Advisor(s)
Abstract(s)
Seeds of Brassica oleracea var. acephala (kale) were analyzed by HPLC/UV-PAD/MSn-ESI.
Several phenolic acids and flavonol derivatives were identified. The seeds of this B. oleracea
variety exhibited more flavonol derivatives than those of tronchuda cabbage (Brassica oleracea var.
costata), also characterized in this paper. Quercetin and isorhamnetin derivatives were found only in
kale seeds. Oxalic, aconitic, citric, pyruvic, malic, quinic, shikimic, and fumaric acids were the
organic acids present in these matrices, malic acid being predominant in kale and citric acid in
tronchuda cabbage seeds. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory activity was determined in
aqueous extracts from both seeds. Kale leaves and butterflies, larvae, and excrements of Pieris
brassicae reared on kale were also evaluated. Kale seeds were the most effective AChE inhibitor,
followed by tronchuda cabbage seeds and kale leaves. With regard to P. brassicae material,
excrements exhibited stronger inhibitory capacity. These results may be explained by the presence
of sinapine, an analogue of acetylcholine, only in seed materials. A strong concentration-dependent
antioxidant capacity against DPPH, nitric oxide, and superoxide radicals was observed for kale
seeds.
Description
Keywords
Brassica oleracea L. var. acephala Brassica oleracea L. var. costata Seeds Pieris bassicae Phenolic compounds Organic acids
Citation
Ferreres, F.; Fernandes, F.; Sousa, C.; Valentão, P.; Pereira, J.A.; Andrade, P.B. (2009). Metabolic and bioactivity insights into Brassica oleracea var. acephala. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. ISSN 0021-8561. 57:19, p. 8884-8892