Abstract
Fresh jasmine flowers have been used to make jasmine teas in China, but there has been no complete information about volatile organic compound emissions in relation to flower developmental stages and no science-based knowledge about which floral stage should be used for the infusion. This study monitored volatile organic compounds emitted from living flowers of Jasminum sambac (L.) Ait. ‘Bifoliatum’ at five developmental stages and also from excised flowers. Among the compounds identified, α-farnesene, linalool, and benzyl acetate were most abundant. Since α-farnesene is synthesized through the Mevalonate pathway, four genes encoding 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A synthase, 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMGR), farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase, and terpene synthase were isolated. Their expression patterns in living flowers at the five stages and in excised flowers coincided with the emission patterns of α-farnesene. Application of lovastatin, a HMGR inhibitor, significantly reduced the expression of the genes and greatly decreased the emission of α-farnesene. The sweet scent was diminished from lovastatin-treated flowers as well. These results indicate that α-farnesene is an important compound emitted from jasmine flowers, and its emission patterns suggest that flowers at the opening stage or flower buds 8 h after excision should be used for the infusion of tea leaves.
Highlights
Jasminum sambac (L.) Ait., commonly known as jasmine, is a member of the olive family (Oleaceae) and native to India [1]
Jasminum sambac is the primary species used in China to produce jasmine tea
This study analyzed volatile organic compounds emitted from flowers of J. sambac ‘Bifoliatum’ at five developmental stages, and from excised flowers from the time of excision to 16 h thereafter
Summary
Jasminum sambac (L.) Ait., commonly known as jasmine, is a member of the olive family (Oleaceae) and native to India [1]. It is a small shrub or vine growing up to 3 m in height that is fairly hardy and drought-resistant. Jasmine flowers are sweetly fragrant and are used for the preparation of an essential oil and for making jasmine tea. Jasmine oil has a wide range of medicinal applications and can be used in the perfumery, soaps, flavorings, and the cosmetic industries [2]. Jasmine flowers have been used as a drug for the treatment of diarrhea, abdominal pain, conjunctivitis, and dermatitis [5]
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