3.2. TPC of the Different Extracts

The TPC of the P. japonicum extracts was evaluated using the Folin–Ciocalteu method. The results revealed that the leaf ethanolic extract (BEL) exhibited the highest TPC, measuring 42.3 mg TAE/g of extract (Figure 3a). This was followed by BML (27.2 mg TAE/g of extract), BER (13.3 mg TAE/g of extract), BAL (13.0 mg TAE/g of extract), BMR (10.91 mg TAE/g of extract), and BAR (6.54 mg TAE/g of extract). No clear trends were observed, except that the EtOH and MeOH extracts exhibited higher TPC values than the Ace extracts.

3.3. The TCC of the Different Extracts

Similarly, the TCC of the P. japonicum extracts was evaluated. The results demonstrated that the Ace extracts contained (p < 0.05) higher coumarin content than their EtOH and MeOH counterparts (Figure 3b). Specifically, BAR exhibited the highest TCC among the extracts, with a value of 19.1 mg CE/g of extract. This was followed by BAL (18.7 mg CE/g of extract), BEL (5.8 mg CE/g of extract), BER (5.3 mg CE/g of extract), BMR (3.4 mg CE/g of extract), and BML (1.1 mg CE/g of extract).

3.4. Content of Compounds 16 by HPLC Quantitative Analysis

The present study analyzed the contents of compounds 16 in the leaves and roots of P. japonicum extracted using EtOH, MeOH, and Ace (Figure 4). The standard compounds exhibited good separation and retention times under the applied chromatographic conditions (Table 2). The LOD and LOQ of each compound were also determined to validate the chromatographic separation.
The quantitative analysis of the different P. japonicum extracts revealed a significant (p < 0.05) difference in the distribution of these compounds between the leaves and roots of the plant (Table 3). A general observation was that, in terms of total content, both Ace extracts (BAL and BAR) were the only ones that exceeded 100 mg/g, whereas the other extracts contained less than 50 mg/g.
Chlorogenic acid (1) was predominantly found in the leaves, regardless of the extraction solvent used (Figure 5). EtOH and MeOH were more effective at extracting chlorogenic acid (1), with BEL and BML having the highest concentrations (28.76 and 24.29 mg/g, respectively). In contrast, their root counterparts, BER and BMR, contained only suboptimal levels (0.90 and 0.60 mg/g, respectively).
The Ace extracts, BAL and BAR, exhibited relatively higher concentrations of chlorogenic acid (1) at 3.64 and 2.96 mg/g, respectively. Interestingly, compounds 2 and 3 in BEL and BML showed opposite trends, with EtOH being more effective at extracting compound 2, whereas MeOH was more efficient at extracting compound 3. The remaining compounds displayed similar trends for BEL and BML.
For BAL, only compounds 2 and 4 were detected at concentrations below 5 mg/g, whereas the concentrations of the remaining compounds exceeded 25 mg/g. In the BAR extract, all compounds were detected at higher concentrations than in the other extracts, except for compound 6, which was slightly lower than that in BAL. Overall, pyranocoumarins (compounds 26) were more abundant in the roots, regardless of the solvent used (Figure 6).

4. Discussion

In this study, the extraction yield, TPC, TCC, and quantitative HPLC results for P. japonicum were compared based on the solvents used (EtOH, MeOH, and Ace). The results demonstrate that the polarity of EtOH and MeOH influences the amount of crude extract obtained from plants [32]. Both EtOH and MeOH, as polar solvents, are particularly effective for extracting a broad range of compounds, especially polar and semi-polar compounds [33]. These solvents, due to their ability to dissolve various phenolic compounds such as flavonoids, lignans, and other polyphenolic substances, yield a complex mixture of bioactive compounds [34]. This aligns with previous findings highlighting the versatility of EtOH and MeOH in extracting compounds from plant material.
However, a clear distinction was observed in the extraction of pyranocoumarins, where Ace emerged as the superior solvent. This is not surprising, given that Ace is a non-polar solvent that can better dissolve non-polar compounds like pyranocoumarins, which have been identified in previous studies [35,36]. The ability of Ace to selectively extract these compounds suggests that it might be more advantageous when targeting specific bioactive compounds such as pyranocoumarins, which are known for their pharmacological properties.
The TPC results confirmed the presence of phenolic compounds in the extracts, indicating their contribution to the medicinal potential of P. japonicum. The high TPC observed in the EtOH and MeOH extracts may be attributed to the co-extraction of a wide array of phenolic compounds [37]. This broad-spectrum extraction method is advantageous for identifying multiple bioactive compounds in a single extraction process. In contrast, the TCC results confirmed the presence of coumarins, particularly in the root extracts. The higher pyranocoumarin content in the roots aligns with previous studies stating that coumarins tend to be more concentrated in the roots because plants utilize them for their allelopathic properties [38]. Allelopathy, the process by which plants release chemicals into their environment to inhibit the growth of competing plants, is an essential ecological strategy for ensuring access to limited resources such as water and nutrients [39]. This mechanism likely explains the accumulation of pyranocoumarins in the roots, where they may serve as chemical deterrents against herbivores and competing vegetation.
Interestingly, the extraction yield of the Ace extract was the lowest among all the solvents tested. This may initially seem counterintuitive given the specific targeting of pyranocoumarins in these extracts. However, the low yield of Ace may indicate its selectivity in isolating the target compounds. This finding aligns with the principle that nonpolar solvents such as Ace are less efficient at extracting a broad range of compounds compared to more polar solvents [40]. However, the advantage of using Ace lies in the purity and concentration of target compounds, such as pyranocoumarins. Although the overall crude extract yield was low, the high concentration of pyranocoumarins in the Ace extracts made this solvent particularly useful for isolating these compounds in a focused manner without interference from unnecessary plant constituents. This selective extraction approach is beneficial for studies aimed at isolating specific bioactive compounds for further analysis and pharmacological evaluation [41]. Additionally, this targeted extraction could reduce the need for additional purification steps, which are time-consuming and costly.
The high TPC observed in the EtOH and MeOH extracts could be attributed to the co-extraction of a broad range of phenolic compounds [42]. These compounds, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, lignans, and tannins, contribute to the overall antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of the extracts. However, the TCC assay, which specifically quantifies coumarins, revealed lower levels of these compounds in the EtOH and MeOH extracts compared to the Ace extract. This highlights the fact that different assays provide more nuanced insights into the specific bioactive compounds present in extracts [43]. The TPC assay measures the total amount of phenolic compounds, including those that do not belong to the coumarin category, which explains the higher TPC values observed in the EtOH and MeOH extracts. This distinction underscores the importance of selecting an appropriate analytical method to assess the presence of particular classes of compounds in plant extracts [44].
The standard compound chlorogenic acid (1) was predominantly found in the leaves rather than the roots. This compound belongs to the hydroxycinnamic acid group and is widely distributed in plants [45]. This is consistent with previous studies wherein chlorogenic acid and its derivatives are more prominent in the leaves of P. japonicum compared to its roots [46]. Chlorogenic acid (1) primarily serves as a natural antioxidant, protecting plants against oxidative stress induced by environmental factors such as sunlight, pathogens, and pollution [47]. Additionally, its bitter taste helps plants evade herbivory. The remaining compounds—isosamidin (2), 3′-acetoxy-4′-(2-methylbutyroyl)khellactone (3), 3′,4′-disencioylkhellactone (4), 3′-sencioyl-4′-isovalerylkhellactone (5), and 3′-isovaleryl-4′-(2-methylbutyroyl)khellactone (6)—are pyranocoumarins [20]. Unlike chlorogenic acid and other coumarins, the functions of these compounds in plants have not yet been fully characterized.
The choice of extraction solvent is crucial for isolating specific bioactive compounds, as it influences both the yield and composition of the extracted compounds. In this study, Ace was more effective at isolating pyranocoumarins, whereas EtOH and MeOH were better suited for chlorogenic acid (1) extraction. This difference can be attributed to the varying polarities of these solvents, which determine the solubility of compounds with different chemical characteristics. These findings emphasize the need to optimize extraction techniques to maximize the yield of desired bioactive compounds. By adjusting the solvent system, the selective extraction of target compounds can be enhanced, which is crucial for pharmacological testing and therapeutic applications. This optimization can lead to more efficient and cost-effective extraction methods, ensuring that the bioactive compounds of interest are obtained with high purity for subsequent use in drug development or other applications.
This study provides a detailed comparative analysis of the efficiency of different solvents in extracting pyranocoumarins from the different plant tissues, a notably under-explored area of research. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to quantify these specific pyranocoumarins in this plant species. The applications of this study go beyond the pharmacological importance of this plant. It further advances the understanding of pyranocoumarins, a relatively understudied group of phytochemicals. By highlighting the distinct extraction efficiency of different solvents, particularly the superior performance of acetone for isolating pyranocoumarins, this research addresses a critical gap in the phytochemical analysis of these compounds.

5. Conclusions

These results underscore the importance of selecting an appropriate solvent to optimize the extraction of bioactive compounds from P. japonicum. While EtOH and MeOH were effective for extracting chlorogenic acid, Ace was more suitable for obtaining pyranocoumarins. The insights gained from this study will be valuable for refining extraction methods in future research investigating the pharmacological potential of P. japonicum. The results suggest promising avenues for further pharmacological evaluation. P. japonicum should be explored as a potential candidate for inclusion in herbal formulations targeting respiratory ailments. The traditional use of this plant for cough relief reinforces its relevance in modern herbal medicine and highlights the need for clinical research to substantiate its efficacy and safety.

Author Contributions

HPLC/PDA analysis, N.P.U.; TPC and TCC analysis, S.Y.L.; resources and experimental design, J.H.K. and Y.H.Y.; supervision, writing—review, and editing, S.L. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

Funding

This research was supported by a grant from the Natural Product Institute of Science and Technology, Anseong, the Republic of Korea.

Data Availability Statement

Data is contained within the article.

Acknowledgments

We express our gratitude to the National Institute of Horticultural and Herbal Science (Eumseong, Republic of Korea) for generously providing the samples.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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Figure 1. Cultivation site of P. japonicum in Boryeong.
Figure 1. Cultivation site of P. japonicum in Boryeong.
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Figure 2. Chemical structures of chlorogenic acid (1), isosamidin (2), 3′-acetoxy-4′-(2-methylbutyroyl)khellactone (3), 3′,4′-disencioylkhellactone (4), 3′-sencioyl-4′-isovalerylkhellactone (5), and 3′-isovaleryl-4′-(2-methylbutyroyl)khellactone (6).
Figure 2. Chemical structures of chlorogenic acid (1), isosamidin (2), 3′-acetoxy-4′-(2-methylbutyroyl)khellactone (3), 3′,4′-disencioylkhellactone (4), 3′-sencioyl-4′-isovalerylkhellactone (5), and 3′-isovaleryl-4′-(2-methylbutyroyl)khellactone (6).
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Figure 3. TPC (a) and TCC (b) of P. japonicum extracts obtained using EtOH, MeOH, and Ace. Data are presented as mean ± SD. Different lowercase letters indicate significant differences (p < 0.05).
Figure 3. TPC (a) and TCC (b) of P. japonicum extracts obtained using EtOH, MeOH, and Ace. Data are presented as mean ± SD. Different lowercase letters indicate significant differences (p < 0.05).
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Figure 4. HPLC chromatogram of chlorogenic acid (1), isosamidin (2), 3′-acetoxy-4′-(2-methylbutyroyl)khellactone (3), 3′,4′-disencioylkhellactone (4), 3′-sencioyl-4′-isovalerylkhellactone (5), and 3′-isovaleryl-4′-(2-methylbutyroyl)khellactone (6).
Figure 4. HPLC chromatogram of chlorogenic acid (1), isosamidin (2), 3′-acetoxy-4′-(2-methylbutyroyl)khellactone (3), 3′,4′-disencioylkhellactone (4), 3′-sencioyl-4′-isovalerylkhellactone (5), and 3′-isovaleryl-4′-(2-methylbutyroyl)khellactone (6).
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Figure 5. HPLC chromatograms of P. japonicum leaves: BEL (a), BML (b), and BAL (c). Chlorogenic acid (1), isosamidin (2), 3′-acetoxy-4′-(2-methylbutyroyl)khellactone (3), 3′,4′-disencioylkhellactone (4), 3′-sencioyl-4′-isovalerylkhellactone (5), and 3′-isovaleryl-4′-(2-methylbutyroyl)khellactone (6).
Figure 5. HPLC chromatograms of P. japonicum leaves: BEL (a), BML (b), and BAL (c). Chlorogenic acid (1), isosamidin (2), 3′-acetoxy-4′-(2-methylbutyroyl)khellactone (3), 3′,4′-disencioylkhellactone (4), 3′-sencioyl-4′-isovalerylkhellactone (5), and 3′-isovaleryl-4′-(2-methylbutyroyl)khellactone (6).
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Figure 6. HPLC chromatograms of P. japonicum roots: BER (a), BMR (b), and BAR (c). Chlorogenic acid (1), isosamidin (2), 3′-acetoxy-4′-(2-methylbutyroyl)khellactone (3), 3′,4′-disencioylkhellactone (4), 3′-sencioyl-4′-isovalerylkhellactone (5), and 3′-isovaleryl-4′-(2-methylbutyroyl)khellactone (6).
Figure 6. HPLC chromatograms of P. japonicum roots: BER (a), BMR (b), and BAR (c). Chlorogenic acid (1), isosamidin (2), 3′-acetoxy-4′-(2-methylbutyroyl)khellactone (3), 3′,4′-disencioylkhellactone (4), 3′-sencioyl-4′-isovalerylkhellactone (5), and 3′-isovaleryl-4′-(2-methylbutyroyl)khellactone (6).
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Table 1. Overview of sample information for P. japonicum extracts from Boryeong, Korea.
Table 1. Overview of sample information for P. japonicum extracts from Boryeong, Korea.
OrganSolventSample NameExtract Weight (g)Extraction Yield (%)
LeafEtOHBEL3.535.0
RootBER3.042.0
LeafMeOHBML4.040.0
RootBMR3.740.3
LeafAceBAL0.25.0
RootBAR0.23.8
Table 2. Calibration data for compounds 16.
Table 2. Calibration data for compounds 16.
Compounda tR
(min)
Regression EquationLinear Range (μg/mL)bR2c LOD
(μg/mL)
d LOQ
(μg/mL)
118.25y = 25247x + 1816157.81–10000.999726.0429.3049
223.66y = 22755x + 7361415.62–2500.99990.00020.0008
323.99y = 16706x + 6916731.25–5001.00000.00040.0012
424.72y = 28123x + 29066731.25–5000.99960.00080.0025
525.07y = 20700x + 16793831.25–5000.99990.00060.0018
625.42y = 17273x + 13411631.25–5000.99990.00070.0021
a Retention time; b coefficient of determination; c limit of detection; d limit of quantification.
Table 3. Content of compounds 16 in the P. japonicum extracts.
Table 3. Content of compounds 16 in the P. japonicum extracts.
SampleContent (mg/g)
123456Total
BEL28.76 ± 0.07 a5.25 ± 0.01 a0.47 ± 0.01 b0.04 ± 0.00 a2.66 ± 0.01 a5.15 ± 0.02 a13.33
BER0.90 ± 0.03 b8.59 ± 0.26 b5.37 ± 0.15 a7.11 ± 0.21 b14.78 ± 0.21 b8.46 ± 0.24 b47.41
BML24.29 ± 0.12 c0.64 ± 0.00 c5.25 ± 0.01 a0.36 ± 0.00 c2.81 ± 0.01 a5.39 ± 0.02 a14.45
BMR0.60 ± 0.01 d5.08 ± 0.09 a8.59 ± 0.26 c5.69 ± 0.01 d11.40 ± 0.01 c6.09 ± 0.01 c36.86
BAL3.64 ± 0.09 e5.72 ± 0.09 d31.89 ± 0.27 d4.01 ± 0.08 e25.49 ± 0.17 d35.11 ± 0.26 d105.86
BAR2.96 ± 0.02 f18.02 ± 0.04 e33.87 ± 0.89 e22.79 ± 0.06 f39.92 ± 0.11 f27.25 ± 0.05 f144.54
Different lowercase letters indicate significant differences (p < 0.05).
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MDPI and ACS Style

Uy, N.P.; Lee, S.Y.; Kim, J.H.; Yoon, Y.H.; Lee, S. Simultaneous Quantification of Phenolic Compounds in the Leaves and Roots of Peucedanum japonicum Thunb. Using HPLC-PDA with Various Extraction Solvents. Horticulturae 2025, 11, 334. https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11030334

AMA Style

Uy NP, Lee SY, Kim JH, Yoon YH, Lee S. Simultaneous Quantification of Phenolic Compounds in the Leaves and Roots of Peucedanum japonicum Thunb. Using HPLC-PDA with Various Extraction Solvents. Horticulturae. 2025; 11(3):334. https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11030334

Chicago/Turabian Style

Uy, Neil Patrick, Sang Yun Lee, Jang Hoon Kim, Young Ho Yoon, and Sanghyun Lee. 2025. "Simultaneous Quantification of Phenolic Compounds in the Leaves and Roots of Peucedanum japonicum Thunb. Using HPLC-PDA with Various Extraction Solvents" Horticulturae 11, no. 3: 334. https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11030334

APA Style

Uy, N. P., Lee, S. Y., Kim, J. H., Yoon, Y. H., & Lee, S. (2025). Simultaneous Quantification of Phenolic Compounds in the Leaves and Roots of Peucedanum japonicum Thunb. Using HPLC-PDA with Various Extraction Solvents. Horticulturae, 11(3), 334. https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11030334

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