Metabolic Profile by UHPLC/HR-ESI-MS/MS of Fridericia chica and Echinacea purpurea and Volatile Compounds Profile by GC-FID and GC-MS of E. purpurea

The Fridericia chica species, popularly known as pariri, is used in folk medicine to treat various human health conditions, such as anemia. The Echinacea purpurea species, popularly known as coneflower, is also widely used for its immunostimulant properties. The present study aimed to profile volatile organic compounds and other metabolites of F. chica and E. purpurea. Extracts were produced from the dried leaves of the species, which were subjected to analysis by Thin Layer Chromatography and Ultra-Efficiency Liquid Chromatography coupled with Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry. Employing the hydrodistillation method, the volatile compounds of the species were extracted and submitted for evaluation by Gas Chromatography coupled to a Flame Ionization Detector and Mass Spectrometer. The analysis of the extracts indicated the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenes, anthraquinones, anthocyanins, saponins, and lignans in both species. Five volatile constituents were identified in the leaves of E. purpurea (two monoterpenes and three sesquiterpenes). It is concluded that both species have compounds with medicinal properties that may be associated with their uses in the community. In addition, these species have the potential to be explored for the discovery of drugs with an impact on public health.