The content and profile of biologically active compounds present in individual parts of nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus L.): comprehensive study

Abstract

The nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus L.) contains many biologically active compounds with very promising efects on human health. Our attention was paid to glucotropaeolin and phenolic compounds that were simultaneously determined in different parts of nasturtium using rapid reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry. Mainly isomers of hydroxycinnamic acid and derivatives of quinic acid, kaempferol, and quercetin were present. Moreover, many of them were identifed for the frst time. Their representation varied signifcantly depending on the part of nasturtium (fower, stem, seed, and leaf). Although the highest total concentration of the target compounds was found in leaves, all monitored compounds were present in flowers at concentrations higher than their limit of quantifcation. Furthermore, the efect of sample pre-treatment (drying and freezing) on their content was investigated. Surprisingly, frozen samples showed a considerable reduction in glucotropaeolin content. Finally, antioxidant capacity, total phenolic content, and total anthocyanin content were determined using spectrophotometric techniques and the results were compared to chromatographic data.