Metabolomic and transcriptomic assessment of Piper auritum Kunth leaves provides hints for its ethnomedical bioactivity Academic Article in Scopus uri icon

abstract

  • Piper auritum Kunth leaves are valued for their aromatic phytochemicals and traditional medicinal uses in various countries. However, few studies have comprehensively characterized and identified the phytochemicals responsible for these properties. In this study, we integrated metabolomics and transcriptomics to provide a comprehensive characterization of Piper auritum Kunth leaves. Additionally, we explored the phytochemical composition, carbohydrate bioaccessibility, and potential prebiotic effect. Our results showed a significant carbohydrate content, mainly dietary fiber, with a soluble to insoluble fiber ratio of 1:1. Total phenolics, flavonoids and chlorophylls ranged from 305.54 ± 31.62 to 1146.93 ± 38.64 mg/100g dry sample, while the antioxidant activity was 236.93 ± 17.13 mg TEAC/g dry sample. Monosaccharides and oligosaccharides (xylose-arabinose, glucose, mannose, sucrose) were released after digestion, whereas raffinose remained undigested, suggesting a potential prebiotic effect. We identified volatile compounds such as safrole, phytol, myristicin, (+)-4-Carene and non-volatile phytochemicals such as flavonoids such as apigenin-7-O-neohesperidoside, Cyanidin 3-(3¿'-malonylglucoside), and quercetin. Transcriptome analysis yielded 38,000 reads, with 416 genes annotated, mainly involved in molecular functions and involved in flavonoid and monoterpene biosynthesis. This is the first bio prospective study combining metabolomics and transcriptomics in Piper auritum Kunth leaves, highlighting the potential as a source of bioactive compounds. © 2025 SAAB

publication date

  • May 1, 2025