UPLC-MS for Identification of Quercetin Derivatives in Cuphea glutinosa Cham. & Schltdl (Lythraceae) and Evaluation of Antifungal Potential

Background: Cuphea glutinosa is a medicinal species extensively distributed in South of Brazil, being known in the folk medicine as diuretic, anti-inflammatory, laxative and anti-hypertensive. In the present work, its majority chemical components present in infusions and macerations obtained from leaves and roots were investigated. The analytical responses were well worked using a UPLC-MS, whose detection was standardized for flavonoids due to their importance for this genus and the biological effects reported. Conclusion: Using a mobile phase composed by acetonitrile:methanol and 0.1% formic acid, eluted by gradient, and a ionization mode by positive ESI, four flavonoids were identified: quercetin-3-glucoside, quercetin-3-arabinoside, quercetin-3-glucuronide and isorhamnetin. Another quercetin derivative was also detected. The extracts were investigated for antifungal activity by broth microdilution method, whose results indicated activity against Candida parapsilosis, Candida tropicalis, and Trichosporon asahii. This antimicrobial potential can be attributed to the chemical profile predominant in flavonoids.