Phytochemical characterization of South African bush tea (Athrixia phylicoides DC.)

Abstract

A methanolic extract of bush tea (Athrixia phylicoides, Asteraceae) was evaluated sensorially.
\nA High Temperature Liquid Chromatography (HTLC)-coupled sensory-guided analysis was
\nperformed on bush tea extract to identify potential taste modulating compounds. One fraction
\nshowed bitter enhancing effects on caffeine. Fractionated using Fast Centrifugal Partition
\nChromatography (FCPC) and preparative HPLC followed by structure elucidation using
\nNMR and LC-NMR led to the identification of three polymethoxylated flavones, quercetin-3'-
\nO-glucoside (1), as well as a methoxylated derivative (2). In addition, two dicaffeoyl quinic
\nacids and one coumaric acid ester (3) were isolated. Sensory evaluation of isolated
\ncompounds led to the identification of quercetin-3'-O-glucoside as bitterness enhancing
\nprinciple.