Volatilomic Analysis of Four Edible Flowers from Agastache Genus

Abstract

Volatilomes emitted from edible flowers of two species of Agastache (A. aurantiaca (A.Gray) Lint & Epling, and A. mexicana (Kunth) Lint & Epling) and from two hybrids (Agastache ‘Arcado Pink’ and Agastache ‘Blue Boa’) were investigated using a solid-phase microextraction technique as well as the extraction of its essential oils. Oxygenated monoterpenes were almost always the predominant class (>85%) of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in each sample of A. aurantiaca, A. ‘Blue Boa’ and A. mexicana, with the exception of A. ‘Arcado Pink’ (38.6%). Pulegone was the main compound in A. aurantiaca (76.7%) and A. ‘Blue Boa’ (82.4%), while geranyl acetate (37.5%) followed by geraniol (16%) and geranial (17%) were the principal ones in A. mexicana. The essential oil composition showed the same behavior as the VOCs both for the main class as well as the major constituent (pulegone) with the same exception for A. mexicana. Total soluble sugars, secondary metabolites (polyphenols, flavonoids and anthocyanins) and antioxidant activity were also investigated to emphasize the nutraceutical properties of these edible flowers.

Bioactive Compounds and Aroma Profile of Some Lamiaceae Edible Flowers

“…Fresh flowers were picked e replica, and stored at −80 °C. Froz total polyphenolic content (TPC) ( content [17]. Radical scavenging a as IC50 (mg/mL).…”

“…Supplemental irrigations with water were carried out according to the needs of the plants and the season in order to avoid water stress to the plants. The plants were grown applying the organic cultivation method (without pesticides), using antagonist insects (Koppert Italia Srl., Bussolengo, VR, Italy) and microorganisms [17]. Full-bloom flowers were picked during their flowering time (see Table 1).…”

“…Fresh flowers were picked early in the morning, divided into three homogeneous biological replica, and stored at −80 • C. Frozen samples (200 mg) were used to quantify total carotenoid [130], total polyphenolic content (TPC) (Folin-Ciocalteu method, according to [17]), and total anthocyanins content [17]. Radical scavenging activity was determined by DPPH assay [131], reporting the results as IC 50 (mg/mL).…”

“…Radical scavenging activity was determined by DPPH assay [131], reporting the results as IC 50 (mg/mL). Soluble sugars (D-glucose, D-fructose and sucrose), total ascorbate (ASA TOT ) and reduced ascorbate (ASA) were quantified as described in Najar et al [17]. All measurements were performed with an ultraviolet (UV)-1800 spectrophotometer (Shimadzu Corp., Kyoto, Japan).…”

Trace Elements in Edible Flowers from Italy: Further Insights into Health Benefits and Risks to Consumers

“…All species were grown at CREA in a greenhouse with anti-insect net, and fertirrigated with nutrient solution (Ferti 3, Planta-Dȕngemittel, Regenstauf, Germany) every week. The plants were grown organically without the use of pesticides as reported in Najar et al [ 114 ]. Briefly, antagonist insects ( Adalia bipunctata , Aphidius colemani , Amblyseius swirskii , Chrysoperla carnea , Phytoseiulus persimilis - Koppert Italia Srl., Bussolengo, VR, Italy) and Bacillus thuringensis subsp.…”