Metabolic profiling of glucosinolates, anthocyanins, carotenoids, and other secondary metabolites in kohlrabi (Brassica oleracea var. gongylodes)

J Agric Food Chem. 2012 Aug 22;60(33):8111-6. doi: 10.1021/jf301667j. Epub 2012 Aug 13.

Abstract

We profiled and quantified glucosinolates, anthocyanins, carotenoids, and other secondary metabolites in the skin and flesh of pale green and purple kohlrabis. Analysis of these distinct kohlrabis revealed the presence of 8 glucosinolates, 12 anthocyanins, 2 carotenoids, and 7 phenylpropanoids. Glucosinolate contents varied among the different parts and types of kohlrabi. Glucoerucin contents were 4-fold higher in the flesh of purple kohlrabi than those in the skin. Among the 12 anthocyanins, cyanidin 3-(feruloyl)(sinapoyl) diglucoside-5-glucoside levels were the highest. Carotenoid levels were much higher in the skins than the flesh of both types of kohlrabi. The levels of most phenylpropanoids were higher in purple kohlrabi than in pale green ones. trans-Cinnamic acid content was 12.7-fold higher in the flesh of purple kohlrabi than that in the pale green ones. Thus, the amounts of glucosinolates, anthocyanins, carotenoids, and phenylpropanoids varied widely, and the variations in these compounds between the two types of kohlrabi were significant.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Anthocyanins / analysis*
  • Anthocyanins / metabolism
  • Brassica / chemistry*
  • Carotenoids / analysis*
  • Carotenoids / metabolism
  • Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid
  • Glucosinolates / analysis*
  • Glucosinolates / metabolism
  • Mass Spectrometry
  • Metabolome*
  • Plant Extracts / analysis
  • Plant Extracts / chemistry

Substances

  • Anthocyanins
  • Glucosinolates
  • Plant Extracts
  • Carotenoids