Abstract:

Objective: To determine the structures and contents of major carotenoids in leaves of elm (Ulmus pumila L.)
collected at different time points during one year. Methods: Carotenoids from elm leaves were extracted using acetone. The
major carotenoids were analyzed with the use of high performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection coupled
to mass spectrometry (HPLC-DAD-MS) and identified by comparison of UV-visible and mass spectral data with reference
standards or data reported in the literature. The contents of major carotenoids were measured by HPLC. Results: Two major
carotenoids were identified as lutein and β-carotene. The level ranged from 880.2 to 1 385.4 μg/g (dry weight) for lutein
and from 142.8 to 364.2 μg/g (dry weight) for β-carotene with an average content of 1 098.3 and 297.7 μg/g (dry weight),
respectively. Conclusion: Ulmus pumila L. is a new resource of lutein.

Key words: Ulmus pumila L., leaves, carotenoids, high performance liquid chromatography-diode array detector-mass spectrometry (HPLC-DAD-MS), lutein, β-carotene