Phenolic compounds from Jacaranda caroba (Vell.) A. DC.: Approaches to neurodegenerative disorders

- Phenolic compounds of Jacaranda caroba identified for the first time.
- Dicaffeoyl acid derivatives and flavonoids characterized by HPLC-DAD-ESI/MSn.
- Recovery of strong antidepressant compounds from J. caroba.
- J. caroba extracts efficient superoxide anion and nitric oxide radicals scavengers.

Diseases affecting the central nervous system are spread throughout the world. As so, more efficient and safe neuroprotective drugs are required. The present study describes, for the first time, the phenolic composition and bioactivity of Jacaranda caroba (Vell.) A. DC, a species whose infusion is consumed as traditional medicine. The HPLC-DAD-ESI/MSn analysis revealed the presence of four dicaffeoyl acid derivatives and nine flavonoids, comprising quercetin, kaempferol and isorhamnetin derivatives. Twelve compounds are described for the first time in Jacaranda genus. Although isorhamnetin-3-O-rhmanoside-7,4′-di-O-glucoside and quercetin-3-O-(2-pentosyl)hexoside are the main metabolites in both aqueous and hydromethanolic extracts, qualitative and quantitative differences were found between them. Aqueous extract is richer in dicaffeoyl acid derivatives. Both extracts proved to be strong radicals' scavengers and effective monoamine-oxidase A inhibitors, but showed weak protection against cholinesterases' activity. The results highlight the value of J. caroba as a source of health-promoting antioxidants and antidepressant compounds.