CALAFATE (Berberis Microphylla G. Forst) A PROMISING SUPERFRUIT FROM PATAGONIA

Claudia Mardones, Instrumental Analysis, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Concepcion, Concepción, CHILE
Luis Bustamante, Instrumental Analysis, Faculty Of Pharmacy, University Of Concepcion, Concepción, Chile
Dietrich von Baer, Instrumental Analysis, Faculty Of Pharmacy, University Of Concepcion, Concepción, Chile
Carola Vergara, Instrumental Analysis, Faculty Of Pharmacy, University Of Concepcion, Concepción, Chile
Antonieta Ruiz, Department Of Chemical Science And Natural Resources, University Of La Frontera, Temuco, Chile

Calafate is an edible dark blue berry growing in the Patagonian region of South America. Many studies covered the potential benefits of phenolic compounds in diverse pathologies (cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and cancer), however only in the recent years the research has focused on the effects of their metabolites generated in vivo. The main metabolites produced after the intake of phenolic compounds are small weight phenolics, such as benzoic, phenylacetic and 3-phenylpropionic acids, which have also been associated with beneficial effects on human health.

In this context, anthocyanins, flavonols, flavan-3-ols, hydroxycinnamic acids (HCADs), and alkaloids were studied in different structures of calafate berries by HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS/MS and by HPLC-FL-ESI-MS/MS in reverse and normal phases. Profiles and concentrations of these compounds in a large number of samples collected during two growing seasons in different areas of Chilean Patagonia were studied. Antioxidant capacity (TEAC_CUPRAC and TEAC_ABTS) and ascorbic acid content were also determined.

Great diversity of compounds were observed in fruits, with high anthocyanin and HCADs content (4.7-31.2 micromol/g and 1.18-6.28 micromol/g, respectively). Very low concentrations of berberine (nd-3.26 mg/100g) and interesting levels of flavonols (0.85-1.83 micromol/g), were also found in this berry and only few flavan-3-ols were detected in their seeds.

The aim of the second part of this research was to determine metabolites in rodent (gerbil) plasma sampled at different times after oral administration (via gavage) of a lyophilized calafate extract (300 mgkg^-1). Using GC-MS/MS in MRM mode after extraction and derivatization with BSTFA/TMCS 10%, two phenolic acids (fenilacetic and 3-hydroxyfenilacetic) increased their concentration after 8 and 4 h of extract administration (p<0.05), while other acids showed an increased tendency after 2 h. Antioxidant capacity was also determined (ORAC-FL and CUPRAC), showing increase of 1.4 and 3.5 times, with respect to basal levels.