Chemometric Classification of Different Tree Peony Species Native to China Based on the Assessment of Major Fatty Acids of Seed Oil and Phenotypic Characteristics of the Seeds

Abstract

In the present study, we quantitatively measured five major fatty acids (FA) in seed oil using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and examined four phenotypic characteristics of the seeds from 19 populations from nine wild tree peony species native to China. The results showed that the unsaturated FAs contents were dominant, of which α-linolenic acid (ALA), linoleic acid, and oleic acid (OA) contents ranged from 14.84 to 42.54 g/100 g, 7.33 to 19.66 g/100 g, and 15.07 - 35.31 g/100 g crude oil, respectively. The phenotypic seed characteristics, such as thousand seed weight (244.01 - 1772.91 g), seed volume (91.31 - 1000.79 mm ), weight rate of kernel and coat (1.29 - 3.62) and oil extraction ratio (20.32 - 34.69%), dramatically varied. Based on the contents of the five FAs, the nine species were classified into two groups. The species belonging to subsection Vaginatae were arranged in cluster I and were characterized by high ALA content. Cluster II, consistent with subsection Delavayanae, had a high OA content. From horizontal and vertical perspectives, the natural distribution areas of these two groups were different, reflecting differences in the FA contents and phenotypic seed characteristics. In conclusion, the FAs composition could be used as a chemotaxonomic marker for tree peony species.

Variation in Phenolic Content, Profile, and Antioxidant Activity of Seeds among Different Paeonia ostii Cultivated Populations in China

“…The seeds of P . ostii are rich in unsaturated fatty acids such as α ‐linolenic acid, linoleic acid, and oleic acid, which have positive effects on human health . The seeds have been authenticated as a new resource of functional food since 2011, and the plantation of P .…”

Characterization of the Complete Chloroplast Genomes of Sequences of Two Diploid Species: Paeonia lactiflora ‘Da Fugui’ and Paeonia ostii ‘Fengdan’ in the Paeoniaceae Family

“…Paeonia ostii 'Fengdan' have high seed setting rate and full seeds. Recent studies proved that its seeds contain rich unsaturated fatty acids, such as alpha linolenic acid, linoleic acid and oleic acid [3][4][5], and has a positive effect on human health [6]. Paeonia lactiflora 'Da Fugui' belongs to the Paeonia lactiflora, which is a traditional variety.…”

Nutrients, fatty acid composition and antioxidant activity of the flowers and seed oils in wild populations of Paeonia ludlowii

“…Meanwhile, the flowers of Paeonia species are edible, and many of them are widely used as delicacies for refreshments (Shi et al, 2006). Edible as α -linolenic acid, oleic acid, and linoleic acid (Yu et al, 2016;Zhang et al, 2017b). Li et al (2015) also found six cultivars had high FA yield selected from 60 ornamental cultivars of tree peony.…”