Composition, cytotoxicity and antioxidant activities of polyphenols in the leaves of star anise (Illicium verum Hook. F.)

Abstract

The polyphenols in the leaves of star anise (Illicium verum Hook. f.) were qualitatively and quantitatively determined by LC-Q-TOF-MS and LC-MS/MS. Twelve flavones and a phenolic acid were identified, mainly comprising vitexin-2"-O-rhamnoside (8780.12 µg/g) and vitexin-2"-O-xylopyranoside (575.46 µg/g), which have high free radical scavenging abilities and strong lipid peroxidation inhibitory activities. In addition, they could also reduce reactive oxygen species in HT-29 cells without cytotoxicity.