Analysis and determination of phytosterols and triterpenes in different inbred lines of Djulis (Chenopodium formosanum Koidz.) hull: A potential source of novel bioactive ingredients

Abstract

Djulis (Chenopodiun formosaneum Koidz.,), pseudo-cereal crop emerged as a potential source of functional ingredients, was used to identify phytosterols and triterpenes from seven inbred lines of Djulis hull using GC–MS. Key bioactive compounds were identified including 6 phytosterols (34.73–59.48 mg/100 g), 6 triterpenes (30.56–57.47 mg/100 g), and 5 other unsaponifiable compounds (15.89–22.50 mg/100 g). Moreover, principal component analysis (PCA) was conducted and explored the variation among Djulis hull samples with two clusters based on the surface color that reflected the content of phytosterols and triterpenes. These results confirmed that the color might be used as an indicator for estimation of phytosterol and triterpene contents in Djulis hull. Overall, this is the first study that identified novel unsaponifiable compounds in Djulis hull, which might contribute to the development of phytosterols and/or triterpenes enriched functional foods.