Phenolic and Carotenoid Profile of Lamb’s Lettuce and Improvement of the Bioactive Content by Preharvest Conditions

Abstract

This study characterizes the phenolic, carotenoid and chlorophyll profile of lamb’s lettuce, a vegetable whose consumption in salads and ready-to-eat products is constantly growing. The MS/MS analysis allowed the identification of thirty-five phenolic compounds including hydroxybenzoic and hydroxycinnamic acids, flavanones, flavanols and flavanones, many of which are reported here in lamb’s lettuce for the first time. Chlorogenic acid was the principal phenolic compound found (57.1% of the total phenolic concentration) followed by its isomer cis-5-caffeoylquinic. Other major phenolic compounds were also hydroxycinnamic acids (coumaroylquinic, dicaffeoylquinic and feruloylquinic acids) as well as the flavones luteolin-7-rutinoside, diosmetin-apiosylglucoside and diosmin. Regarding carotenoids, seven xanthophyll and four carotenes, among which β-carotene and lutein were the major compounds, were detected from their UV-Vis absorption spectrum. In addition, chlorophylls a and b, their isomers and derivatives (pheophytin) were identified. Preharvest factors such as reduced fertilization levels or salinity increased some secondary metabolites, highlighting the importance of these factors on the final nutritional value of plant foods. Lamb’s lettuce was seen to be a good potential source of bioactive compounds, and fertilization management might be considered a useful tool for increasing its nutritional interest.

Effects of NaCl and CaCl2 as Eustress Factors on Growth, Yield, and Mineral Composition of Hydroponically Grown Valerianella locusta

“…The commercial interest for corn salad has increased due to its leaves’ mild and delicate taste, and overall dietary characteristics and rich bioactive compound content [ 14 , 15 ]. Towards that end, the rosettes are known to contain several bioactive compounds, such as vitamin C, carotenoids, phenols, folic acid, sterols, and omega-3 fatty acids [ 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 ]. This commercial interest has encouraged producers around Europe to grow lamb’s lettuce on different scales, large or small, either in greenhouses or in open fields, and sell their produce to supermarkets and delicatessen restaurant supply chains [ 9 ].…”

Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Activity of Lettuce Grown in Different Mixtures of Monogastric-Based Manure With Lunar and Martian Soils

“…The increase in lutein and β-carotene achieved in plants grown on the 50:50 mixtures was consistent with findings on lettuce by Kim et al (58) following increasing doses of soil amendment. In the same line, Hernández et al (85) suggested that reduced nitrogen availability resulted in reduced amounts of carotenoids, whereas high salinity induced the biosynthesis of these compounds. High amounts of carotenoids, such as lutein and β-carotene, may play a protective role against oxidative stress since they act as reactive oxygen species scavengers and quenchers of free radicals (11).…”

Analysis of Chlorophyll and Carotenoids Content in Brassica Chinensis Plants Using IoT-Based Sprinkle Irrigation

“…Chlorophyll and carotenoids were calculated by the absorbance method using a spectrophotometer (Shah, Houborg, and McCabe 2017), (Guberman-Pfeffer and Gascón 2018), (Hernández et al 2021). The chlorophyll test stages included, carefully weighing 0.5 g of the samples, addition of 10 mL of 100% methanol with a pipette, and then centrifuging at a speed of 4,500 rpm for 10 minutes.…”