Medicinal plants are an integral part of human civilization. It is impossible to say exactly when mankind started to use plant materials as the remedy for their ailments. Since the beginning of civilization, phytochemicals have played essential roles in the battle against several diseases as well as in promoting the health benefits of humans and animals. Magnolia grandiflora (belongs to the family Magnoliaceae) is a medium-to-large evergreen tree known for its big, showy flowers with unique lemon-citronella fragrance. Although endemic to the southeastern United States and the evergreen subtropical areas of the south Atlantic coastal plain, this plant is also found in warmer areas around the world. As a part of our ongoing research in exploring pharmaceutically privileged molecules from Mother Nature, we have carried out HPLC-tandem mass spectral analyses (positive and negative ion modes) of the water extract derived from the Magnolia grandiflora green seed cones. A series of medicinally privileged compounds including drugs and drug-precursors have been identified. Apart from these phytoceuticals, we have also identified the presence of nutraceuticals, food flavoring agents, and food additives in the extract. Some of the compounds are being used in the treatment of depression, obesity, certain types of microbial diseases, and malignant tumor. In summary, our investigation indicates that the Magnolia grandiflora green seed cone may find its way as a potential source of medicinally privileged molecules.

HPLC/mass spectral investigation of the water extract of Magnolia grandiflora green seed cones

ACS Spring Meeting 2021

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