Specialized metabolites contributing to colour and scent volatiles in Uvaria hamiltonii flowers

Nat Prod Res. 2021 Jan;35(1):140-143. doi: 10.1080/14786419.2019.1610959. Epub 2019 Jun 11.

Abstract

The present study focuses on the emitted and endogenous scent profiles of Uvaria hamiltonii flowers. Among the 34 compounds identified, sesquiterpenoids were found to dominate the floral volatiles composition. Profiles from endogenous scent volatiles showed higher number of compounds than the emitted ones. The anthocyanin pigment responsible for the flower colour was also explored. It was found that a single anthocyanin compound, cyanidin-3-O-glucoside, was principally responsible for petal colour. Total phenolic content was evaluated and antioxidant capacities were studied with the help of DPPH, FRAP and ABTS assays. The total phenolic content and the antioxidant capacity were higher in methanolic extract as compared to aqueous, petroleum ether and ethyl acetate extracts of U. hamiltonii flowers.

Keywords: Uvaria hamiltonii; anthocyanin pigment; antioxidant capacity; floral volatiles.

MeSH terms

  • Anthocyanins / analysis
  • Anthocyanins / metabolism*
  • Antioxidants / analysis
  • Antioxidants / chemistry
  • Flowers / chemistry
  • Flowers / physiology*
  • Odorants / analysis
  • Phenols / analysis
  • Pigmentation
  • Plant Extracts / chemistry
  • Uvaria / chemistry*
  • Uvaria / metabolism*
  • Volatile Organic Compounds / analysis
  • Volatile Organic Compounds / metabolism*

Substances

  • Anthocyanins
  • Antioxidants
  • Phenols
  • Plant Extracts
  • Volatile Organic Compounds
  • cyanidin-3-O-beta-glucopyranoside