Profiling of Redox-Active Lipophilic Constituents in Leaf Mustard (Brassica juncea (L.) Czern.) Cultivars Using LC-MS and GC-MS

Abstract

Leaf mustard is an important commercial and culinary vegetable. However, only limited information is available on the content and composition of the nutritionally important lipophilic constituents in these leaves. This research presents information on the contents and composition of carotenoids, tocols, phytosterols, and fatty acids in four cultivars of leaf mustard. The carotenoids and tocols were analyzed utilizing liquid chromatography (LC)–mass spectrometry (MS) with single ion monitoring (SIM), while phytosterols and fatty acids were analyzed using gas chromatography (GC)–MS and GC-flame ionization detection (FID), respectively. The LC–MS results revealed the dominance of (all-E)-lutein, within the range of 37.12 (cv. Asia Curled)—43.54% (cv. Jeok) of the total carotenoids. The highest amount of all of the individual carotenoids and total carotenoids (143.85 µg/g fresh weight; FW) were recorded in cv. Cheong. Among the studied leaf samples, 67.16 (cv. Asia Curled)—83.42 µg/g FW (cv. Cheong) of α-tocopherol was recorded. Among the phytosterols, β-sitosterol was the most dominant one among the studied mustard leaves, accounting for 80.42 (cv. Jeok)—83.14% (cv. Red frill) of the total phytosterols. The fatty acid analysis revealed the presence of a significant amount of rare hexadecatrienoic acid (C16:3n3) in the studied mustard leaves, which accounted for 27.17 (cv. Asia Curled)—32.59% (cv. Red frill) of the total fatty acids. Overall, the cv. Cheong represented the highest contents of carotenoids, tocols, and phytosterols. Moreover, cv. Red frill contains the highest amount of n-3 PUFAs and antioxidant compounds. Thus, these cultivars can be promoted in cuisines which can be eaten to obtain the highest health benefits.

Profiling the Bioactive Compounds in Broccoli Heads with Varying Organ Sizes and Growing Seasons

“…Among these phytosterols, beta-sitosterol acetate, lanosterin, and cholesterol were low or nearly undetectable in broccoli heads. The phytosterol profiles identified in the present study are consistent with previous reports that beta-sitosterol is the predominant phytosterol in mustard leaves, accounting for over 80% of the total phytosterols [15].…”

“…Carotenoids are natural tetraterpenoid pigments with an essential role in photosynthesis [13]. Phytosterols, Plants 2024, 13, 1329 2 of 13 as another class of natural health-beneficial products, have strong anti-inflammatory properties and have been associated with reduced risks of cardiovascular and heart attack and maintaining blood cholesterol levels [14,15]. Excessive blood cholesterol is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases [16].…”

Carotenoid and Tocopherol Profiling in 18 Korean Traditional Green Leafy Vegetables by LC-SIM-MS

“…Asia Curled) to 83.4 µg/g FW (cv. Cheong) [ 62 ]. In another recent study on GLVs, α-tocopherol levels ranging from 22.0 µg/g FW in spinach to 87.7 µg/g FW in Moringa were recorded [ 43 ].…”

Discrimination between the Triglyceride Form and the Ethyl Ester Form of Fish Oil Using Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry

“…The extent of rationalization of the application of the method was confirmed [26,27]. In a previous study, it was demonstrated that gas chromatography-flame ionization detection (FID) analysis was suitable for the FA profiling of agricultural products such as different mustard varieties [28]. Compared to GC-FID, GC-MS could provide more structural information.…”