Coptis chinensis inflorescence extract protection against ultraviolet-B-induced phototoxicity, and HPLC–MS analysis of its chemical composition

Cultivated Coptis chinensis inflorescence has been highly valued in Chinese tea production for many years. The main alkaloid compounds in C. chinensis inflorescence ethanolic extracts (CE) were identified by high-performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry. The detected compounds included jatrorrhizine (4.87 mg/g), coptisine (17.18 mg/g), palmatine (3.32 mg/g), and berberine (31.81 mg/g), as well as columbamine and epiberberine (tentatively identified). CE protective activity against ultraviolet-B (UVB)-induced phototoxicity in a mitochondria model was determined by measuring thiobarbituric acid-reactive substrates, lipid hydroperoxide, conjugated diene, 4-hydroxynonenal, and glutathione. The results showed that CE excellently inhibited UVB-induced lipid peroxidation and glutathione reduction in vitro. This photoprotective effect of CE may be caused by the presence of the abovementioned alkaloid compounds and phenolic compounds that enhances CE antioxidant activity. Therefore, CE possesses potent photoprotective property that may find valuable applications in food industries and in anti-phototoxicity formulations.