UPLC–QTOF/MS for a Rapid Characterisation of Phenolic Compounds from Leaves of <i>Myrtus communis</i> L.

ABSTRACT Introduction Although continuous research has been conducted on the biological activities of myrtle and the characterisation of its essential oil, few studies have focused on its phenolic composition despite major beneficial properties. Objective To carry out a comprehensive characterisation of infusion and methanolic extract from myrtle leaves by UPLC–QTOF/MS. Methods Myrtle‐leaf infusions, prepared using deionised water, and the methanolic extracts were analysed by reversed‐phase ultra‐performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) coupled to electrospray ionisation quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (ESI/QTOF/MS). The MS and MS/MS experiments were conducted using the negative‐ionisation mode, in order to provide molecular‐mass information and production spectra of the compounds for structural elucidation. Results The analytical method applied enabled the characterisation of several compounds such as gallic acid and galloyl derivatives, ellagic acid and derivatives, hexahydroxydiphenolyl and derivatives, flavonoids, lignans and gallomyrtucommulones. Flavonoids, ellagic acid and its derivatives and gallic acid and its derivatives formed the major fractions. Conclusion UPLC combined with QTOF/MS is a powerful analytical method for characterising infusions and alcoholic extracts from myrtle leaves. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley &amp; Sons, Ltd.