On-line identification of the antifungal constituents of Erythrina vogelii by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry, ultraviolet absorbance detection and nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry combined with liquid chromatographic micro-fractionation.

In our continuing search for new antifungal agents of plant origin, the investigation of Erythrina vogelii Hook. f. (Leguminosae), a plant used in the traditional medicine of Ivory Coast to treat various infectious ailments, was undertaken. In order to rapidly identify the active principles, the crude extract was analysed by low-flow LC-1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry (NMR) which gave a sensitive detection of all the main peaks. LC microfractionation was performed just after LC-NMR detection and all peaks collected were submitted to antifungal bioautography assays against Cladosporium cucumerinum. By this means, the antifungal activity could be efficiently linked to three of the LC peaks. In order to obtain complementary on-line structural information for all peaks of interest, high-resolution LC-MS-MS together with LC-UV with post-column addition of UV shifts reagents was undertaken on the crude extract. This chemical screening strategy with integrated antifungal bioassays has permitted the on-line identification of numerous constituents and has given useful information for an efficient peak-guided isolation procedure.