MS/MS molecular networking-guided in-depth profiling of triterpenoid saponins from the fruit of Eleutherococcus senticosus and their neuroprotectivity evaluation.

Introduction: Eleutherococcus senticosus fruit (ESF) is a natural health supplement resource that has been extensively applied as a tonic for the nervous system. The structures and neural bioactivities of triterpenoid saponins (TS), which are the major constituents of ESF, have not been comprehensively analyzed thus far.

Objective: We conducted a complete in-depth MS/MS molecular networking (MN)-based targeted analysis of TS from the crude extract of ESF and investigated its neuroprotective value.

Methods: An MS/MS MN-guided strategy was used to rapidly present a series of precursor ions (PIs) of TS in a compound cluster as TS-targeted information used in the discovery and characterization of TS. In addition, a prepared TS-rich fraction of ESF was assayed for its restraining effects on β-amyloid-induced inhibition of neurite outgrowth.

Results: A total of 87 TS were discovered using a PI tracking strategy, 28 of which were characterized as potentially undescribed structures according to their high-resolution MS values. Furthermore, the TS-rich fraction can significantly reduce β-amyloid-induced damage to neural networks by promoting the outgrowth of neurites and axons.

Conclusion: Our findings reveal the richness of TS in ESF and will accelerate their application in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.