MALDI- and LDI-MS saponin fingerprint of leaves and sticks components of commercial yerba mate ( Ilex paraguariensis )

LAGORIO, M. GABRIELA; PARAPUGNA, TAMARA L.; PETROSELLI, GABRIELA; ERRA-BALSELLS, ROSA

JOURNAL OF MASS SPECTROMETRY

JOHN WILEY & SONS LTD

Lugar: LOndres; Año: 2019 vol. 54 p. 195 - 203

1076-5174

Yerba mate (YM) is massively produced and consumed as an infusion in SouthAmerica and spreading all over the world. This product is obtained from dried leaves of Ilex paraguariensis Saint Hilaire, mixed with fragments of dried branches (sticks). For its commercialization, YM must have a minimum percentage of leaves because its presence determines YM quality and price. Till today, a mechanical methodology to determine the relative amount of components (sticks, leaves, and powder) is used. There is not any modern analytical method that provides information for quick characterization of the YM components. Typical saponin fingerprints for leaves and sticks were found by using ultraviolet matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization and ultraviolet laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry. Then, their possible application as useful tools for quick characterization of components of commercial YM (leaves and sticks) is presented. Furthermore, fingerprints obtained from authentic samples of Ilex paraguariensis and Ilex dumosa are also included and discussed. EachIlex show typical saponin fingerprints for leaves and sticks.