Characterization of volatile organic compounds with anti-atherosclerosis effects in Allium macrostemon Bge. and Allium chinense G. Don by head space solid phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography tandem mass spectrometry

Abstract

IntroductionAllium macrostemon Bge. (AMB) and Allium chinense G. Don (ACGD) are both edible Allium vegetables and named officinal Xiebai (or Allii Macrostemonis Bulbus) in East Asia. Their medicinal qualities involve in lipid lowering and anti-atherosclerosis effects. And steroidal saponins, nitrogenous compounds and sulfur compounds are like the beneficial components responsible for medicinal functions. Sulfur compounds are the recognized main components both in the volatile oils of AMB and ACGD. Besides, few researches were reported about their holistic chemical profiles of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and pharmacodynamic effects.MethodsIn this study, we first investigated the lipid-lowering and anti-atherosclerotic effects of volatile oils derived from AMB and ACGD in ApoE–/– mice with high fat and high cholesterol diets.ResultsThe results showed the volatile oils of AMB and ACGD both could markedly reduce serum levels of TG, TC, and LDL-C (p < 0.05), and had no alterations of HDL-C, ALT, and AST levels (p > 0.05). Pathological results displayed they both could obviously improve the morphology of cardiomyocytes and the degree of myocardial fibrosis in model mice. Meanwhile, oil red O staining results also proved they could apparently decrease the lesion areas of plaques in the aortic intima (p < 0.05). Furthermore, head space solid phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography tandem mass spectrometry combined with metabolomics analysis was performed to characterize the VOCs profiles of AMB and ACGD, and screen their differential VOCs. A total of 121 and 115 VOCs were identified or tentatively characterized in the volatile oils of AMB and ACGD, respectively. Relative-quantification results also confirmed sulfur compounds, aldehydes, and heterocyclic compounds accounted for about 85.6% in AMB bulbs, while approximately 86.6% in ACGD bulbs were attributed to sulfur compounds, ketones, and heterocyclic compounds. Multivariate statistical analysis showed 62 differentially expressed VOCs were observed between AMB and ACGD, of which 17 sulfur compounds were found to be closely associated with the garlic flavor and efficacy.DiscussionTaken together, this study was the first analysis of holistic chemical profiles and anti-atherosclerosis effects of AMB and ACGD volatile oils, and would benefit the understanding of effective components in AMB and ACGD.

Deciphering the benefits and intensity levels of primary metabolites from Allium macrostemon Bunge and Allium chinense G. Don

“…In our previous studies, volatile sulfur-containing compounds, nitrogen-containing compounds, and steroidal saponins are identified as the active compounds for these pharmacological activities in these two Allium herbs [ 4 , 5 ]. This was because we had proved the volatile organic compounds and their extracts both demonstrated close anti-atherosclerosis effects and lipid lowering activity [ 20 , 29 ]. Some steroidal saponins showed significant platelet inhibitory activity [ 6 ].…”

“…Actually, these secondary metabolites were biosynthesized by a series of enzymatic reactions of primary metabolites. The chemical profiles, visual spatial distribution, and absolute quantification of these secondary metabolites were presented in previous studies [ 6 , 12 , 13 , 17 , 20 , 29 ]. However, except amino acids, limited researches about their primary metabolites were reported.…”

RAD-Seq analysis of wild Japanese garlic (Allium macrostemon Bunge) growing in Japan revealed that this neglected crop was previously actively utilized

“…The leaves of A. macrostemon contain valuable constituents, such as flavonoids 16 , caffeic acid 17 , and phenolic compounds 18 , 19 , suggesting potential utility in herbal medicine. Additionally, the plant's volatile organic compounds possess medicinal properties, including lipid-lowering and anti-atherosclerosis effects 20 . These discoveries underscore the remarkable potential of A. macrostemon as a herbal medicine.…”