Analysis of the in vitro metabolites of diferuloylmethane (curcumin) by liquid chromatography--tandem mass spectrometry on a hybrid quadrupole linear ion trap system: newly identified metabolites.

In this study, we have described a novel approach for determining the metabolic scheme of diferuloylmethane (curcumin) in mouse and human liver microsomal preparations using a hybrid quadrupole linear ion trap mass spectrometer coupled with liquid chromatography for the detection of new metabolites. Application of various acquisition modes allowed targeted searches for metabolites with high sensitivity and selectivity using information of the mass spectral fragmentation properties of curcumin. Structural assignments for metabolites previously reported in the literature were made with confidence using the described approach. In addition, we identified curcumin metabolites that had not previously been reported, such as curcumin bisglucuronide and O-demethylated derivatives. The major pathways of curcumin metabolism in vitro have been summarized. Finally, very similar metabolic pathways of curcumin were observed in human and mouse microsomes.