Study of Secondary Metabolites in Georgian Endemic Plant Raw Materials and Processing Residues Using UPLC-PDA-MS Methods

Abstract

There is increasing interest in natural bioactive compounds for prophylactic and therapeutic use. In Georgia, many endemic plant species remain underexplored with modern analytical methods. This study focused on analyzing the chemical composition of wild Senecio platyphyllus and both wild and cultivated forms of Prunus laurocerasus, species native to Georgia. Additionally, the research aimed to develop sustainable extraction technologies aligned with circular economy principles-an area largely unaddressed in the region. Classical extraction methods were compared with high-pressure, ultrasound, and supercritical fluid techniques to determine optimal conditions. A key objective was to optimize alkaloid extraction from S. platyphyllus and refine both qualitative and quantitative analysis. The resulting protocol reduced extraction time from 30 hours to just 2h. Using UPLC-PDA-MS (ultra-performance liquid chromatography with photodiode array and mass spectrometry), main alkaloids were identified in only 45 minutes through three 15-minute chromatographic runs. This significantly improved analytical speed and accuracy. A phenyl column combined with a 0.1% formic acid–deionized water (A) and acetonitrile (B) gradient system allowed efficient separation of alkaloids and other bioactive compounds. In P. laurocerasus, high levels of chlorogenic and neochlorogenic acids, along with cyanide-derived anthocyanins, were detected in both fruit and bark. To promote sustainability, green extraction methods using water–alcohol mixtures under high pressure were developed. These techniques aimed to maximize compound recovery while minimizing environmental harm.Overall, the study provides a modern, efficient approach to analyzing and extracting valuable compounds from Georgian endemic plants while prioritizing environmental sustainability.