Metabolome classification of Brassica napus L. organs via UPLC-QTOF-PDA-MS and their anti-oxidant potential

Comprehensive Quality Assessment of Brassica napus L. Seeds via HPTLC, LC-QToF, and Anatomical Investigation

The Brassicaceae family, commonly referred to as cruciferous plants, is globally cultivated and consumed, with the Brassica genus being particularly renowned for its functional components. These vegetables are rich sources of nutrients and health-promoting phytochemicals, garnering increased attention in recent years. This study presents a comprehensive microscopic, chromatographic, and spectroscopic characterization of Brassica napus L. seeds from Kazakhstan aimed at elucidating their morphological features and chemical composition. Microscopic analysis revealed distinct localization of flavonoids, total lipids, and alkaloids. High-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) analysis of seed extracts demonstrated a complex chemical profile with significant quantities of non-polar compounds in the hexane extracts. Additionally, methanolic extracts revealed the presence of diverse chemical compounds, including alkaloids, flavonoids, and glucosinolates. The chemical composition exhibited varietal differences across different Brassica species, with B. napus L. seeds showing higher concentrations of bioactive compounds. Furthermore, liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-QToF-MS) analysis provided insights into the chemical composition, with sinapine isomers, feruloyl, and sinapoyl choline derivatives as major compounds in the seeds. This study contributes to a better understanding of the chemical diversity and quality control methods' approximations of B. napus L. seeds, highlighting their importance in functional food and nutraceutical applications.

Assessment of the effect of drying on Brassica greens via a multiplex approach based on LC-QTOF-MS/MS, molecular networking, and chemometrics along with their antioxidant and anticancer activities

Turnip (Brassica rapa var rapa L.) leaves are a rich source of versatile bioactive phytochemicals with great potential in the food and herbal industries. However, the effect of drying on its constituents has never been studied before. Hereto, three drying techniques were compared, namely, lyophilization (LY), vacuum oven (VO), and shade drying (SD). Chemical profiling utilizing liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (LC-QTOF-MS/MS) combined with chemometrics showed the different impacts of the drying methods on the phytochemical composition of the alcoholic leaf extracts. Unsupervised principal component analysis (PCA) and supervised partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) of the LC-QTOF-MS/MS data showed distinct distant clustering across the three drying techniques. Loading plots and VIP scores demonstrated that sinapic acid, isorhamnetin glycosides, and sinapoyl malate were key markers for LY samples. Meanwhile, oxygenated and polyunsaturated fatty acids were characteristic for SD samples and oxygenated polyunsaturated fatty acids and verbascoside were characteristic for VO samples. LY resulted in the highest total phenolics (TP) and total flavonoid (TF) contents followed by SD and VO. LY and SD samples had much higher antioxidant activity than VO measured by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC), and iron metal chelation assays. According to the anticancer activity, the drying methods were ranked in descending order as SD > LY ≫ VO when tested against colon, breast, liver, and lung cancer cell lines. Among the identified compounds, flavonoids and omega-3 fatty acids were key metabolites responsible for the anticancer activity as revealed by partial least squares (PLS) regression and correlation analyses. In conclusion, compared to LY, SD projected out as a cost-effective drying method without compromising the phytochemical and biological activities of Brassica greens. The current findings lay the foundation for further studies concerned with the valorization of Brassica greens.

MALDI MSI and Raman Spectroscopy Application in the Analysis of the Structural Components and Flavonoids in Brassica napus Stem

Nod factors among the signaling molecules produced by rhizobia in response to flavonoids to induce root nodule formation in the legumes. It is, however, hypothesized that they might increase the yield and positively impact the growth of non-legumes. To evaluate this statement, rapeseed treated with Nod factor-based biofertilizers were cultivated, their stems was collected, and the metabolic changes were investigated using Raman spectroscopy and MALDI mass spectrometry imaging. Biofertilizer proved to increase the concentration of lignin in the cortex, as well as hemicellulose, pectin, and cellulose in the pith. Moreover, the concentration of quercetin derivatives and kaempferol derivatives increased, while the concentration of isorhamnetin dihexoside decreased. The increase in the concentration of the structural components in the stem might therefore increase the lodging resistance, while the increase in concentration of the flavonoids might increase their resistance to fungal infection and herbivorous insects.

The Flavonoid Biosynthesis and Regulation in Brassica napus: A Review

Brassica napus is an important crop for edible oil, vegetables, biofuel, and animal food. It is also an ornamental crop for its various petal colors. Flavonoids are a group of secondary metabolites with antioxidant activities and medicinal values, and are important to plant pigmentation, disease resistance, and abiotic stress responses. The yellow seed coat, purple leaf and inflorescence, and colorful petals of B. napus have been bred for improved nutritional value, tourism and city ornamentation. The putative loci and genes regulating flavonoid biosynthesis in B. napus have been identified using germplasms with various seed, petal, leaf, and stem colors, or different flavonoid contents under stress conditions. This review introduces the advances of flavonoid profiling, biosynthesis, and regulation during development and stress responses of B. napus, and hopes to help with the breeding of B. napus with better quality, ornamental value, and stress resistances.

In Vivo Antihypertensive Activity and UHPLC-Orbitrap-HRMS Profiling of Cuphea ignea A. DC

Cuphea ignea A. DC. is an ornamental tropical plant belonging to the family Lythraceae. The aim of this study is to verify the in vivo antihypertensive potential of C. ignea A. DC. and to explore its metabolic profile using a UHPLC-Orbitrap-HRMS technique. The results revealed that the ethanolic extract of the leaves in two doses (250 and 500 mg/kg b.wt.) significantly normalized the elevated systolic blood pressure in N(G)-nitro-l-arginine-methyl ester-induced hypertension in rats. An angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) concentration was significantly decreased by the high dose extract compared to lisinopril. Nitric oxide (NO) level was significantly restored by both doses. Concerning the oxidative stress parameters, both doses displayed significant reduction in malondialdehyde (MDA) level while the high dose restored elevated glutathione level. These biochemical results were clearly supported by the histopathological examination of the isolated heart and aorta. A UHPLC-Orbitrap-HRMS study was represented by a detailed metabolic profile of leaves and flowers of C. ignea A. DC., where 53 compounds were identified among which flavonoids, fatty acids, and hydrolysable tannins were the major identified classes. This study established scientific evidence for the use of C. ignea A. DC., a member of genus Cuphea as a complementary treatment in the management of hypertension.

The Yeast Fermentation Effect on Content of Bioactive, Nutritional and Anti-Nutritional Factors in Rapeseed Meal

The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes in the content of bioactive, nutritional and anti-nutritional factors in rapeseed meal that was fermented with Saccharomyces cerevisiae or Saccharomyces boulardii yeasts at two different periods of time, for improvement of nutritional characteristics in piglets’ feeding. The fermentation has reduced the content of two anti-nutritional factors, intact glucosinolates and 3-butyl isothiocyanate, by 51.60–66.04% and 55.21–63.39%, respectively, by fermentation with either Saccharomyces cerevisiae or Saccharomyces boulardii for 24 h. The fermentation by these yeasts also lowered the content of total polyphenolic compounds by 21.58–23.55% and antioxidant activity (DPPH) by 17.03–21.07%. Furthermore, the content of carbohydrates and organic acids has dramatically decreased between 89.20 and 98.35% and between 31.48 and 77.18%, respectively. However, the content of some individual phenolic acids (gallic, p-coumaric, sinapic) and crude protein content (10–13%) has been increased. Thus, the results showed that fermentation with Saccharomyces cerevisiae or Saccharomyces boulardii has reduced the content of antinutritive factors and increased the protein content of the rapeseed meal, without major adverse effects on its overall nutritive value.

Comparative Metabolite Fingerprinting of Four Different Cinnamon Species Analyzed via UPLC-MS and GC-MS and Chemometric Tools

The present study aimed to assess metabolites heterogeneity among four major Cinnamomum species, including true cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum) and less explored species (C. cassia, C. iners, and C. tamala). UPLC-MS led to the annotation of 74 secondary metabolites belonging to different classes, including phenolic acids, tannins, flavonoids, and lignans. A new proanthocyanidin was identified for the first time in C. tamala, along with several glycosylated flavonoid and dicarboxylic fatty acids reported for the first time in cinnamon. Multivariate data analyses revealed, for cinnamates, an abundance in C. verum versus procyandins, dihydro-coumaroylglycosides, and coumarin in C. cassia. A total of 51 primary metabolites were detected using GC-MS analysis encompassing different classes, viz. sugars, fatty acids, and sugar alcohols, with true cinnamon from Malaysia suggested as a good sugar source for diabetic patients. Glycerol in C. tamala, erythritol in C. iners, and glucose and fructose in C. verum from Malaysia were major metabolites contributing to the discrimination among species.

Identification and Quantification of Glucosinolates and Phenolics in a Large Panel of Brassica napus Highlight Valuable Genetic Resources for Chemical Ecology and Breeding

Glucosinolate (GLS) and phenolic contents in Brassicaceae contribute to biotic and abiotic stress responses. Breeding crop accessions harboring agroecologically relevant metabolic profiles require a characterization of the chemical diversity in Brassica germplasm. This work investigates the diversity of specialized metabolites in 281 accessions of B. napus. First, an LC-HRMS2-based approach allowed the annotation of 32 phenolics and 36 GLSs, revealing 13 branched and linear alkyl-GLSs and 4 isomers of hydroxyphenylalkyl-GLSs, many of which have been rarely reported in Brassica. Then, quantitative UPLC-UV-MS-based profiling was performed in leaves and roots for the whole panel. This revealed striking variations in the content of 1-methylpropyl-GLS (glucocochlearin) and a large variation of tetra- and penta-glucosyl kaempferol derivatives among accessions. It also highlighted two main chemotypes related to sinapoyl-O-hexoside and kaempferol-O-trihexoside contents. By offering an unprecedented overview of the phytochemical diversity in B. napus, this work provides a useful resource for chemical ecology and breeding.

Red and white cabbages: An updated comparative review of bioactives, extraction methods, processing practices, and health benefits

Red and white cabbages (Brassica oleracea var. capitata f. alba and rubra, respectively) are two of the most commercially valued vegetables in crucifers, well-recognized for their unique sensory and nutritive attributes in addition to a myriad of health-promoting benefits. The current review addressed the differential qualitative/quantitative phytochemical make-ups for the first time for better utilization as nutraceuticals and to identify potential uses based on the chemical makeup of both cultivars (cvs.). In addition, extraction methods are compared highlighting their advantages and/or limitations with regards to improving yield and stability of cabbage bioactives, especially glucosinolates. Besides, the review recapitulated detailed action mechanism and safety of cabbage bioactives, as well as processing technologies to further improve their effects are posed as future perspectives. White and red cabbage cvs. revealed different GLSs profile which affected by food processing, including enzymatic hydrolysis, thermal breakdown, and leaching. In addition, the red cultivar provides high quality pigment for industrial applications. Moreover, non-conventional modern extraction techniques showed promising techniques for the recovery of their bioactive constituents compared to solvent extraction. All these findings pose white and red cabbages as potential candidates for inclusion in nutraceuticals and/or to be commercialized as functional foods prepared in different culinary forms.

Protective Effect of Brassica napus L. Hydrosols against Inflammation Response in RAW 264.7 Cells

OBJECTIVE

To demonstrate the anti-inflammatory activity of Brassica napus L. hydrosols (BNH) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells.

METHODS

Composition analysis of BNH was conducted via gas chromatography-mass spectrometry after BNH were extracted. The nitric oxide (NO) production was measured using the Griess assay. Prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) production was evaluated with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The effects of BNH on LPS-induced pro-inflammatory enzymes including inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) were evaluated using Western blot analysis. Furthermore, phosphorylation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65 were evaluated with Western blot analysis and immunofluorescence staining, respectively.

RESULTS

Compared with LPS-stimulated cells, BNH markedly decreased the generation of NO and PGE₂ in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells (P<0.01 or P<0.05). Moreover, BNH inhibited protein levels of iNOS and COX-2 (P<0.01). Phosphorylation of NF-κB and nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65 was significantly inhibited by BNH (P<0.01 or P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

The anti-inflammatory activities of BNH were mediated via blockage of the NF-κB signaling pathways in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells.

Flavonoid Glycosides in Brassica Species Respond to UV-B Depending on Exposure Time and Adaptation Time

Recently, there have been efforts to use ultraviolet-B radiation (UV-B) as a biotechnological tool in greenhouses. Leafy Brassica species are mainly considered for their ability to synthesize glucosinolates and are valued as baby salads. They also have a remarkable concentration of chemically diverse flavonoid glycosides. In this study, the effect of short-term UV-B radiation at the end of the production cycle was investigated without affecting plant growth. The aim was to verify which exposure and adaptation time was suitable and needs to be further investigated to use UV as a biotechnological tool in greenhouse production of Brassica species. It is possible to modify the flavonoid glycoside profile of leafy Brassica species by increasing compounds that appear to have potentially high antioxidant activity. Exemplarily, the present experiment shows that kaempferol glycosides may be preferred over quercetin glycosides in response to UV-B in Brassica rapa ssp. chinensis, for example, whereas other species appear to prefer quercetin glycosides over kaempferol glycosides, such as Brassica oleracea var. sabellica or Brassica carinata. However, the response to short-term UV-B treatment is species-specific and conclusions on exposure and adaptation time cannot be unified but must be drawn separately for each species.

UPLC-qTOF-MS Phytochemical Profile and Antiulcer Potential of Cyperus conglomeratus Rottb. Alcoholic Extract

Cyperus has been commonly used as a multi-use medicinal plant in folk medicine worldwide. The objectives of our study were to determine the different metabolites in the Cyperus conglomeratus Rottb. methanol extract, and to assess its in vivo gastroprotective effect in ethanol-induced gastric ulcer model in rats. Serum levels of galactin-3 and TNF-α were employed as biochemical markers. To pinpoint for active agents, comprehensive metabolites profiling of extract via UPLC-qTOF-MS/MS was employed. A total of 77 chromatographic peaks were detected, of which 70 were annotated. The detected metabolites were categorized into phenolic acids and their derivatives, flavonoids, stilbenes, aurones, quinones, terpenes, and steroids. Rats were divided into six groups; healthy control, ulcer control, standard drug group, and 25, 50, 100 mg/kg of C. conglomeratus treated rats. Pre-treatment with C. conglomeratus alcohol extract significantly reduced galactin-3, and TNF-α in ethanol-induced ulcer model at 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg. Further histopathological and histochemical studies revealed moderate erosion of superficial epithelium, few infiltrated inflammatory cells, and depletion of gastric tissue glycoprotein in the ulcer group. Treatment with the extract protected the gastric epithelial cells in a dose-dependent manner. It could be concluded that C. conglomeratus extract provides significant gastroprotective activity in ethanol-induced gastric ulcer and ought to be included in nutraceuticals in the future for ulcer treatment.

Metabolomic profiling of five Agave leaf taxa via UHPLC/PDA/ESI-MS inrelation to their anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory and ulceroprotective activities

Agave plants are popular for their myriad applications in traditional medicine attributed to their reported anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, cytotoxic and antifungal activities. The aim of this study was to examine the anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory and ulceroprotective activity of Agave species in relation to their metabolite fingerprint via a metabolome based ultra-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS) approach coupled to chemometrics. The metabolomic differences among five examined Agave leaves viz. Agave americana L., A. americana var. marginata Trel, A. angustifolia Haw. cv. marginata, A. desmettiana Jacobi, A. pygmaea Gentry were determined via a total of 56 annotated metabolites. Identification based on MSⁿ and UV spectra revealed 25 steroidal saponins and sapogenins, 6 flavonoids, 2 homoisoflavonoids, 7 phenolic acids, 6 fatty acids and 3 fatty acid amides, some of which are reported for the first time in Agave. Metabolites heterogeneity was assessed among leaf taxa via multivariate data analyses for samples classification, showing that saponins is the major metabolite contributing to their classification. The carrageenan induced acute inflammatory rat model was used to assess the anti-inflammatory activity of Agave extracts via monitoring of blood cytokine levels. Additionally, their effects on ethanol-induced gastric ulcer in rats were evaluated. A. pygmaea showed the most significant anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activity, while A. angustifolia var. marginata possessed the highest ulceroprotective activity, which could be attributable to the high abundance of various saponins and homoisoflavonoids in those taxa.

Growth performance, hemato-biochemical indices, thyroid activity, antioxidant status, and immune response of growing Japanese quail fed diet with full-fat canola seeds

Dietary supplementation of full-fat canola seeds (FFCS) can be part of the global solution to the problem of incessant raise in feed cost. Genetic improvement via plant breeding constantly introduces varieties of canola with higher content of unsaturated fatty acids and lower content of anti-nutritional factors. This experiment was conducted to evaluate the dietary inclusion effect of new mutant of FFCS on growth performance, carcass traits, blood metabolites, thyroid activity, antioxidant status, and immune response of growing Japanese quails. A total of 640 21-day-old quails were used in a completely randomize design with and equally allotted to four experimental groups and eight replicates each. The experimental groups fed diets supplemented with 0, 50, 100, and 150 g FFCS/kg diet from 21 to 49 days of age. All experimental diets were isocaloric and isonitrogenous. The inclusion level of FFCS did not affect body weight and body weight gain at all studied periods, while feed intake was reduced and feed conversion ratio was enhanced linearly under all experimental periods except the duration from 28 to 35 days of age. All carcass traits were not statistically affected with graded levels of FFCS. Hemoglobin, leucocytes, mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), and MCH concentration values were linearly increased. Serum protein fractions, liver enzymes activities, renal function biomarkers, and triiodothyronine concentration were not affected. However, serum lipid profile was significantly altered, where high-density lipoprotein was linearly increased while triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) were linearly (and quadratically for LDL) decreased. Antioxidant and immune statuses were improved; significant increment in glutathione and glutathione peroxidase values and antibody titer against Newcastle disease virus were elevated in groups treated with 10% and 15% FFCS. In conclusion, studied levels of FFCS, however, were not able to promote the growth rate of growing Japanese quails; they were more effective in boosting their antioxidant status and humoral immune response.

Comparative Metabolomic Analysis of Rapeseeds from Three Countries

Rapeseed is an important oilseed with proper fatty acid composition and abundant bioactive components. Canada and China are the two major rapeseed-producing countries all over the world. Meanwhile, Canada and Mongolia are major importers of rapeseed due to the great demand for rapeseed in China. To investigate the metabolites in rapeseeds from three countries, ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF/MS)-based metabolomics was employed to analyze rapeseeds from China, Canada, and Mongolia. As results, 67, 53, and 68 metabolites showed significant differences between Chinese and Canadian, Chinese and Mongolian, and Canadian and Mongolian rapeseeds, respectively. Differential metabolites were mainly distributed in the metabolic pathways including phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, flavone and flavonol biosynthesis, and ubiquinone and other terpenoid-quinone biosynthesis. Among the differential metabolites, contents of sinapate and sinapine were higher in Chinese rapeseeds, while the contents of brassicasterol, stigmasterol, and campestanol were higher in Canadian rapeseeds. These findings might provide insight into the metabolic characteristics of rapeseeds from three countries to guide processing and consumption of the products of rapeseed.

Flavonoid Glycosides and Hydroxycinnamic Acid Derivatives in Baby Leaf Rapeseed From White and Yellow Flowering Cultivars With Repeated Harvest in a 2-Years Field Study

Recently, new annual and biennial cultivars of rapeseed with white flowers have been introduced to the baby leaf market. The white flower trait has been bred into modern cultivars of yellow flowering rapeseed. In baby leaf production, it is common practice to perform several cuts of the same plants, thereby harvesting regrown material. Seven white and yellow flowering annual and biennial rapeseed cultivars were harvested as baby leaves, baby leaf re-growths, and intact plants in order to investigate the content of flavonoid glycosides and hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives. The field experiment was conducted over two consecutive years to obtain seasonal differences. The yields and levels of flavonoid glycosides and hydroxycinnamic acids were higher in 2016 than 2017, due to higher temperatures and radiation. Within the growing stage, the effects of flower color, cultivar, and life cycle on flavonoid glycosides and hydroxycinnamic acids varied; however, in general, life cycle was the main influence that resulted in elevated levels of flavonoid glycosides and hydroxycinnamic acids in biennial cultivars, compared to annual cultivars. The effects of the growing stage differed between years, and were influenced by climatic conditions. In conclusion, the choice of life cycle (annual or biennial cultivars) and seasonal effects was of major influence, overruling the effect of developmental stage on the content of flavonoid glycosides and hydroxycinnamic acids.

Capillary electrophoresis, high-performance liquid chromatography, and thin-layer chromatography analyses of phenolic compounds from rapeseed plants and evaluation of their antioxidant activity

Rapeseed plants, known for oil production, are also known to contain phenolic compounds such as phenolic acids and flavonoids, with potential antioxidant and anticancer activities. The separation and identification of 11 phenolic acids in rapeseed extracts (including leaves, flowers, Chinese seeds, Belgian seeds, and cake) by capillary electrophoresis were investigated. The results were compared with those obtained with high-performance liquid chromatography and thin-layer chromatography and showed that the capillary electrophoresis technique offers several advantages for the identification of phenolic compounds in various rapeseed extracts. The antioxidant activity of rapeseed extracts and reference compounds was evaluated using four different approaches, namely, 2,2'-azinobis- (3-ethylbenzohiazoline-6-sulfonic acid assay, free radical 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl assay, electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy and the measurement of the total polyphenol content. The contents of total polyphenols in the tested extracts were ranging between 5.4 and 21.1% m/m and ranked as follows: Chinese seeds ˃ Belgian seeds ˃ Flowers ˃ Cake ˃ Leaves.

Correlation Analysis of Phenolic Contents and Antioxidation in Yellow- and Black-Seeded Brassica napus

Brassica napus L. is rich in phenolic components and it has natural antioxidant characteristics which are important to human health. In the present study, the total phenolic and flavonoid contents of developing seeds of yellow- and black-seeded B. napus were compared. Both phenolic and flavonoid contents were significantly higher at 5 weeks after flowering (WAF) in black seeds (6.44 ± 0.97 mg EE/g phenolics and 3.78 ± 0.05 mg EE/g flavonoids) than yellow seeds (2.80 ± 0.13 mg/g phenolics and 0.83 ± 0.01 mg/g flavonoids). HPLC–DAD–ESI/MS analysis revealed different content of 56 phenolic components between yellow and black-seeded B. napus, including kaempferol-3-O-glucoside, isorhamnetin-3-O-glucoside, quercetin-3-O-sophoroside, procyanidin B2 ([DP 2]), which were significantly reduced in yellow seeds compared with black seeds. Applying the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical assay, we found maximum clearance of DPPH and ABTS in the late developmental stages of yellow and black seeds. Additionally, the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) value maximized at 5 WAF in black seeds (432.52 ± 69.98 μmol Fe (II)/g DW) and 6 WAF in yellow seeds (274.08 ± 2.40 μmol Fe (II)/g DW). Generally, antioxidant ability was significantly reduced in yellow-seeded B. napus compared to black rapeseed, and positive correlations between antioxidation and flavonoid content were found in both yellow- and black-seeded B. napus.

Evaluation of the Nutritional Quality of Chinese Kale (Brassica alboglabra Bailey) Using UHPLC-Quadrupole-Orbitrap MS/MS-Based Metabolomics

Chinese kale (Brassica alboglabra Bailey) is a widely consumed vegetable which is rich in antioxidants and anticarcinogenic compounds. Herein, we used an untargeted ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC)-Quadrupole-Orbitrap MS/MS-based metabolomics strategy to study the nutrient profiles of Chinese kale. Seven Chinese kale cultivars and three different edible parts were evaluated, and amino acids, sugars, organic acids, glucosinolates and phenolic compounds were analysed simultaneously. We found that two cultivars, a purple-stem cultivar W1 and a yellow-flower cultivar Y1, had more health-promoting compounds than others. The multivariate statistical analysis results showed that gluconapin was the most important contributor for discriminating both cultivars and edible parts. The purple-stem cultivar W1 had higher levels of some phenolic acids and flavonoids than the green stem cultivars. Compared to stems and leaves, the inflorescences contained more amino acids, glucosinolates and most of the phenolic acids. Meanwhile, the stems had the least amounts of phenolic compounds among the organs tested. Metabolomics is a powerful approach for the comprehensive understanding of vegetable nutritional quality. The results provide the basis for future metabolomics-guided breeding and nutritional quality improvement.

Anti-inflammatory properties of extracts from Chimonanthus nitens Oliv. leaf

Chimonanthus nitens Oliv. (CN) is a species in the family Calycanthaceae. Its leaf is widely used to make traditional herbal tea in southern China and has a wide range of therapeutic effects. The profile of the ethanol extracts from CN leaves was identified by UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS. Forty seven compounds were determined including organic acids, phenolic acids and derivatives, flavonoids, coumarins, fatty acids and other compounds. The effect of the CN extracts on the inflammatory damage in zebrafish and in RAW 264.7 cells was investigated. The extracts demonstrated a strong ability to inhibit the recruitment of neutrophils in LPS-stimulated zebrafish, but macrophage migration was not significantly affected. Pro-inflammatory cytokines (i.e., TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β) were also determined by q-PCR. The extracts strongly reduced mRNA expression of TNF-α, IL-6 but not IL-1β in zebrafish model, while significantly inhibited the production of the factors in the RAW 264.7 cells. Therefore, our results suggest that the ethanol extracts of CN leaves may serve as a source of nutraceutical compounds with anti-inflammatory properties.

Phytochemical Profiles and Antimicrobial Activities of Allium cepa Red cv. and A. sativum Subjected to Different Drying Methods: A Comparative MS-Based Metabolomics

Plants of the Allium genus produce sulphur compounds that give them a characteristic (alliaceous) flavour and mediate for their medicinal use. In this study, the chemical composition and antimicrobial properties of Allium cepa red cv. and A. sativum in the context of three different drying processes were assessed using metabolomics. Bulbs were dried using either microwave, air drying, or freeze drying and further subjected to chemical analysis of their composition of volatile and non-volatile metabolites. Volatiles were collected using solid phase micro-extraction (SPME) coupled to gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC/MS) with 42 identified volatiles including 30 sulphur compounds, four nitriles, three aromatics, and three esters. Profiling of the polar non-volatile metabolites via ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled to high resolution MS (UPLC/MS) annotated 51 metabolites including dipeptides, flavonoids, phenolic acids, and fatty acids. Major peaks in GC/MS or UPLC/MS contributing to the discrimination between A. sativum and A. cepa red cv. were assigned to sulphur compounds and flavonoids. Whereas sulphur conjugates amounted to the major forms in A. sativum, flavonoids predominated in the chemical composition of A. cepa red cv. With regard to drying impact on Allium metabolites, notable and clear separations among specimens were revealed using principal component analysis (PCA). The PCA scores plot of the UPLC/MS dataset showed closer metabolite composition of microwave dried specimens to freeze dried ones, and distant from air dried bulbs, observed in both A. cepa and A. sativum. Compared to GC/MS, the UPLC/MS derived PCA model was more consistent and better in assessing the impact of drying on Allium metabolism. A phthalate derivative was found exclusively in a commercial garlic preparation via GC/MS, of yet unknown origin. The freeze dried samples of both Allium species exhibited stronger antimicrobial activities compared to dried specimens with A. sativum being in general more active than A. cepa red cv.

Antihepatotoxic Effect and Metabolite Profiling of Panicum turgidum Extract via UPLC-qTOF-MS

Background:

Panicum turgidum, desert grass, has not reported any detailed phytochemical or biological study as yet

Objective:

To establish P. turgidum secondary metabolite profile and to assess its antihepatotoxic effect

Materials and Methods:

Ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) coupled to quadrupole high-resolution time of flight mass spectrometry (qTOF-MS) was used for large-scale secondary metabolites profiling in P. turgidum extract, alongside assessing median lethal dose (LD₅₀) and hepatoprotective effect against carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) intoxication

Results:

A total of 39 metabolites were identified with flavonoids as the major class present as O/C-glycosides of luteolin, apigenin, isorhamnetin and naringenin, most of which are first time to be reported in Panicum sp. Antihepatotoxic effect of P. turgidum crude extract was revealed via improving several biochemical marker levels and mitigation against oxidative stress in the serum and liver tissues, compared with CCl4 intoxicated group and further confirmed by histopathological examination.

Conclusion:

This study reveals that P. turgidum, enriched in C-flavonoids, presents a novel source of safe antihepatotoxic agents and further demonstrates the efficacy of UPLC-MS metabolomics in the field of natural products drug discovery.

SUMMARY

UPLC coupled to qTOF-MS was used for large scale secondary metabolites profiling in P. turgidum.

A total of 39 metabolites were identified with flavonoids amounting as the major metabolite class.

Anti-hepatotoxic effect of P. turgidum extract was revealed via several biochemical markers and histopathological examination.

This study reveals that P. turgidum, enriched in C-flavonoids, present a novel source of antihepatotoxic agents.

Abbreviations used: UPLC: Ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC), LD50: median lethal dose, MDA: malondialdehyde, GSH: glutathione reductase, CAT: catalase, SOD: superoxide dismutase, ALT: alanine aminotransferase, AST: aspartate aminotransferase, ALP: alkaline phosphatase, TG: triglycerides.

Metabolome based volatiles profiling in 13 date palm fruit varieties from Egypt via SPME GC-MS and chemometrics

Dates (Phoenix dactylifera L.) are distributed worldwide as major food complement providing a source of sugars and dietary fiber as well as macro- and micronutrients. Although phytochemical analyses of date fruit non-volatile metabolites have been reported, much less is known about the aroma given off by the fruit, which is critical for dissecting sensory properties and quality traits. Volatile constituents from 13 date varieties grown in Egypt were profiled using SPME-GCMS coupled to multivariate data analysis to explore date fruit aroma composition and investigate potential future uses by food industry. A total of 89 volatiles were identified where lipid-derived volatiles and phenylpropanoid derivatives were the major components of date fruit aroma. Multivariate data analyses revealed that 2,3-butanediol, hexanal, hexanol and cinnamaldehyde contributed the most to classification of different varieties. This study provides the most complete map of volatiles in Egyptian date fruit, with Siwi and Sheshi varieties exhibiting the most distinct aroma among studied date varieties.

Chemical Discrimination of Cortex Phellodendri amurensis and Cortex Phellodendri chinensis by Multivariate Analysis Approach

Background:

As herbal medicines have an important position in health care systems worldwide, their current assessment, and quality control are a major bottleneck. Cortex Phellodendri chinensis (CPC) and Cortex Phellodendri amurensis (CPA) are widely used in China, however, how to identify species of CPA and CPC has become urgent.

Materials and Methods:

In this study, multivariate analysis approach was performed to the investigation of chemical discrimination of CPA and CPC.

Results:

Principal component analysis showed that two herbs could be separated clearly. The chemical markers such as berberine, palmatine, phellodendrine, magnoflorine, obacunone, and obaculactone were identified through the orthogonal partial least squared discriminant analysis, and were identified tentatively by the accurate mass of quadruple-time-of-flight mass spectrometry. A total of 29 components can be used as the chemical markers for discrimination of CPA and CPC. Of them, phellodenrine is significantly higher in CPC than that of CPA, whereas obacunone and obaculactone are significantly higher in CPA than that of CPC.

Conclusion:

The present study proves that multivariate analysis approach based chemical analysis greatly contributes to the investigation of CPA and CPC, and showed that the identified chemical markers as a whole should be used to discriminate the two herbal medicines, and simultaneously the results also provided chemical information for their quality assessment.

SUMMARY

Multivariate analysis approach was performed to the investigate the herbal medicine

The chemical markers were identified through multivariate analysis approach

A total of 29 components can be used as the chemical markers.

UPLC-Q/TOF-MS-based multivariate analysis method for the herbal medicine samples

Abbreviations used: CPC: Cortex Phellodendri chinensis, CPA: Cortex Phellodendri amurensis, PCA: Principal component analysis, OPLS-DA: Orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis, BPI: Base peaks ion intensity

Pulsed electric field pretreatment of rapeseed green biomass (stems) to enhance pressing and extractives recovery

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of pulsed electric field (PEF) pretreatment on the valorization of extractives (proteins and polyphenols) from rapeseed green biomass (stems) by pressing. The effect of pressure, electric field strength and pulse number on the juice expression yield, total polyphenols and total proteins content in the expressed juices were studied. Experiments conducted under optimal conditions (E = 8 kV/cm, tPEF = 2 ms, P = 10 bar) permitted to increase the juice expressed yield from 34% to 81%. Significant increases in total polyphenols content (0.48 vs. 0.10 g GAE/100g DM), in total proteins content (0.14 vs. 0.07 g BSA/100g DM) and in consolidation coefficient (9.0 × 10(-8) vs. 2.2 × 10(-8)m(2)/s) were also observed after PEF pretreatment. The recovered press cake was well dehydrated with an increase of dry matter content from 8.8% to 53.0%.

Metabolomic Characterization of Hot Pepper (Capsicum annuum "CM334") during Fruit Development

Non-targeted metabolomic analysis of hot pepper (Capsicum annuum "CM334") was performed at six development stages [16, 25, 36, 38, 43, and 48 days post-anthesis (DPA)] to analyze biochemical changes. Distinct distribution patterns were observed in the changes of metabolites, gene expressions, and antioxidant activities by early (16-25 DPA), breaker (36-38 DPA), and later (43-48 DPA) stages. In the early stages, glycosides of luteolin, apigenin, and quercetin, shikimic acid, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), and putrescine were highly distributed but gradually decreased over the breaker stage. At later stages, leucine, isoleucine, proline, phenylalanine, capsaicin, dihydrocapsaicin, and kaempferol glycosides were significantly increased. Pathway analysis revealed metabolite-gene interactions in the biosynthesis of amino acids, capsaicinoids, fatty acid chains, and flavonoids. The changes in antioxidant activity were highly reflective of alterations in metabolites. The present study could provide useful information about nutrient content at each stage of pepper cultivation.

Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry coupled with multivariate analysis for the characterization and discrimination of extractable and nonextractable polyphenols and glucosinolates from red cabbage and Brussels sprout waste streams

Nonextractable polyphenol (NEP) fractions are usually ignored because conventional extraction methods do not release them from the plant matrix. In this study, we optimized the conditions for sonicated alkaline hydrolysis to the residues left after conventional polyphenol extraction of Brussels sprouts top (80°C, 4M NaOH, 30min) and stalks (60°C, 4M NaOH, 30min), and red cabbage waste streams (80°C, 4M NaOH, 45min) to release and characterize the NEP fraction. The NEP fractions of Brussels sprouts top (4.8±1.2mg gallic acid equivalents [GAE]/g dry waste) and stalks (3.3±0.2mg GAE/g dry waste), and red cabbage (11.5mg GAE/g dry waste) waste have significantly higher total polyphenol contents compared to their respective extractable polyphenol (EP) fractions (1.5±0.0, 2.0±0.0 and 3.7±0.0mg GAE/g dry waste, respectively). An LC-MS method combined with principal components analysis (PCA) and orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) was used to tentatively identify and discriminate the polyphenol and glucosinolate composition of the EP and NEP fractions. Results revealed that phenolic profiles of the EP and NEP fractions are different and some compounds are only found in either fraction in all of the plant matrices. This suggests the need to account both fractions when analyzing the polyphenol and glucosinolate profiles of plant matrices to attain a global view of their composition. This is the first report on the discrimination of the phenolic and glucosinolate profiles of the EP and NEP fractions using metabolomics techniques.

Metabolomics differentiation of canola genotypes: toward an understanding of canola allelochemicals

Allelopathy is one crop attribute that could be incorporated in an integrated weed management system as a supplement to synthetic herbicides. However, the underlying principles of crop allelopathy and secondary metabolite production are still poorly understood including in canola. In this study, an allelopathic bioassay and a metabolomic analysis were conducted to compare three non-allelopathic and three allelopathic canola genotypes. Results from the laboratory bioassay showed that there were significant differences among canola genotypes in their ability to inhibit root and shoot growth of the receiver annual ryegrass; impacts ranged from 14% (cv. Atr-409) to 76% (cv. Pak85388-502) and 0% (cv. Atr-409) to 45% (cv. Pak85388-502) inhibition respectively. The root length of canola also differed significantly between genotypes, there being a non-significant negative interaction (r = -0.71; y = 0.303x + 21.33) between the root length of donor canola and of receiver annual ryegrass. Variation in chemical composition was detected between organs (root extracts, shoot extracts) and root exudates and also between canola genotypes. Root extracts contained more secondary metabolites than shoot extracts while fewer compounds were recorded in the root exudates. Individual compound assessments identified a total of 14 secondary metabolites which were identified from the six tested genotypes. However, only Pak85388-502 and Av-opal exuded sinapyl alcohol, p-hydroxybenzoic acid and 3,5,6,7,8-pentahydroxy flavones in agar growth medium, suggesting that the synergistic effect of these compounds playing a role for canola allelopathy against annual ryegrass in vitro.

Analysis of flavonoids and hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives in rapeseeds (Brassica napus L. var. napus) by HPLC-PDA--ESI(--)-MS(n)/HRMS

A comprehensive description of flavonoids and hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives in Brassica napus L. var. napus seeds is important to improve rapeseed quality. HPLC-PDA-ESI(-)-MS(n)/HRMS has been broadly applied to study phenolic compounds in plants. In the present study, crude phenolic compounds extracted from rapeseed were subjected to column chromatography, alkaline hydrolysis, and HPLC-PDA-ESI(-)-MS(n)/HRMS analysis. A total of 91 flavonoids and hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives were detected, including 39 kaempferol derivatives, 11 isorhamnetin derivatives, 5 quercetin derivatives, 6 flavanols and their oligomers, and 30 hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives. A total of 78 of these compounds were tentatively identified; of these, 55 were reported for the first time in B. napus L. var. napus and 24 were detected for the first time in the genus Brassica. This research enriches our knowledge of the phenolic composition of rapeseed and provides a reliable guide for the selection of rapeseed with valuable breeding potential.

Metabolomics driven analysis of artichoke leaf and its commercial products via UHPLC-q-TOF-MS and chemometrics

The demand to develop efficient and reliable analytical methods for the quality control of herbal medicines and nutraceuticals is on the rise, together with an increase in the legal requirements for safe and consistent levels of active principles. Here, we describe an ultra-high performance liquid chromatography method (UHPLC) coupled with quadrupole high resolution time of flight mass spectrometry (qTOF-MS) analysis for the comprehensive measurement of metabolites from three Cynara scolymus (artichoke) cultivars: American Green Globe, French Hyrious, and Egyptian Baladi. Under optimized conditions, 50 metabolites were simultaneously quantified and identified including: eight caffeic acid derivatives, six saponins, 12 flavonoids and 10 fatty acids. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to define both similarities and differences among the three artichoke leaf cultivars. In addition, batches from seven commercially available artichoke market products were analysed and showed variable quality, particularly in caffeic acid derivatives, flavonoid and fatty acid contents. PCA analysis was able to discriminate between various preparations, including differentiation between various batches from the same supplier. To the best of our knowledge, this study provides the first approach utilizing UHPLC-MS based metabolite fingerprinting to reveal secondary metabolite compositional differences in artichoke leaf extracts.

Biophenols and antioxidant properties of Australian canola meal

During the extraction of canola oil, large quantities of meal are produced. Extracting biophenols from Australian canola meal (ACM) adds value to an otherwise low-value agro-industrial byproduct. This study examined the biophenol content and the antioxidant activity of ACM, the impact of extraction conditions, and varietal differences. Sinapine was the principal biophenol in ACM. In crude and hydrolyzed extracts, 31 compounds were identified: 2 dihexosides, 2 organic acids, 4 glucosinolates, 17 sinapic acid derivatives, 2 cyclic spermidine alkaloids, caffeic acid and its dihexoside, kaempferol, and its C-glucoside. ACM showed significant free radical scavenging activity in DPPH(•) and ABTS(•+) assays. Sinapine was the chief contributor to ACM antioxidant activity, whereas kaempferol sinapoyl triglucoside isomer was the most potent antioxidant. Biophenol content ranged between 12.8 and 15.4 mg GAE/g DW. Differences among studied cultivars were generally quantitative. The Tarcoola cultivar showed the highest biophenol content and antioxidant activity.

Phytochemical analysis and anti-inflammatory potential of Hyphaene thebaica L. fruit

Metabolite profiling and biological activity are reported from organic and aqueous extracts of the fruit from the desert palm Hyphaene thebaica. Phenolics and oxylipids profiles were determined using UPLC-PDA-TOF (ultra performance-photodiode array-time of flight) high-resolution mass spectrometry in order to obtain the molecular formula and exact mass Under optimized conditions, 17 compounds were simultaneously identified and quantified including 2 cinnamic acid derivatives, 5 flavonoids, 6 fatty acids, 2 sphingolipids, a lignan, and a stilbene. Sugars composition in the fruit was characterized and quantified by (1) H-NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance) with sucrose detected as the major component in fruit at a level of 219 mg/g. Fruit organic extracts anti-inflammatory potential was assessed in vitro by cyclooxygenase-1 enzyme inhibition.