Kinetic changes in glucosinolate-derived volatiles by heat-treatment and myrosinase activity in nakajimana (Brassica rapa L. cv. nakajimana)

J Agric Food Chem. 2011 Oct 26;59(20):11034-9. doi: 10.1021/jf201626z. Epub 2011 Sep 30.

Abstract

Nakajimana (Brassica rapa L. cv. nakajimana), of the family Brassicaceae, is a traditional vegetable in Japan. Three isothiocyanates and five cyanides in the leaves of nakajimana were identified by gas chromatography (GC) and GC-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and their kinetic changes using heat-treatment (temperature and time) were investigated. In addition, myrosinase activity of extracts prepared from fresh nakajimana leaf was determined. In crushed heat-treated leaves of nakajimana (70 °C for 30 s), formation of isothiocyanates and myrosinase activity increased, whereas formation of 1-cyano-3,4-epithiobutane and 1-cyano-4,5-epithiopentane decreased. Heat-treatment can significantly alter the content of potentially beneficial compounds in nakajimana, and ingestion of suitable isothiocyanates for human health may be better facilitated by mild boiling.

MeSH terms

  • Brassica rapa / chemistry*
  • Cyanides / analysis
  • Drug Stability
  • Glucosinolates / analysis
  • Glucosinolates / chemistry*
  • Glycoside Hydrolases / metabolism*
  • Hot Temperature*
  • Isothiocyanates / analysis
  • Isothiocyanates / chemistry
  • Japan
  • Kinetics
  • Plant Leaves / chemistry
  • Plant Leaves / enzymology
  • Volatilization

Substances

  • Cyanides
  • Glucosinolates
  • Isothiocyanates
  • Glycoside Hydrolases
  • thioglucosidase