Evaluation of anti-lipase activity and bioactive flavonoids in the Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium from different harvest time

Abstract Background Inhibition of pancreatic lipase is an attractive approach to the treatment of obesity and other metabolic disorders. Naturally occurring phytochemicals are promising sources of lipase inhibitors. Purpose In the present study, the anti-lipase activity of Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium (CRP) extracts was firstly evaluated in vitro. Moreover, the dynamic alteration of bioactive flavonoids in CRP collected at different time and its correlation with anti-lipase activities was investigated. Study design/methods Quantitative analysis of multi-components by a single-marker (QAMS) method was developed and validated for simultaneous determination of six flavonoids including narirutin, hesperidin, didymin, nobiletin, 3,5,6,7,8,3′,4′-heptamethoxyflavone and tangeretin. Anti-lipase activity evaluation and docking studies of the flavonoids was also carried out to screen out the candidate lipase inhibitors. Results The QAMS method validation results exhibited that the developed method had desirable specificity, linearity, precision and accuracy. CRP collected in early months contained higher concentrations of bioactive flavonoids, and exhibited more potent anti-lipase activity. Conclusion Harvest timing had a significant impact on the amounts of bioactive flavonoids and the anti-lipase activities of CRP extracts. The contents of total flavonoids were positively correlated with the anti-lipase activities of CRP, and polymethoxyflavones played a significant role in the hypolipidemic effect of CRP. Nobiletin might be the most potential lipase inhibitor in CRP.