LC–MS metabolomics analysis of Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni leaves cultivated in Malaysia in relation to different developmental stages

Abstract

Introduction Stevia is known for its sweet taste, attributed to the presence of steviol glycosides. Although reports on the dynamic changes of steviol glycosides during development of stevia are available, the data are mainly focused on stevioside and rebaudioside A. Information concerning the comprehensive metabolite profile of stevia in relation to different developmental stages is still lacking. Objective This study investigated the metabolite changes along the developmental stages of a local stevia cultivar. Methodology Stevia leaves were harvested at 4 different developmental stages (early vegetative, late vegetative, budding, and flowering). Samples were then subjected to LC–MS metabolomics analysis to determine the metabolite variations. Results A total of 55 metabolites, comprising phenolic acids, flavonoids, and terpenoids were identified by MS/MS analysis of the stevia leaf extracts, revealing a metabolite profile which was comparatively similar with those of cultivars grown in other countries. PLS‐DA differentiated the early vegetative stage stevia leaf samples from those of the later stages by higher content of phenolic acids. The leaf metabolomes of the later 3 stages (late vegetative, budding, and flowering) were collectively richer in flavonoids. Meanwhile, the content of steviol glycosides is highest during the late vegetative and budding stages. Conclusion The present study provided, for the first time, a general overview of the metabolite variations with regard to the different developmental stages of stevia. The information may facilitate decision making of suitable harvesting times for higher yields of steviol glycosides or a more balanced metabolite profile in terms of pharmacologically useful metabolites.

Rosa davurica Pall., Rosa rugosa Thumb., and Rosa acicularis Lindl. Originating from Far Eastern Russia: Screening of 146 Chemical Constituents in Three Species of the Genus Rosa

“…Stevia rebaudiana [29]; Rosa rugosa [30]; Mexican lupine species [33]; Rapeseed petals [36] Rosmarinus officinalis [20]; Andean blueberry [28]; Rosa rugosa [30]; Propolis [31]; Bougainvillea [21]; Andean blueberry [28]; Rhus coriaria [32]; Lonicera japonicum [34]; Potato leaves [35]; Rapeseed petals [28]; Vaccinium macrocarpon [55] * Compounds identified for the first time in genus Rosa.…”

“…The flavones Apigenin (compound 2), Chrysoeriol (compound 3), Isovitexin (compound 16), and flavonol Isokaempferide (compound 22) have been already characterized as components of Mentha [26], Hedyotis diffusa [27], Andean blueberry [28], Stevia rebaudiana [29], Rosa rugosa [30], Propolis [31], Rhus coriaria [32], Mexican lupine species [33] The [M + H] + ion produced two fragment ions at m/z 330 and m/z 212 (Figure 5). The fragment ion with m/z 330 yielded one daughter ion at m/z 314.…”

Fine-Scale Characterization of Plant Diterpene Glycosides Using Energy-Resolved Untargeted LC-MS/MS Metabolomics Analysis

“…Liquid chromatography–high resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS/MS) is a powerful tool for metabolome exploration . Various LC-MS/MS techniques have been employed to identify diterpene glycosides in S. rebaudiana . ,,, The current LC-HRMS/MS techniques are often complex, time-consuming, and difficult for accurate glycan recognition of diterpene glycosides. To address these issues and achieve efficient and precise fine-scale characterization of diterpene glycosides, a strategy based on energy-resolved untargeted LC-MS/MS metabolomics analysis was proposed.…”

A Novel Bacillus safensis-Based Formulation along with Mycorrhiza Inoculation for Controlling Alternaria alternata and Simultaneously Improving Growth, Nutrient Uptake, and Steviol Glycosides in Stevia rebaudiana under Field Conditions

“…The two main SGs are stevioside and rebaudioside-A, which are 300 and 420 times sweeter than sucrose and have a longer shelf life [ 7 ]. The biosynthesis of SGs shows the plastidial 2-C-methyl-D-erythritol- 4-phosphate pathway (MEP pathway), which is similar to that of gibberellin [ 8 ]. It has many steps in the MEP pathway; among them, the last step of SG biosynthesis is present in the cytosol of a plant cell, catalyzed by uridine diphospahate-(UDP) glycosyltransferases (UGTs) [ 9 ].…”