A novel multi-hyphenated analytical method to simultaneously determine xanthine oxidase inhibitors and superoxide anion scavengers in natural products

Natural products, such as rosmarinic acid and apigenin, can act as xanthine oxidase inhibitors (XOIs) as well as superoxide anion scavengers, and have potential for treatment of diseases associated with high uric acid levels and oxidative stress. However, efficient simultaneous screening of these two bioactivities in natural products has been challenging. We have developed a novel method by assembling a multi-hyphenated high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) system that combines a photo-diode array, chemiluminescence detector and a HPLC system with a variable wavelength detector, to simultaneously detect components that act as both XOIs and superoxide anion scavengers in natural products. Superoxide anion scavenging activity in the analyte was measured by on-line chemiluminescence chromatography based on pyrogallol-luminol oxidation, while xanthine oxidase inhibitory activity was determined by semi-on-line HPLC analysis. After optimizing multiple elements, including chromatographic conditions (e.g., organic solvent concentration and mobile phase pH), concentrations of xanthine/xanthine oxidase and reaction temperature, our validated analytical method was capable of mixed sample analysis. The final results from our method are presented in an easily understood visual format including comprehensive bioactivity data of natural products.