Accumulation Pattern of Flavonoids during Fruit Development of Lonicera maackii Determined by Metabolomics

Abstract

Lonicera maackii (Caprifoliaceae) is a large, upright shrub with fruits that contain many bioactive compounds. Flavonoids are common active substances in L. maackii. However, there is a dearth of information about the accumulation of these flavonoids and their possible medicinal value. We used targeted metabolomics analysis based on ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) to analyze five developmental stages of L. maackii fruit. A total of 438 metabolites were identified in the five developmental stages, including 81 flavonoids and derivatives. The 81 flavonoids included 25 flavones and derivatives, 35 flavonols and derivatives, two isoflavones, three cyanidins and derivatives, eight procyanidins, and eight flavanones. In addition, we outlined the putative flavonoid biosynthesis pathway and screened their upstream metabolites. More importantly, we analyzed the accumulation patterns of several typical flavones and flavonols. The results reported here improved our understanding of the dynamic changes in flavonoids during fruit development and contributed to making full use of the medicinal value of L. maackii fruit.

Phenolic Compounds, Vitamins C and E and Antioxidant Activity of Edible Honeysuckle Berries (Lonicera caerulea L. var. kamtschatica Pojark) in Relation to Their Origin

“…Flavonoid contents may be strongly affected by genetic heritage and epigenetic modification as mechanisms of plant responses to environmental stress [ 35 ]. Qi et al, 2020 reported dynamic changes and significant differences in the accumulation of flavonoids during the development stages of Lonicera maackii fruit [ 38 ]. Quercetin and rutin as the most common flavonoids show therapeutic effects; the former influences lipid accumulation and eliminates inflammation in non-alcoholic fatty liver, the other can attenuate neuroinflammation, improve memory deficits and delay pathological processes of Alzheimer’s disease [ 38 ].…”

“…Qi et al, 2020 reported dynamic changes and significant differences in the accumulation of flavonoids during the development stages of Lonicera maackii fruit [ 38 ]. Quercetin and rutin as the most common flavonoids show therapeutic effects; the former influences lipid accumulation and eliminates inflammation in non-alcoholic fatty liver, the other can attenuate neuroinflammation, improve memory deficits and delay pathological processes of Alzheimer’s disease [ 38 ]. Catechins also provide several health benefits by scavenging free radicals and directly affect the properties of the skin by activating synthesis of collagen [ 39 ].…”