Abstract
Background: Plants of genus Cichorium are known for their therapeutic and nutraceutical properties determined by a wealth of phytochemical substances contained in the whole plant. The aim of this paper was to characterize the metabolic profiles of local Salento chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) varieties (“Bianca”, “Galatina”, “Leccese”, and “Otranto”) in order to describe their metabolites composition together with possible bioactivity and health beneficial properties. Methods: The investigation was performed by 1H-NMR spectroscopy and Multivariate Analysis (MVA), by which the metabolic profiles of the samples were easily obtained and compared. Results: The supervised Partial Least Squares Discriminant Analysis (PLS-DA) analysis showed as “Bianca” and “Galatina” samples grouped together separated by “Leccese” and “Otranto” varieties. A different content of free amino acids and organic acids was observed among the varieties. In particular a high content of cichoric and monocaffeoyl tartaric acid was observed for the “Leccese” variety. The presence of secondary metabolites adds significant interest in the investigation of Cichorium inthybus, as this vegetable may benefit human health when incorporated into the diet. Conclusions: The 1H-NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy) based characterization of Salento chicory varieties allowed us to determine the potential usefulness and nutraceutical properties of the product, also providing a method to guarantee its authenticity on a molecular scale.
Highlights
To date, several organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) andFood and Agriculture Organization (FAO) promote increasing intake of vegetables in human nutrition [1], with important ethical, environmental, and reduced costs advantages [2].Much of their preventive activity is thought to be provided by phytochemicals capable of antioxidant, antimutagenic, cytotoxic, antifungal, and antiviral activities
Visual inspection of the 600 MHz 1 H Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (NMR) typical spectra revealed a complex pattern of signals due to the presence of different classes of metabolites
As already known [14,15], chicory leaves are strongly rich in free amino acids. These organic molecules exhibit an important role for human health maintenance being recommended for a balanced and healthy diet
Summary
Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) promote increasing intake of vegetables in human nutrition [1], with important ethical, environmental, and reduced costs advantages [2]. Much of their preventive activity is thought to be provided by phytochemicals capable of antioxidant, antimutagenic, cytotoxic, antifungal, and antiviral activities. Apulia region (southern Italy) is rich in agro-biodiversity, in traditional food products with high nutraceutical and organoleptic values.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
